Coaches, Mentors, Facilitators and Course Designers
We're proud to introduce you to our team of independent coaches, mentors, facilitator and course designers who are poised to guide you towards success. With a wealth of diverse expertise across various industries, they bring a fresh perspective, proven strategies, and a deep commitment to fostering growth. Whether you're just starting out, seeking to scale up, or aiming to optimize your operations, our accomplished professionals are here to provide personalized guidance. Backed by a track record of empowering businesses to thrive, they are ready to tailor their insights to your unique needs.
Raksha Mahabeer
As a natural visionary, I believe that effective marketing strategies, combined with conscious creativity and strategic design thinking, can help businesses provide real value that meets the needs and expectations of their clients.
The networker in me saw me complete Entrepreneurial Development programmes offered by the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, the Standard Bank’s incubator programme, P&G’s Enterprise Development Programme and, most recently, EY’s Winning Women Programme. As a proudly South African entrepreneur, who has been through many business development processes, I easily relate with aspiring entrepreneurs and offer unique insights gained through practical experience in my work as a mentor and coach.
My qualification; a BA in Media & Communications from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, has been essential in my growth in business.
I am the personification of yin and yang. A sophisticated hippie of sorts! The Goddess in me loves live music, drums, dance, travel, creativity, colour and the ocean. I also enjoy deep conversation, meditation and find spirituality incredibly stimulating.
I have been an entrepreneur for 13 years and the journey has taught me the power of lifelong learning. I am a divine child of the universe and co-create my life with her, aligned to flow. In my youth, I was often described as a Queen with the ‘gift of the gab’ a natural communicator and conscious connector. Creativity, play, exploration, teaching and learning flows through my being.
Yolelwa Sikunyana
Yolelwa Sikunyana is a zealous entrepreneur and a practicing attorney with over 15 years of legal experience. Her interest is entrenched within entrepreneurial development and legal education. She is a creative mind and is driven by her acute passion for supporting small businesses in the provision of legal and compliance solutions. In her firm she has developed various legal products that are suitable for SMEs.
She also holds an LLB from University of Johannesburg (UJ); post Graduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from (UJ);Certificate in Compliance Management from (UJ), Advanced Company Law Certificate from Wits, Masters in Law of Contract from University of Pretoria.
LLoyd Rabie
Lloyd is a seasoned serial entrepreneur who has founded multiple start-ups and played a pivotal role in software solutions for 30 years.
He began as a programmer in the 80s and later achieved notable success during the dot-com boom, creating call center automation software and South Africa's first integrated call center. His company's dominance in this market led to acquisition by Siltek Limited, where Lloyd became MD of two divisions and helped launch various IT businesses.
He orchestrated a management buyout, securing over R100 million in venture capital for global expansion, culminating in the sale of the company's Intellectual Property to a US-based firm. Additionally, Lloyd ventured into TV production and real estate development with Visi Group, completing numerous successful property projects. He also spearheaded Boma Alberton, a large entertainment venue showcasing top artists and international shows.
Peter Geach
Peter has abundant experience in different scenarios of small business, having had a successful track record of six sustainable businesses since venturing into self-employment through business development.
Peter started his working career in Information & Communication Technology (ICT), spending 20 years honing his skills in the management of teams of people, projects and business. Thereafter, he ventured into self-employment and the development of ICT consultancy services businesses.
Peter’s extensive experience in management, directorship and business ownership provided the platform to become a valued mentor and coach and he now operates in support of personal and small business development.
Peter has assisted 19 start-up businesses as part of an incubation offering, trained over 1000 customer employees on service and performance improvement programs, supported 136 SME’s and assisted over 200 people through Personal Development Program during the last 20 years.
His experience of varied scenarios and business types allow him to resonate with the challenges small business owners face. Peter can assist in most aspects of business, including: Financial planning and Management, Sales and Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Strategy Development and General Business Management for Small to Medium Enterprises. This in turn is complimented by his genuine and strong drive to be of assistance to all he engages with. He is often heard saying "I will do everything I can possibly do to help anyone who in turn is prepared to help him/her self"
Peter suggests a good mentor is willing to share his or her experiences and ideas with someone less experienced in a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Such a relationship takes time to develop and typically lasts a long time.
• It’s important to Peter for SME’s to maintain the focus and discipline associated to simple financial planning and management. This is where Peter believes sustainability in business is derived from, irrespective of the size or nature of the business.
• His favourite quote is:- “some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has happened”
One of Peter’s mentees was recently heard saying “he says the simplest things that have such a profound impact “
When a recent survey was done on all those who’s path has crossed Peters’ over the last two years, the questions posed was - In 3 words, how would the you describe Peter?
The answers were: -
“Intuitive, Inspirational, Insightful, Motivational, Knowledgeable, Approachable. Entrepreneurial, Resourceful. Collaborative, Networker (bringing people together), Caring, pedantic, Empowering. Integrity, Ubuntu, Visionary. Supportive, Knowledgeable, Good listener. Logical Thinker, Listener, Practical (always cites relevant examples). Consistent, Insightful, Wise” ……………… And more
Derryn Brigg
Derryn studied Industrial Psychology and has been working as a Small Business Specialist for over 15 years. She owns three businesses in vastly different sectors and has had hands on experience of the challenges that small businesses face.
Over the years Derryn has worked with hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs in a variety of industries and assisted them in overcoming a number of challenges, some of which are industry specific and some which everyone can relate to – "one thing that I have continuously seen is that If your mind is not right, your business will not be right and if your business is not right, your mind will not be right”.
That is why Derryn combines her psychology skills with her business skills to offer a more holistic approach to small business development.
In 2022, Derryn was elected as Vice President of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and holds this position again for 2023.
She has serviced hundreds of small businesses over the years across all industries (petrochemical, engineering, ITC, hospitality, tourism, health & beauty, finance, food & beverage, medical, retail, waste recycling, legal, media publications, construction, cleaning, events management, advertising, music, wine industry etc.) and many of her clients have won entrepreneurial awards and competitions with her business plans. She is highly passionate about helping people to start or expand their businesses, contributing to their economic sustainability.
Lauren Campbell
James Bodenstein
With over 26 years of immersive experience at both operational and executive tiers, James is your go-to expert in human resources and training.
His journey, punctuated by a postgraduate HR-related qualification, spans diverse sectors including small business, passenger transport, healthcare, training and development, construction, contract mining, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering.
As a Chartered Human Resource Practitioner registered with SABPP, James brings a wealth of knowledge to every project, ensuring that businesses thrive, cultures flourish, and growth becomes second nature.
Goolam Varachia
John Palmer
Mpho Ramaisa
Malcolm Haffner
Dalene Rabie
Samantha Mnkhandla
Phuti Mathopa
Ian Clark
Melusi Ngwenya
