Blog

After 25 years in the corporate world — most of it in HR — I’ve noticed something quietly troubling: People often have strong, insightful opinions… but rarely share them openly. Instead, they whisper behind closed doors, in private messages, or on 1:1 calls — rarely in meetings or public...

Conversations today often feel more polarised and reactive, focusing less on understanding and more on winning arguments. Social media is packed with strong opinions and quick judgments, creating an“us vs. them” mentality. This dynamic extends beyond digital spaces and can be seen in politics, workplaces, and personal relationships. But...

Why I Used to Resist Questions For years, colleagues, coaches, and even acquaintances’ relentless curiosity felt more like an invasion than a conversation. When faced with too many questions, irritation would bubble inside me, as if they were prying into my personal space. I often thought, “Do they not...

Reflecting on my past, I often wonder: When I entered the workplace, did I truly bring my whole self, or did I leave parts of who I was at the door? Too often, I adjusted, adapted, and moulded myself to fit what I thought was expected. I smiled when...

The Heart of Home: The Evolution of My Culinary Journey Growing up, the kitchen was the heart of our home, filled with the smells of homegrown vegetables and roasted meats. My mother had a special gift for turning simple ingredients into meals made with love. For her, cooking was...

For years, I wore the mask of an extrovert so well that it became part of me. In busy meetings, I spoke confidently, my voice cutting through the noise, and at crowded social events, I moved through conversations as if they were planned. To everyone around me, I seemed...

This Valentine’s Day: Celebrating the Love in Our Lives Love is a simple word, but it holds a depth of meanings and feelings. As I think about my life, I see that love has been a key part of my journey, touching every change, every relationship, and every lesson...

Finding Solace in the Pages: A Childhood Escape In a chaotic and overwhelming world, I found solace in an unexpected place—books. My love for reading began in childhood when I sought refuge from the drudgery of daily life as one of ten children growing up in South Africa during...

There are unintended consequences to words that seem perfectly innocent but can have a deep and lasting impact. Early in my career, I was given feedback that would shape my professional confidence for decades. I was called a “rough diamond.” The first time I heard it, I recall my...

The World Economic Forum in Davos is seen by many as the ultimate opportunity—a place to learn, network, and engage in discussions that shape our global future. When I was invited to attend, I felt uncertain. As someone who tends to be introverted, large gatherings can be overwhelming, and...