This month, we celebrate Aurelia, the CEO of Innovate Durban, an organization that has become a beacon of economic innovation in KwaZulu-Natal. Aurelia’s journey with Innovate Durban is a testament to her commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and driving impactful change within the community.
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.
We are pleased to recognize George Urquhart as our Client of the Month for his remarkable achievement of doubling his turnover from Q1 to Q2. George's success with Gaudete Consultants is a testament to his combination of hard work and strategic thinking. His journey exemplifies how dedication and smart planning can drive exceptional growth and outstanding results.
A Serendipitous Start
The name "Gaudete" comes from the Latin word meaning "rejoice," and it’s a fitting moniker for George Urquhart’s journey. His entry into the consulting field was, quite literally, by accident. Back in 2008, George was working full-time in a demanding risk management role. A friend of his, who was a consultant in the field, was preparing to emigrate and didn’t want to leave his clients without support.
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!
At ActionCOACH, every client’s journey towards success is cherished, regardless of their stage in coaching. This month, we proudly highlight Mano Nayager, the visionary behind Big Five Accident Repair Centre, celebrating his recent accolade as the best in the automotive motor body repair industry in Durban.
The Genesis of Big Five Accident Repair Centre
Big Five Accident Repair Centre wasn't just built - it was crafted through resilience and dedication. Mano, affectionately known as "the Captain" by everyone at Big Five, shared the humble beginnings of his venture: "I had an accident and couldn't afford the full fee for repairs. The panel beater repairing my vehicle allowed me to work for them to pay off the excess sparking my 20-year journey in the industry."
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.
As business coaches, one of the most rewarding aspects of our job here at ActionCOACH iNala is witnessing the remarkable growth and transformation of our clients. This month, it is our absolute pleasure to shine the spotlight on Dane from PhormPak, who has truly exemplified the spirit of dedication and excellence in his journey as a director and head honcho at Phormpak.
Dane started working in the company during his high school years, learning the ropes from the ground up. Three years ago, he took on the mantle of director, bringing with him a wealth of hands-on experience and an unyielding commitment to the company's success. As a competitive triathlete, he understands the commitment and dedication required to push through.
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!
Congratulations to Bev, our esteemed Client of the Month! Over the past year, Beverley has achieved remarkable milestones, nearly doubling her revenue and more than doubling her profits, making her an undeniable choice for this award.
As the visionary behind TLC Learning and Training Pty Ltd, Beverley's dedication and passion shine through every aspect of her business, reflected in its thoughtfully designed premises featuring art-clad walls and a serene sensory garden. Her vibrant spirit resonates as she declares, "At 55, my career is just unfolding, enriched by a lifetime of experiences."
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!
Triumph in Turmoil: Janet's Journey of Resilience with Sure Voyager Travel
In the dynamic world of travel, where the winds of change can blow fiercely, resilience is not just a virtue but a necessity. Janet, the visionary force behind Sure Voyager Travel, exemplifies this resilience through her remarkable journey spanning four decades. From the brink of collapse amidst the pandemic's onslaught to soaring heights of success, Janet's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the transformative impact of seeking guidance when needed.
For 40 years, Sure Voyager Travel had been Janet's labor of love, a sanctuary where wanderlust dreams took flight. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, bringing travel to an abrupt halt, Janet faced her a daunting challenge. The emotional toll of watching her business teeter on the brink of extinction was compounded by the heartbreaking loss of team members and the grim reality of living hand-to-mouth with no income for over a year and a half.
Janet proved able to meet the challenge. She openly states that a key to overcoming these challenges was hiring Action Coach. It was through coaching that Janet found the support, guidance, and tools needed to not just survive but thrive in the face of adversity. It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of this journey.
The last two years have been nothing short of transformative for Janet and Sure Voyager Travel. Despite the turbulent waters of uncertainty, Janet steered her ship with unwavering determination, fueled by newfound insights and strategies. The result? The best turnover in the last two years and the best in Sure Voyager Travel's 40-year history.
Today, as we salute Janet and the entire team at Sure Voyager Travel, we celebrate more than just their remarkable achievements. We celebrate resilience in the face of adversity. Janet's journey is not just a testament to her strength as an entrepreneur but also to her strength of character. We are proud to have witnessed this amazing transformation; both in business and in life.
Unit 2, La Lucia Office Park
64 Armstrong Avenue
Durban North
4051
+27 31 942 4255
Get news updates from ActionCOACH and learn about events, opportunities, Business Success Stories, and other inspiring articles.
© 2020 ActionCOACH | Real People. Real Results® | All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service