my story

 With more than 23 years of experience, in various industries, spanning from hospitality, farming, construction, manufacturing and IT - I give you my story. 

Born in Zimbabwe, I moved to South Africa at a young age and lived a life of simplicity in nature, something I only came to fully appreciate once I had moved to the UK in 2005.

“Fresh off the boat” as they say, my 1st job was cockle-picking in the Isle of Skye (slightly colder than expected). Realising quickly this was not my preferred vocation, I started my move South. From pheasant-farming in Market Harborough, I became a hotel Night Manager in Watford, then a B-2-B phone Salesman in Cobham, a Sports Store Manager in Guildford, a Pub Manager in Chilworth, a Surveyor in Godalming and a Senior Project Manager in a glazing company in Haslemere. It was then I began my longest stint, and most significant role so far, as a Senior Manager at a manufacturing company in the small Hampshire town of Petersfield. 

During the period that followed I met so many interesting people and was exposed to so many new skills in businesses, that I quickly realised I did not know everything there was to know about running a successful business nor could I articulate my true vision. 

When I started with Alitex, Tom (the owner) took me under his wing and opened my eyes to the realisation that I had a lot to learn about people and running a profitable business. Tom, Andy (the MD), David (Business Coach), Graham (Non-exec Director) mentored & coached me relentlessly, whilst the rest of the Alitex Team supported me, providing me with the opportunity, accountability and platform to develop and grow, enabling me to enhance my skills in business and people development. 

There were times when I needed to take x 1 big step back to take x 2 small steps forward. On a sunny English day, I was presented with a question and a statement, that I realise now changed how I looked at myself and which helped me find my WHY. 

The Question: “What type of leader are you? The Statement: “You need to be more curious”. Pretty simple stuff you would think – but this took me a year to really understand, grasp the meaning and enable me to articulate the answers. Over time, clarity arose, I developed insight, and finally found my WHY, (yes, I have read a lot of books by, Simon Sinek!) 

Being able to articulate what I am truly passionate about after 20+ years (the 1st 20 yrs was a warm-up!) - what a great feeling, a coherent sense of purpose. 

NOW, it’s time to embark on my next adventure, to provide support & inspiration to small to medium size businesses, helping to deliver their business change initiatives. Offering bespoke structured methodologies to manage their business and develop their people. Ultimately to help them grow & thrive in a challenging and agile environment. 

My Mission Statement: to continually develop myself with curiosity, humility, and tenacity - enabling me to support others, creating opportunities for growth which helps them fulfill their potential. Me in a nutshell; delivering results through people and having a tenacious approach getting things done. 

Everyone one has a story, what’s yours?