Travel as Therapy - Embracing Adaptability and Growth on the Road

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Anja van Beek, Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert and Executive Coach

Let me just start: I.love.travel. A little-known fact about me is that I travelled abroad for two years after I completed my degree and before starting in my first corporate role. I was in my early 20’s and it was my first time abroad. This is where my love for travelling was ignited as it was amazing to be exposed to new cultures, food, and people, and most of all, to be part of the different communities for more time than usual.

The Entrepreneurial Crossroads: Navigating the Dilemma of Leaving Your Job for Your Business

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

In the vibrant landscape of professional life, the decision to leave the familiar terrain of a job to embark on the entrepreneurial journey is akin to standing at a crossroads, pondering the paths that lead to passion and independence. For women considering this leap, the journey is not merely a career transition but a dynamic dance between the advantages and disadvantages that shape the narrative of entrepreneurship.

We are not robots!

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Edna Reis

Have you ever stopped to think about how work relationships end up having a huge impact on the way we experience the workday, the way we look at work, the way we motivate ourselves with work and the way we leave work back to home, or from home to work?

KeDezemba Coach! Time to Evaluate Your Progress and Prepare for 2024

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

As we prepare to say “Sala kahle” to another year, it's the perfect time for coaches and consultants to engage in some much-needed reflection. The year 2023 has presented its unique set of challenges and opportunities, and evaluating your progress is crucial to paving the way for a successful 2024. So, let's see how we can go about doing a quick self-assessment and planning, without losing out on all the Dezemba festivities.

Are we mindful, vulnerable, and okay NOT being, OK?

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nadia Absalom

I find it difficult at times to encapsulate what I would like to share with you. Then the little voice inside always nudges me and asks, “are you practicing what you are teaching? Are you keeping it REAL? Are you living the highest truest version of yourself?

Unleash the Spirit of Giving

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Recently our training adventures took us to RCL Foods in Westville, KZN. I was amazed by the beautiful functional local art used in boardrooms, staircases and all open areas. Recycled items and nature are infused in beautiful ways. But what really caught my eye, was how many meals RCL Do More Foundation donate on a daily basis – well done! We are proud to be associated with you!

Burnout In the Modern Workplace: Are you tired of feeling tired?

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

Do you constantly feel exhausted? Do you struggle with sleep? Do you feel that you are not coping at work? Do you generally feel unwell; perhaps even battling high blood pressure, frequent headaches and stomach issues such as cramps and diarrhoea? You might just suffer from burnout, a condition now officially recognised by The World Health Organisation (WHO).

Making the Distinction Between Challenges and Excuses: A Guide for Coaches and Consultants by Thembe Khumalo

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

As coaches and consultants, our ability to identify and address obstacles effectively is a crucial part of the work we do. Whether it's helping clients overcome their challenges or managing our own coaching and consulting practice, understanding the difference between challenges and excuses is vital. Here are some indicators of whether you are dealing with a challenge or an excuse…

How to manage the silent stress of leadership cognitive load

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Phillipa Geard

Leaders are burdened with an immense amount of pressure and accountability. While it is the norm for employers to prioritize employee wellness, it is also critical that they recognize the potential hidden costs of stress on their health and productivity.

A Pirate's Map to a Content Library Treasure Chest

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Izane Cloete-Hamilton

Ahoy, mateys! Pack up ye olde sales sheets and dusty proposal drafts and set sail towards stronger salesmanship and writing. With this map, reach your ultimate goal – the Sales and Proposal Content Library.

Networking with a Festive Flair: Build Stronger Client Relationships during the Holiday Season

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

The holiday season is almost upon us, and as you’re heading out to your next Christmas cocktail party, think about how this is the perfect time to infuse some festive flair into your client relationships. To be honest, you may even be a little late in using this golden opportunity to strengthen your professional bonds and make a lasting impression. So, grab your Santa hat, pour yourself something sparkling, and let's explore how to network with a festive twist!

Willpower Isn't a Strategy. This Is How You Create Change That Lasts

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Consider your relationship to willpower. It isn't a trusted friend who's always there for you; willpower is the scapegoat you blame when you hit snooze for the 7th time. When you blame, you lose control and a sense of power over the situation. So, if you can't count on willpower to make the changes you want, what can you count on? You need a reason to want to keep your promises to yourself, not only on the good days but on the days you don't feel like it. Especially the days you don't feel like it!

Your Supply Chain as a Startup

November 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Blessed Agyemang

Are you hoping to start a business that relies substantially or even minimally on the flow of your products from make to use? As a startup, every aspect of your business requires careful planning and execution, and your supply chain is no exception. While often overshadowed by product development and marketing, a well-designed and efficient supply chain is essential for your startup's success. It can help you streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. It is important to optimize your supply chain as a startup and build efficiency from the ground up.

Procrastination of My Days

November 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Erica Paiva

Since childhood, we're expected to have our studies wrapped up, chase our dream job upon reaching adulthood, and that's all cool. But what about life's challenges? The hurdles that pop up, who acknowledges those? Who explains that family dependency can mess with our procrastination habits?

3 Questions to Turn Failure into Freedom

November 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

You get two kinds of people: someone who says they have twenty years of experience or someone who has repeated the same year twenty times. Do you know someone who constantly attracts the same situations yet responds identically and can't understand why they don't have a better result? This is truly the definition of insanity.

The Impact of Coups in Africa on Women in Business: Navigating Uncertain Times

November 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Tsitsi Mutendi

Africa, a continent rich in cultural diversity and abundant resources, has often been marked by political instability and military coups. These abrupt changes in leadership can have far-reaching consequences for societies, economies, and various sectors, including women in business. In this article, we will explore how coups in Africa influence women in business on the continent and offer strategies for navigating such turbulent times.

I want to tell you two things: I like you! I know how you feel!

November 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

I want to tell you two things: I like you! I know how you feel! Those are words we ALL need to hear more often. I often wondered if there was a “science” to being more likable and develop rapport with people, thereby making them feel that you like and understand them and ensure the feeling is mutual. That is exactly where the Emotional Quotient (EQ), also known as Emotional Intelligence (EI), plays a crucial role.

9 Questions to Help You Shift From Apathy to Action

November 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

There is always a gap between where you are now and where you want to be. What separates them are the bridge of apathy and the bridge of action. The bridge of action is scarier to cross than apathy. It’s longer, appears to have more steps and looks quite unappealing from the outside. However, once on the path, there are people who support you, and there are hidden rewards along the way. All you have to do is walk a little further, and they appear. Progress, no matter how small, creates rewards on this bridge.

Lessons learned in 2023

November 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Manini Mbongwa

As we are nearing the end of 2023, it is important to look back and take note of the good things that were achieved and to take note of all the things that didn’t meet our expectations. It is my wish to share with you the four lessons that I learned this year.

What I Learned from Being Fired by Two Clients in One Year

November 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

When you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, about working in the digital economy, about monetizing your knowledge, and you want to show other people that they don’t need to be afraid, it can be very tempting to present the whole endeavor as something that’s easy and fun and exciting. Well, it is all those things. But, like any worthwhile pursuit, it does have its dark moments — and in 2018, I had two of them.

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