Meet my family
I am a multi-passionate Chartered Accountant, mother to my boy, Righardt and wife to Ernst Berger who also happens to be a Chartered Accountant.
Our family is not just all about numbers and solving complicated accounting and auditing stuff – we are passionate about family and life!
Our most favourite place is Mosselbay (Western-Cape, South Africa) where we will spend hours chit-chatting on the beach, whilst searching for interesting sea creatures in shallow rockpools.
Back at home, we have a 4th family member, Pepper (Staffordshire Bullterrier) - the most loyal and dedicated office assistant ever!! We also share a love for 12 Koi fish, just to remind me to slow down, now-and- again ;)
A couple of years ago, I exchanged my corporate role as Senior Financial Manager and acting CFO within the oil and gas industry to follow my heart’s desire – that of making an impactful difference in the lives of young upcoming professionals.
Little did I know how this dream would unfold in something unimaginable!
I always loved the academics and completed my Masters degree during 2015 in South African and International Taxation. My mini-dissertation was based on the Income Tax implications of Bitcoin exchange transactions.
But the dream unfolded even more, when my passion for coaching, teaching and mentoring resulted in several more opportunities.
Apart from being involved in the lecturing and assessment of young upcoming professionals, I met with Hettie Brittz and Annatjie van Zyl – Founders of Tall Trees Profiles and became a certified facilitator in the Tall Trees philosophy on temperament styles.
A further business partnership was established when I engaged with Tall Trees Profiles and ProBeta Training to introduce leadership training and developmental courses to the accounting, tax and auditing profession in South Africa. The partnership is currently involved in a project on Emotional Intelligence, in matching one’s EI DNA to the situations in which one will naturally excel first, and then to take on more challenged areas in one’s own EI DNA, and grow tall.
I am also an accredited trainer and consultant in DISC dimensions, certified JohnMaxwell Team Member, speaker, trainer and coach and Executive Director to the JohnMaxwellTeam, where I serve under the leadership and mentorship of Dr John C. Maxwell, Paul Martinelli (President of the JohnMaxwellTeam), Roddy Galbraith (Speaker lane) and Marc Cole (Leadership lane).
How I went from overworked “yes girl” to equipping hundreds of young professionals to become more confident leaders.
My true purpose and chief aim in life did not come to me from a young age. I had to constantly seek what I was meant to do in life. Even at the age of 35, I still did not know. I had to wilfully and consciously break out of my comfort zone, the programming I was so used to for as long as I could remember. I took the leap and I just jumped! I completely did it 'afraid' and without doubt as my mentor, Paul Martinelli would say. That late afternoon when I picked up my office phone to call Ernst, was the first time I ever experienced a kind of 'freedom' within. I was finally breaking down my boundaries which kept me prisoner inside. Ernst knew exactly what the code words 'it's time' meant. That very same afternoon I drove to the local hospital to meet my parents where they took Righardt to the paediatrician ready to be admitted. They sat outside the doctor's rooms on a bench, awaiting my arrival so I could assist with the admission process. I still remember my dad holding Righardt (then just a few months old) on his lap, trying to comfort him ...
I suddenly experienced what you would call a 'never-again'-moment: 'never-again' would I not be present and available for my son.
I now look back at all the 'cubicle'-moments I spent there at the office - all the tears, the sweat, all the loyalty, extremely long work hours - all of that - and I'm grateful for each of those moments, as they were necessary steps required for me to break out, jump and listen and act on that burning desire: to serve others, to value others and to change my world.
Almost 8 years later, I can confidently look back on my journey since that afternoon at the hospital. I am so blessed in many ways. I've met so many influential people on my way, included mentorship as part of my journey, been part of the beautiful success stories of other confident young leaders. I do not work a day in my life - I found my true 'yes'. I refused to negotiate my dream and I'm glad I did.
My journey continues. I hope that YourEmpoweredPotential will help you write your own beautiful story of hope, in finding your 'yes' and help changing your world, as a servant, courageous leader, based on strong values and appreciation for life itself - a wonderful gift!
The world is ripe for your message. It is time. I support John Maxwell's view: "We believe leaders need to step up for such a time as this... To believe something so audacious—that we truly can change the world".
Prov. 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart".
Over the years, I’ve developed a reputation for teaching things “action-by-action”, connecting people with people, bringing hope and possibilities to people and providing unique and distinct perspectives.
Not just “step by step”…
But actually going into the nitty gritty details that give you the confidence to courageously lead, no matter where you are right now. I meet you where you are.
I’ve shown young professionals not only how to “DIY” but how to recognise the opportunity to translate the journey of self-discovery into one where self-aware professionals will have the ability to reveal and control their own emotions to team members at a much higher level of emotional intelligence and lead with confidence.
I’m able to do this, because I teach what I know and what I've learned from life's experiences and many valuable lessons.
I teach what I’ve personally done, contributed and experienced to bring hope and possibilities to people and providing unique and distinct perspectives that is actionable and achievable.
