Johann Strydom

After obtaining an Engineering degree at RAU,  I worked for SABMiller in the UK before transferring back to SA to join the Warehousing and Distribution Division of SABMiller.

The Automotive Component Sector beckoned with first a Logistics position, and later the National Sales and Marketing Director position at Bosal. This provided in-depth experience serving in various General Manager and Country Director positions for a number of international automotive component companies. 

Most recently, while Manufacturing Executive at a listed Packaging company in South Africa, I completed a master's degree in leadership Coaching at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. This allowed me to pivot into a new career - giving back through the coaching of teams and individuals. Apart from hard won experience in some of the most competitive manufacturing environments, I also hold a CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.  

By combining the practical, process thinking of an engineer with a master's in philosophy I've developed a structured, outcome driven approach without neglecting the focus of all coaching:  Helping those in our care grow to the maximum of their potential. 

My master's thesis focussed on improving inter-generational communication. Specifically, my research focussed on how this, through coaching, could equip senior leaders to reduce the general anxiety experienced by Gen Z professionals - a clear, current and concerning epidemic significantly influencing overall organizational performance around the world. 

Having personally experienced the negative effects of significant occupational stress, I passionately believe in the effectiveness of coaching in assisting others to effectively address both personal and professional stress and chronic anxiety.  Using analogies to the engineering concepts of preventative, corrective and predictive maintenance, I guide individuals and teams through a process of building sustainable and creative resilience in order to effectively engage their professional and personal challenges.

 On the home front I have been (happily!) married to Lindie since 2002, and the proud father of three amazing children.  Finally, I believe that humour, appropriately and intelligently used, is an essential ingredient to just about any process - certainly coaching!