Ubuntu and the power of community
Several themes influence how I work with you, and the areas we’ll focus on – understanding the power of story, authenticity, and how we can affect positive change on people and the planet – are inspired by Ubuntu, which refers to our shared humanity. This concept from my native South Africa has informed my identity and is about realising how our relationships with others shape our sense of self.
I spent my first 16 years in the country, born in Durban and raised in Johannesburg, before moving to the UK in 2002. South Africa has shaped my life and work and you’ll see its influence in our time together. I grew up in an environment built on a strong extended community, family, warmth and caring, and a sense of authenticity and humanity unique to the country.
I had my first experience of leadership in that community, discovering the joy of creating an environment for people to thrive. From a young age, I helped others and organised and led community events for large groups of people. I loved it. It taught me that being a leader isn’t necessarily about being at the front but rather about creating safe environments where other people can discover their unique potential – doing that still gives me as much purpose today. I’m reminded of those early experiences when I coach, which inspires me to understand you and your challenges, and create the right environment for you to realise your authentic self.
Rewriting my own story
I know the power our stories have and how, in some cases, they can do us a great disservice in achieving our true potential. I also know how understanding those stories gives us permission to be truly authentic. My journey to becoming fully conscious of my own internal narrative began at St Andrews University in 2008, where I first challenged some of the stories I’d created that had negatively impacted my well-being. I always struggled in school, especially when it came to exam time. I would excel in coursework and interact with my teachers and fellow classmates during lessons, but I would always require remedial classes. My confidence was affected; I thought I was stupid and just had to work harder – it was the story I told myself, which society reinforced.
Thankfully, during my time at university and after working with an Educational Psychologist, I was diagnosed as dyslexic and it changed everything. The Educational Psychologist told me: ‘You are not stupid; you are intelligent, and your brain processes information differently’. This moment profoundly impacted me and directly challenged the stories I had been telling myself for most of my young life. Since that moment sixteen years ago, I have been on a journey of transformation, understanding how powerful these stories were in informing my self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and confidence. I finally had the permission to be myself, and nothing was wrong with me. With this new information, I felt encouraged and empowered to move forward, that I did belong at this amazing University, and that I could have a successful and fulfilling career. I want you to feel the same after working with me.
“I bring rich experience to our conversations, not only in procurement and supply chain but also a strong understanding of sustainability, the regulatory environment you face, and a deep passion to support leadership, their teams, and those affected by business decisions”
Passion for procurement
During the same period, I discovered the pivotal role of procurement in an organisation when campaigning to raise awareness of the issues of conflict minerals in supply chains. Deciding I needed to know more about the function and its people, I realised a new direction for my career. It inspired me to study for an MBA, with human rights in the supply chain as a passion. I wanted to work with others to effect positive change, and I believed in the potential for business to be a force for good in the world. I’d overcome the challenges of my dyslexia and rewritten my story, and I felt ready to make a difference. However, I also knew I had to learn how businesses operate and understand the challenges leaders face to enable me to both influence and work with them to make a positive impact.
Taking the MBA also involved challenging another narrative in my life about the expectations of women in business. Growing up, I was fortunate to have supportive family and friends, but society still tells certain stories about women’s roles. I proved that wasn’t true, rewrote those expectations, and developed valuable insight into business administration, including leading with personal impact and emotional intelligence. During my MBA I also obtained my coaching certification.
Work experience
With 10 years of professional experience, I lead, transform and elevate procurement departments and supply chains through the implementation of responsible procurement, empowered by technology, to enable a just transition to a global zero-carbon economy. It has become a strategic imperative to help organisations to become resilient and create an environment to discover new and innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in positive outcomes for the organisation and society.
In January 2020, I joined the Steering Team for the Sustainable Procurement Pledge (SPP) while co-leading the Capacity Building Work Stream. We were all volunteers who shared the vision that all supply chains across the world will have embedded sustainable procurement practices by 2030. The SPP’s strategy is to equip, empower and encourage our community to drive change within their organisations. The SPP officially became an NGO, registered in Germany, in July 2021. While I have stepped down from my Steering Team responsibilities, I have remained an SPP Ambassador and supported establishing the SPP Human Rights Chapter.
During my time at university, I was involved in many societies. As a member of the leadership team for The Coalition for a Conflict Free St Andrews, I organised the International Academic Conference, Moving Forward in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: The Roles to be Played by the International Community, on April 19th and 20th, 2013. I was also invited to be a guest speaker at the Conference ‘What can the UK do to tackle conflict minerals?’, hosted by Helen Goodman Labour, MP, Shadow Minister for Communications, at Portcullis House, Westminster, London, in November 2014.
I understand the challenges and pressures of your role. I have worked with leaders, supporting them to navigate complex environments. I bring a rich experience to our conversations, not only in procurement and supply chain but also a strong understanding of sustainability, the regulatory environment you face, and a deep passion to support leadership, their teams, and those affected by business decisions.