Tell me about your favourite things…

Sunrises, beautiful flowers, the smell of freshly cut grass, and a proper South African braai (that’s a barbecue, for those not from here!). I treasure time with my family and love anything that encourages slowing down and appreciating the moment.

I also love reading — everything from historical accounts and natural medicine to science, tech trends, and even brushing up on maths equations (don’t ask me to recite them on the spot though!).

Tell me about your career path…

My career journey has been far from linear — and I consider that one of my greatest strengths. I started out exploring everything from interior design to nutrition before discovering the world of Project Management in the technology space. It was here that everything clicked: a space that rewards curiosity, structure, learning, and adaptability.

Over the years, I’ve worked across diverse industries and in 10 countries, shaping complex portfolios, leading global teams, and driving meaningful transformation. I’ve also spearheaded group procurement and asset management functions—initiatives rooted in practical, hands-on experience. I’m a firm believer in learning through doing and in designing career journeys that are both intentional and adaptable.

Tell me about your professional highs…

The highlight reel includes leading international portfolios, working with top-tier tech teams, setting up group procurement and asset management functions from the ground up, and building out Project Management Offices that brought structure, clarity, and sustainable results. I’ve loved designing governance frameworks that aren’t just policy for policy’s sake — but that actually work for the people using them.

But more than the deliverables, it’s the people I’ve worked with that have made all the difference. I’ve learned and grown alongside incredible minds from around the world. That global exposure has shaped not only my career, but my entire worldview.

Tell me about some of your challenges…

Let’s be honest — growth often looks messy in real time. I’ve had to prove my value not just through ideas, but through results. Being a woman in tech and leadership has meant navigating moments where I had to earn my seat at the table — often more than once.

I’ve made mistakes, pushed too hard, held back when I should have spoken up, and sometimes stayed too long in environments that didn’t serve growth. But each experience taught me something — often more than a textbook ever could.

What I’ve Learned About Rest, Recovery, and Staying the Course

For much of my career, I wore busyness like a badge of honour — always pushing harder, doing more, saying yes, and showing up even when my tank was empty. I’ve worked myself to the ground more than once, and I’ve learned (usually too late) that resilience isn’t just about grit — it’s also about knowing when to pause.

Over the years, I’ve come to respect the quieter parts of high performance: rest, movement, nourishment, and sleep. These aren’t “nice-to-haves” — they’re essential tools in sustaining the drive and clarity required to lead well and live well. Progress is still the goal, but it’s more intentional now. I check in with myself, I try to listen to what my body and mind need, and I recover before the burnout begins. Still learning? Always. But the lesson is this: you can’t build meaningful work or a meaningful life on an empty foundation.

What’s been your greatest leadership lesson?

True leadership isn’t about titles or corner offices — it’s about consistency, compassion, and clarity. Leadership is just as much about getting in the trenches with your team as it is about providing vision and direction.

Ironically, I’ve learned the most from poor leaders — the ones who reminded me who not to be. That contrast has helped me become more intentional in how I show up for others. I've also leaned on mentorship and coaching, surrounding myself with professionals from different walks of life to shape my own leadership philosophy.

What’s your advice for those starting their careers?

Start with you. Pay attention to what energises you and what drains you. Every job teaches you something — even if it’s what you don’t want to do long-term.

Be a sponge. Read widely, listen actively, and seek out people whose values you admire. Say yes to learning opportunities, even if they scare you. And never underestimate the power of curiosity — it’s a superpower.

Build relationships, not just networks. And remember: your career isn’t something you fall into — it’s something you design. Stay open, stay humble, and keep evolving.