Who They Are 

Out the Box IT isn’t your typical IT service provider. Tim & Camilla lead a team of dedicated tech enthusiasts with a customer-first philosophy, offering tailored IT solutions that truly meet their clients' needs. Their commitment to honesty & integrity drives everything they do, backed by a three-month guarantee on their work. 

Whether solving technology challenges or helping clients harness the power of digital tools, Out the Box IT delivers efficient, reliable, & secure services. Their ultimate mission? To make technology understandable and accessible, so their clients can focus on what matters most. 

A Journey Rooted in Trust 

Founded in 2015, Out the Box IT officially celebrated its 10-year anniversary in April 2024. Before establishing the business, Tim & Camilla saw a significant need in the market for honest IT professionals. Many of their clients had been misled or overcharged by IT service providers due to a lack of understanding of their technology needs. 

From the beginning, Out the Box IT has been built on the principle of honesty—helping clients navigate the technical landscape with clarity and trust. 

Meet the Founders 

Tim, 35, has over 15 years of industry experience and a deep passion for technology. Camilla, although initially from a different field, brought valuable IT skills to the business. She completed foundational courses in networking and hardware and gained practical experience managing IT systems in her previous role. Together, they’ve grown Out the Box IT into a trusted partner for businesses & individuals alike. 

Reflecting on the early years, Tim quoted Elon Musk: “Being an entrepreneur is like standing on the brink of an abyss and chewing glass.” The first three years were exactly that—a rollercoaster of challenges and growth. 

A Partnership with Action Coach 

Camilla & Tim’s journey with Action Coach began during the company’s early days when Camilla met Shirley Pearson, founder of Action Coach iNala, through her involvement in BNI. While financial constraints initially prevented them from pursuing full-time coaching, they always valued the guidance and strategies they gained from Action Coach seminars. 

Fast forward to today, and the results are clear. After working with coach Shane Driver for just over a year, they’ve seen measurable growth & transformation in their business. 

“Having Shane as a coach keeps us on track,” says Tim. “You can have all the ideas and intentions in the world, but having someone check in every two weeks to ensure you're taking the necessary steps toward your goals is absolutely vital. Coaching has been a game-changer for us.” 

Tim shared that coaching has broadened his understanding of business, helping him recognize that he had initially built himself a job rather than a company—an easy trap for entrepreneurs to fall into. With Shane’s guidance, they’ve implemented processes & systems that allow them to automate tasks, step away from certain responsibilities, and focus on growth. 

Additionally, their involvement in Action Coach’s Growth Club every quarter has been a significant benefit. Tim reflected on how these sessions create a space to connect with business owners of varying sizes, exchanging insights & learning that challenges like staffing and cash flow are universal, no matter the scale of the business. 

Through coaching, they’ve also started actively managing their 5 Ways numbers, tracking key metrics such as quoting and conversion rates. By focusing on these areas, they’ve identified effective lead generation strategies to grow their business further. 

Another significant change has been restructuring their team by replacing staff with a more active and engaged member. This shift has not only improved efficiency but has also aligned the team more closely with the business’s goals. 

Camilla & Tim have also taken control of their financial systems, handling bookkeeping, payroll, & VAT in-house. With a renewed understanding of their numbers and a reset approach, they are now making more informed decisions and operating with greater clarity and confidence. 

Through this partnership, they’ve achieved major milestones, such as launching their long-awaited eCommerce store, while simultaneously reducing stress and positioning Out the Box IT for sustained growth. 

“We’ve achieved a lot in just one year of coaching,” says Tim. “It’s helped us make better decisions, stay accountable, and continue growing with intention.” 

Achievements and Impact 

One of their most significant milestones is the launch of their eCommerce store for hardware (check it out at otbit.co.za/shop). This project had been on Tim’s mind for eight years but only became a reality thanks to Shane’s consistent encouragement & accountability. 

Coaching has also helped them shift their mindset from running a job to building a business. Tim shared that implementing processes, automating tasks, & stepping away from day-to-day operations has allowed them to focus on growth. 

Looking Ahead 

Tim & Camilla acknowledge that while stress doesn’t disappear, it evolves as the business grows. Participating in Growth Club every quarter has been another highlight, providing opportunities to network with business owners of all sizes. 

“It’s fascinating to see that everyone—whether they have two employees or 100—faces similar challenges like staffing and cash flow,” says Tim. “It’s about constantly working to make things better.” 

Out the Box IT exemplifies the power of perseverance, innovation, & the right support system. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements as they continue simplifying technology and empowering their clients. 

Visit their website to learn more about their services or explore their newly launched eCommerce store: otbit.co.za 

Congratulations, Camilla and Tim, on being our October Client of the Month! 

A Journey of Innovation 

Innovate Durban began its journey in 2013. At the time, Aurelia was working with the eThekwini Municipality. Recognizing a significant gap in the innovation landscape, an innovation strategy was developed to empower local businesses and startups. Their first step was to convene stakeholders interested in fostering innovation, leading to the establishment of quarterly forums that are still a cornerstone of their collaborative efforts today. 

As the years progressed, Innovate Durban evolved from a municipal initiative to an independent non-profit organization, operationalized in late 2016. This transformation allowed Aurelia and her dedicated team to push boundaries and create a more agile environment for innovation. With a core mandate to develop the innovation ecosystem in KZN, they focus on nurturing innovators from idea to market, ensuring that impactful solutions reach the community.

Aurelia’s vision includes flagship programs such as the annual startup support initiative, which supports 15-30 beneficiaries in transforming their ideas into market-ready prototypes. With plans to further develop Innovate Durban into a comprehensive accelerator, Aurelia is unwavering in her commitment to creating opportunities that empower others.

The Impact of Coaching
Recognizing the need for guidance as Innovate Durban expanded, Aurelia turned to ActionCOACH and specifically to Shirley, who has been instrumental in her professional journey.

With ActionCOACH's support, Aurelia has implemented operational systems that have transformed various facets of Innovate Durban, from human resources to finance and business development. “Having someone to structure the mess and provide clarity has been huge for me,” she explains. The decision-making process has also improved significantly, allowing Aurelia to focus on her passion: helping others realize their potential.

A Passion for Impact
Aurelia’s journey is deeply rooted in her desire to create lasting change. With a background in economics, she shifted her focus from traditional pathways to one that allows her to impact lives directly through innovation. “We are creating opportunities and providing critical skills,” she says. “The possibilities are endless, and we are giving people that opportunity.”

Her story is not just about personal achievement; it’s about the ripple effect of innovation and the positive change it brings to the community. As Innovate Durban continues to grow and adapt, Aurelia remains at the forefront, driven by her mission to nurture innovators and cultivate a sustainable ecosystem.

As we celebrate Aurelia this month, we recognize her unwavering dedication and the transformative work being done at Innovate Durban. Together, they are shaping the future of innovation in KZN, proving that our South African economic landscape is full of opportunities.

George agreed to take over the business. Over two years, they crafted a meticulous plan for George to transition from his full-time job, culminating in a six-month period as an understudy. In 2011, George officially took over at Gaudete Consulting. His friend left knowing his clients were in safe hands.  

From Risk Manager to Business Owner 

George’s prior role as a risk manager involved long hours in a massive warehouse environment, earning a modest salary.  Reflecting on his journey, George says, "I would never be able to go back to being an employee again. I love setting my own targets and working at my own pace. I can take a day off when needed and work hard when I choose. My remuneration is a direct measure of my efforts, not someone else’s decision." 

Gaudete Consulting: A Beacon of Excellence 

Gaudete Consulting specializes in management systems consulting, helping organizations achieve certification to international standards. George and his team guide companies through compliance processes, ensuring they meet and exceed required standards. This vital service has positioned Gaudete as a trusted advisor in the field, aiding numerous clients in their quest for excellence. 

Embracing Business Ownership 

After 14 years in the business, George remains steadfast in his commitment to entrepreneurship. "The sky is the limit for a business owner if you’re willing to put in the work," he asserts. His growth has not been without its hurdles, though. At one point, George felt stuck, working tirelessly but struggling to achieve financial freedom and sustainability. 

This realization led him to seek guidance from ActionCOACH, where he discovered a new way to evaluate and enhance his business. The tools and insights provided by ActionCOACH helped George identify his shortcomings and strategize effectively for the future. "The evaluation process is excellent. It highlights exactly where you need to improve and what you should focus on for the next quarter. My coach ensures I stay honest and accountable, and interacting with others in growth clubs has been invaluable." 

Looking Ahead 

As George continues to lead Gaudete Consulting with passion and precision, the future looks exceptionally bright. His story is a testament to the incredible possibilities that arise from dedication, strategic planning, and the courage to embrace new opportunities. 

Congratulations to George Urquhart for being our Client of the Month. Your remarkable journey and impressive growth are truly deserving of recognition and celebration. Here’s to many more years of success and rejoicing with Gaudete Consulting! 

After years of honing his craft with various firms, Mano decided to forge his path in 2015, launching Big Five Accident Repair Centre. In just nine years, he has not only matched but surpassed his predecessors' achievements, a testament to his unwavering commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.

Excellence Defined: A Philosophy of Integrity and Quality. Winning the prestigious industry award underscores Big Five Accident Repair Centre's commitment to excellence. Mano attributes this success to his guiding philosophy: "How we do anything is how we do everything." This mantra permeates every aspect of his business, where personal engagement with clients is paramount. "I personally meet every client," he emphasizes, "because the human touch and spiritual perspective are integral to our service." With an impeccable track record of 1200 positive Google reviews, Big Five Accident Repair Centre stands unrivaled, having not received a single negative review — a remarkable achievement in today's digital age.

The Role of Business Coaching in Transformation Reflecting on his decision to work with ActionCOACH, Mano reveals his longstanding relationship with Shirley, his business coach of choice: "I've witnessed the transformative impact ActionCOACH has had on businesses over the past decade." Recognizing the need to elevate Big Five Accident Repair Centre to new heights, he remarks, "Working with ActionCOACH was our best decision yet. In a short time, we've implemented strategies to analyze our business model thoroughly." This strategic partnership has empowered Mano and his team to identify strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for sustainable growth and operational excellence. Looking Ahead: The Vision for Big Five Accident Repair Centre As Mano continues to steer Big Five Accident Repair Centre towards greater success, his larger than life personality and unwavering dedication shine through. Mano's journey with Big Five Accident Repair Centre exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and continuous improvement that ActionCOACH celebrates. Congratulations to Mano and Big Five Accident Repair Centre for their outstanding achievements—we look forward to witnessing your continued success and growth.

From the moment Dane sought out business coaching, it was clear that he viewed it as a critical investment in both himself and the company. His exceptional attitude and unwavering commitment to his development have been key factors in the massive returns on investment we have seen. Dane diligently implements the strategies that he commits to at coaching, embraces the good, bad and ugly of an outsider perspective and continues unlock further potential in the business.

One of the most significant changes Dane has implemented at PhormPak is the introduction of systems that empower his leadership team. By doing so, he has transitioned from being reactionary to fostering a proactive culture where leadership thrives on responsibility, ownership, and initiative. This shift has not only streamlined operations but also nurtured a more engaged, accountable and motivated team. Danes’s approach to formulating and articulating a clear culture for the businesses brought out a creativity that we seldom see in result orientated directors.

PhormPak's growth under Dane's leadership has been steady and his bottom-line results nothing short of impressive. Dane and his team have focused intensely on eliminating bottlenecks, ensuring production processes are as smooth and efficient as possible. He has increased the operation's capacity through additional space for high-demand product lines. Backed by a solid client retention and sales plan Dane has positioned the Businesses to scale even further.

When discussing PhormPak's vision, Dane's dedication to maintaining its essence as a family-run business shines through. His priority is clear: if every customer can walk away having had a great experience, then he considers it a job well done. This customer-centric approach is at the heart of PhormPak's ethos and is a significant driver behind their continued success.
Working with Dane has been an absolute pleasure. His drive, positive attitude, and strategic mindset have made him a standout client. It is clients like Dane who remind us why we are passionate about what we do, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him and PhormPak.

Congratulations, Dane, on being our Client of the Month. Your journey is a testament to the power of hard work, focus, and the right mindset. Here's to many more milestones and successes ahead!

Beverley's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Armed with two postgraduate degrees in Education and Drama, she spent over a decade in the world of theater and drama before founding the acclaimed theater company, Hooked on Books. Relocating to the US to co-found a school of arts, before moving back to Johannesburg, driven by personal loss yet propelled by resilience.

Her teaching career blossomed as she lectured at Wits and prestigious schools, but it was her dissatisfaction with conventional educational systems that fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. Venturing into freelancing in Durban in 2010, she eventually expanded her business, now boasting a team of thirteen tutors and a thriving learning center at 31 Ellis Brown Road in upper Glenwood, Durban.

With over 30 years of international teaching experience across three continents and leadership roles at prestigious high schools, Beverley's expertise is unmatched. Her partnership with ActionCOACH iNala she hails as her wisest and most impactful business decision, a sentiment echoed in her words, "The best investment I've ever made."

We take immense pride in our contribution to Beverley's journey, a testament to our commitment to empowering extraordinary individuals on their paths to success. Beverley's story is a beacon of inspiration, reaffirming our mission to support ordinary people in achieving extraordinary success.

Well done, Bev!