Hi, I am Lizel
More about me
People often ask me why I became a coach.
The truth is, I didn't set out to become one.
My career began in the shipping industry before taking an unexpected turn into leadership development, coaching and facilitation. Over the years I've had the privilege of working alongside individuals, leaders and organisations as they navigate change, strengthen relationships and grow into the people and leaders they want to be.
But if I'm honest, the work I do today has been shaped just as much by my own life as it has by my professional experience.
One of my most significant moments didn't happen in a boardroom. It happened in my bathroom.
In the middle of an argument, feeling frustrated, emotional and convinced that the problem was everywhere except with me, I caught my own reflection in the mirror. In that moment I realised something that has stayed with me ever since: I couldn't control the situation, but I could choose how I responded to it.
That single shift in perspective didn't magically solve everything. Life didn't suddenly become easier. But it changed the way I approached my relationships, my work and, ultimately, myself.
Looking back, I realise that many of the struggles I carried weren't signs that something was wrong with me. They were part of being human. Like so many people, I was trying to make sense of life while carrying experiences, beliefs and expectations that I hadn't yet stopped to examine.
That realisation continues to shape the way I coach.
I don't believe people need fixing.
I believe they need the opportunity to slow down, make sense of what's happening and discover that they're often far more capable than they realise.
Perhaps that's why I'm endlessly curious about people. I love understanding what helps us grow, what shapes the way we think, and how greater awareness changes the way we live, lead and relate to one another. It's why I have more books than I'll probably ever read, why I'm always learning something new, and why I enjoy creative projects that involve making, building or discovering how things work.
Outside of my work, I'm a wife, a mom and someone who treasures time with family and friends. I find joy in simple things: a good conversation, working with my hands, learning a new skill, or watching someone experience that powerful moment when something that once felt tangled finally begins to make sense.
Today, with more than 20 years of coaching and leadership development experience, I still believe the most meaningful work happens one conversation at a time.
If our paths cross, my hope is that you'll leave our conversations with greater clarity, a deeper understanding of yourself, and the confidence to take your next step with intention.
Associates
No one creates meaningful change alone.
Over the years I've had the privilege of building relationships with exceptional practitioners and associates who share my values and commitment to helping people and organisations grow.
While I work one-to-one with many of my clients, I'm equally passionate about partnering with trusted associates whose strengths complement my own. Together, we create learning experiences that are richer, more diverse and ultimately more valuable for the people and organisations we serve.