Why You · For Who · With WhatThe first woman to lead a South African diplomatic mission in the Middle East, Sue now partners with organizations to empower their people and teams to deliver results when the stakes are high, and the challenges many. She specializes in coaching "abrasive leaders" — technically brilliant but interpersonally destructive leaders who are too valuable to lose, but too costly to keep. These leaders can be coached and can change with the right intervention.
About
Sue's 30-year career is characterized by high-stakes situations and turnarounds. She led a South African diplomatic mission in a conflict zone to a top 5 ranking out of 92 South African missions globally, while ensuring staff safety. She has been instrumental in turning around failing operations, executed contract work-outs, and implemented financial and other restructuring strategies. She has been hired in as "innovative change agent" and established the project management office for a first-of-its kind "utility of the future" smart grid project. Sue has navigated through significant losses to experience "post traumatic growth". She has overcome internal and external obstacles to be acknowledged for the depth of her resilience, courage and compassion. She has taken fire - literally and metaphorically. She leverages all of these experiences to contribute meaningfully to others and her broader purpose, and to speak "truth to power" to address problematic leadership styles. As an empowering partner to organizations she has, among other outcomes, facilitated organizational healing following instances of disruptive leadership that impacted culture and morale; restored trust and respect in relationships strained by conflict; and guided leaders at risk of derailing, to being praised for their leadership abilities. She has revitalized teams and individuals at risk of burnout and disengagement, fostering resilience and renewed engagement.
Service Offerings
- 1Individual, team and group executive and leader coaching and programs
- 2Facilitation, retreats, training and workshops
- 3Specialty services include: transitions, resilience, conflict, and abrasive leaders