my story

With more than 30 years of experience across various industries, spanning hospitality, farming, construction, manufacturing, IT and defence, 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 first 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, my journey south took me through hotels, sales, retail, hospitality and construction, each role adding another layer to my understanding of people, business and what makes both tick.

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 this period I met remarkable people and was exposed to skills and perspectives I hadn’t encountered before. What struck me most was a humbling realisation, I didn’t yet know how to lead with intention, how to truly listen, or how to articulate what I stood for. That became the most important thing I would ever learn.

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 and coached me relentlessly, whilst the rest of the Alitex team supported me, providing the opportunity, accountability and platform to develop and grow, enhancing my skills in business and people development.

There were times when I needed to take one big step back to take two 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 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 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 first 20 were a warm-up, what a great feeling, a coherent sense of purpose.

My new adventure as a Programme Transformation and Change Consultant is proving successful. Drawing on a career that spans construction, defence, luxury manufacturing and consultancy, I bring board-level experience translating strategic intent into results that actually land. I have delivered 50% revenue and margin growth across a business over three years, compressed a £5M programme from twelve months to six, achieved 92% adoption of a CRM transformation within 24 weeks, and reduced contractor dependency by 35% through internal capability development. I hold a Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP®) accreditation alongside MCIOB® chartered membership, PRINCE2 Practitioner, and Change Management Specialist qualifications. What ties it all together is a simple belief, that lasting results come through people, not despite them.

My Mission: to continually develop myself with curiosity, humility and tenacity, enabling me to support others, creating opportunities for growth and helping them fulfil their potential. In short; delivering results through people, with a tenacious approach to getting things done.

Everyone has a story. What’s yours?