Frequently Asked Questions

What are my values?

• Authenticity: This is possibly my most important value. My wish for everyone is that they can live their lives the way they want to, being their true selves, and being happy. I enjoy being my true self, and I find that doing so enables me to connect easier with people. Be kind to yourself, as well as others.
• Humility: I consider myself modest. think it's really important to minimize ego and pride. There's something really attractive about someone achieving great things, and not boasting about them. Having said that, own your achievements, and obviously be proud of what you've done, and talk about that when the situation calls for doing so.
• Trust: I've found that trust brings about more trust. It's a beautiful thing to be able to be certain you can rely on someone, and they can do the same with you. Trust is earned and built over time, and is the bedrock for so many other important parts of good relationships.
• Equality: Equality, in all its forms, is very important to me. We really can do great things if we work together as a society and care more.
• Empathy & Kindness: There's enough divisiveness and factionalism in the world. I find it easy to connect with people, and have enjoyed being referred to as "warm". If I see an opportunity to help someone out and I have the time, I'll do so. I strive to leave each interaction I'm a part of a bit more positive than it was before.
• Honesty: Trustworthiness and transparency are key for me. It's important that I maintain an honest, open approach to the people I engage with. And am honest with myself.
• Open-mindedness: The world is changing over time, and so are we, as individuals and as a society. I never want to be thought of as narrow-minded, and I don't enjoy engaging with people who aren't open to new perspectives. I'm always willing to accept I may be partially or entirely wrong, and I'm completely open to changing my perspective on things. This allows me to discover new things about the world, about those close to me, and about myself.
• Good Communication: I'm very straightforward in the way that I communicate. I say what I mean, and mean what I say (unless I'm joking, of course). This value also means being tactful - knowing your audience and adapting in a diplomatic and considerate way. Good communication is a foundation for positive, healthy relationships.
• Stability: I've been described as "calm" and "certain". I enjoy the fact that I can think clearly amidst the chaos, and provide a steady
• Continuous Improvement: Growth is huge for me. I've changed so much over the years, and reflecting on that, and on what makes me me - strengths, flaws, and everything in between - enables me to have a high level of self-awareness, and to try to be a better person for the future. I've always been described as "inquisitive", and I enjoy researching random things that interest me, like politics, current affairs, and technology, as well as matters relating to my work. I think we can do better at ensuring that we're kept informed as a society, and avoid misinformation and sensationalist media.

What motivates me?

Many things! For one, the people I surround myself with. I love learning what makes people the way they are, and which things I do that make them smile. One of my biggest motivators in life is leaving behind a positive impact on the people with whom I interact, especially those close to me.

I'm motivated by being happy and comfortable. And those mean very specific things to me, as they do to everyone in this world. I do what I can to ensure that I live my life being happy and comfortable.

I'm also very motivated by the quest for knowledge. I enjoy gaining new skills, as well as imparting that knowledge unto others whenever needed. Success can mean many different things to many different people, and I hope this gives you an idea of what it means to me.

What are some fun facts about me?

Firstly, I really love dogs. I can sometimes be found saying hi to someone's pet on a trail, or enjoying spending time with dogs at my local adoption center and taking them for walks. There are so many cute, special doggos out there. My favorite breed is the Golden Retriever.

Secondly, I'm interested in cars! I've been intrigued for many years by the developments in the automotive industry. Driving can be really fun, whether that's on the road or off-roading, manual or automatic, and in small cars or big ones. It's cool how much tech is being integrated into cars these days. Which is a nice segue.

Lastly, I'm very into tech. I enjoy checking in with a number of tech blogs and YouTube channels so that I can keep up-to-date with the latest releases, developments, and continue to learn about a hobby I've had for as long as I can remember. I've built numerous PCs over the years (for myself and my friends) as a result. I also enjoy playing video games on PC, including online, as well as offline RPGs, especially narative-driven ones with great character development. :)

What's my favorite pastime?

I thoroughly enjoy being in nature. Whether it's a walk along a beach, a hike in a forest, or just walking a dog in my own neighborhood, I find the outdoors to be really relaxing.

I'm also into gardening, which I've really enjoyed doing both alone and with my mom, growing up. That ties nicely into the nature interest. On the weekends, you can sometimes find me kneeling in one of my flower beds, or having an incredibly fun time browsing around my local nursery.

What are my greatest strengths?

• Tactfulness: I believe tact is extremely important. Knowing when and how to put my thoughts into words has been immensely helpful in building my career and growing relationships. For me, this also involves having strong communication skills - knowing when to be concise, when to explain something at length, and how to diplomatically navigate various styles of communication in different settings. Life - and therefore the workplace - is filled with so many different kinds of people, and it's important to be able to interact with each one in a unique and respectful way, so that everyone feels valued. It's not always easy, but it's definitely fruitful.
• Adaptability: Through my years of full-time work experience, I've needed to remain on my toes, and to be able to adjust according to changing industry outlooks, changing workplace conditions (such as new colleagues and new software systems), and changing goals. I'm not one to complain when things need to change course, and I'm quick to learn and take ownership of something new. This has resulted in my being appointed the lead for the rolling-out of certain changes in the workplace, and even being able to teach colleagues to get them up to speed with new processes.
• Optimism: For as long as I can remember, I've always had a positive outlook on life in general. No matter the situation I find myself in - even if it seems unbelievably daunting - I enjoy having the ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel. To be able to find a positive outcome to look forward to. And to be able to reassure myself that putting in the effort will be worth it in the long-run. It's easy for me to remain self-motivated. Having an optimistic outlook both in the workplace and in my personal life allows me to avoid dwelling on the past, avoid harboring regrets, and to constantly look forward to what's to come.
• Level-headedness: One of my colleagues once complimented by ability to remain calm amidst the chaos. And even to make others feel that way too. It's some of the best feedback I've ever received, and I believe it to be true. I find it easy to remain level-headed in times of stress, and use that nature to help those around me get there too. As valid as our emotions are, sometimes we just have to maintain a clear mind and push forward with what needs to be done.
• Helpfulness: I take pride in being readily available to help others. In the workplace, I've developed a reputation for being the one who can be relied on to find time to take a look at your problem. No matter whether it's something as complicated as deciding between two conflicting research strategies, or as straightforward as fixing the downstairs printer or reformatting your Excel sheet, I like making myself available to help others figure things out. And I believe that the empathetic nature that's at the core of who I am as a person drives me to continue to do so.

What are my career ambitions?

Transitioning into the People Operations / People & Culture space a number of years ago was such a fantastic career move for me. I get to blend my people and organizational skills in a way no other prior field has afforded me the opportunity to do.

Also, my personality lends itself really well to thriving in People-related roles. I approach people empathetically, without bias, with an open mind, and also, importantly, with the ability to serve properly in the capacity of my role, which includes making difficult decisions on behalf of the company if the situation calls for it.

P&C requires a balance of being friendly and approachable, but also tactful and confident. This balance comes naturally to me.

My intention is to continue to grow and learn in the field, develop my People Operations skills, and make sure my team mates have what they need to succeed and feel fulfilled.

Aside from that, at this point, I intend to continue to form strong connections through networking, both virtually, and in person around Cape Town and South Africa. Let me know (via this page) if you'd like to grab a coffee or tea somewhere in the city and have a chat!

I'm also open to volunteer positions.