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Every session gave me new insights and new inspiration. It is amazing how I can almost recite some of the issues we discussed, how some of the words always spark a spring in my mind, words like “Attunement and Conversational Checklist. You are indeed an inspiration.
Chief Operations Officer, Kagiso Trust
Themba Mola
Gail has always been a special person in my life from our initial days of coaching to becoming a mentor and a friend. She has always taken the time to motivate me and to share belief and confidence in my abilities. There was never a time that she didn’t think of including me in events that have or offering to run talks for EY. I admire the legacy you have built in the IE Group and the difference you have made to the people you employ and the clients you connect with. You are a gracious and beautiful lady with a special gift that you readily share with those you interact with
EY Talent Development and Rewards Leader
Jenny Greyling
When I walked into your offices a few years ago I felt like I carried the world on my shoulders. I felt your compassion immediately and through our journey together I attracted opportunities that one could only dream of. I have trusted you with the most important people in the organisations I have worked for so they could experience the same enlightenment and wisdom that I experienced. I am not only a better leader, but a better mother and wife thanks to your coaching. I am confident in my steps and thoughts and every day I reach new heights.
HR Director Palmolive East West Africa, Board member Colgate Palmolive SA
Trishana Maharaj
I specifically thank you for the support and encouragement you have provided in the past 2 years. You strengthened me for the challenge, in leaving Philips and encouraged me during the process of separation. You inspired me with the possibilities of what I could achieve on my own. It has gone from strength to strength and your support has nurtured the seed that drives me forward in creating my own business opportunity. It was an amazing reflection on who and what you have impacted. It is something to be extremely proud about. What you did was not in a bombastic or lecturing approach but through quiet humility, meditation, reflection and advice, letting me chase and create my own dream. The legacy to date you leave is significant, but your best days are yet to come.
CEO Philips Africa
JJ Van Dongen
Gail has been such a wonderful encounter in my life. I met her in 2015 and the journey we shared has been such a revelation for me. Through her coaching and interest in my personal and spiritual growth I have gotten to know myself at a deeper level, understand who I am and most importantly embrace all of me
PhD-Materials engineering (UCT)
Dr. Miyelani Maminza
I have so much gratitude and thankfulness for you being part of my life. You have taught me what it is to live a meaningful life. Not being rich or having the world’s material desires, being popular or perfect. You have taught me to embrace where I came from, my culture, to have appreciation for all my life experiences. You have made such a difference in my life and an important life lesson I have learnt is about being honest, real, authentic humble and being able to reach out and touch the lives of others while holding gratitude in your heart for each new day – which is a new beginning! You have made a difference in so many lives and we will forever be grateful!.
Aveng Group Company Secretary
Michelle Nana
Gail Cameron has coached me for almost 20 years – from, being a young manager to a partner at PWC and then as an exec in Life Healthcare. I wrote this next piece on reflection of our journey together. As one gets older, you start to realise that life isn’t so much about where you stand in the world. It’s about where you stand within yourself. In younger years, we chase validation, measure success by external approval and we worry about fitting into certain spaces. But with time, I’ve learned that fulfilment doesn’t come from how others see you, it comes from how I see myself. Peace, confidence and happiness aren’t tied to opinions or expectations. They are rooted in self-acceptance; in knowing I am beyond titles, achievements and social perceptions. Thank you for always being there for me Gail
Former Partner PWC
Megandra Naidoo
The Image Excellence Group’s programme is an investment in yourself. In SA today we come from various different backgrounds, norms are different depending on where you’re coming from. Certain things that are done in the corporate world might differ from your own personal paradigm. There is more to working in the corporate environment than just your technical and operational competencies. Image Excellence has pointed this out to me. It has taught me how to position myself and understand the world that we live in. It has been a big eye-opener for me. As a result, I am more confident. I now understand the rules of the game and I’ve become a player. I can see where people are coming from and understand the various paradigms. It has given me the skills to understand people in totality. In the past, it was a case of feeling my way through. Now I have absolute understanding – my level of knowledge is complete. The course has certainly enhanced my management skills. Banking is essentially a service industry; to excel we need to understand that it is people that bring the results – the outcome of our business depends on them. By understanding people more, I can better manage them. SA is becoming a melting pot of diverse culture, all with equal status. In the past we were dominated by one culture. Today, diversity is part of who we are. In order to make this diversity count, you need to understand yourself. The program helps you do this. I personally believe that it (Image Excellence) is a credible programme – an excellent personal investment. If people are your most important asset, then the ability to deal with them is a manager’s most important skill.
Former COO ABSA Bank
Peter Mageza
Gail has increased my self awareness in respect to the importance of emotional and social intelligence. For an example, I no longer listen with folded arms in meetings. Conceding that I’m a leader in the military milieu, Gail has also enhanced my understanding that in communicating my vision, I need to engage with my subordinates in a probing manner that inspires team effort in respect to the task at hand – Contrary to the notion that “Generals are expected to issue orders”. Furthermore, when I was laterally moved to the position of Deputy CHR, I felt marginalised when my immediate superior dillydallied to sign my Performance Agreement on time and my hands were tied, Gail contextualised what was going on and encouraged me to soldier on. Through her support I was able to regain my voice and reclaim my space within the organisation. Her coaching has indeed enhanced my self awareness and effectiveness as an authentic leader.
Major General SANDF
General Ntsiki Memela Motumi
Gail has been a business colleague, coach and friend for over 14 years. She is a remarkable, intelligent businesswomen who is so well positioned to write this book and draw on the collective wisdom and stories of the people she has selected. Gail has a unique ability to relate to people where she offers pragmatic advice, compassion and insights that is so valuable to business people. Thank you for allowing me to share my story.
CEO Strate
Monica Singer
The IE Group has helped me to develop a clear discernment of my personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and emotions. Gail and team have helped me to understand the importance of my core personality traits that predict my leadership effectiveness in order to align myself with the right training and development practices. Taking into consideration that leadership and personal development is a lifelong process, having a personal life coach has brought a lot of self-efficacy in assessing my skills and qualities as well as to consider my life and set goals in order maximize and realize my potential. I will recommend the IE Group’s programme to anyone who wants to make a real impact and leave a legacy.
Executive at Avanade (SA)
Vusi Vuma
My association with the Image Excellence Group (IE) has been one of the most positive experiences in my life under the leadership of Gail Cameron. Through the engagement with Gail Cameron, I have been able to understand the science behind creating a leadership vision. I have been enabled to be more focused, more consistent and to perform with less anxiety. My emotional intelligence (EQ) has been deepened. Through that engagement I have come to understand that without a better handle on one’s emotional intelligence, chasing ones capacity for ongoing inventiveness remains retarded. Gail has made me better understand not only that we create our own reality but how we connect with that process. In that context I have come to believe that prosperity must reside not only in who you are but how you use your mind and that the word ‘impossible’ only exists in the dictionary of fools.
IE has demonstrated its capacity to impart leadership skills not only in the South African corporate world but also internationally. I would recommend their services to any who desire to enhance their capacity to achieve growth at a personal level and optimal leadership skills and delivery in their field of endeavor.
North and South Gauteng High Court
Justice S. A. M. Baqwa
Business is not only about hard facts. Effective business relationships are not based on how much you know but how much you care. The Image Excellence Group has assisted us in demonstrating this care through effective communication.
Former CEO of PwC Africa and Director of Companies
Suresh Kana
I would like to thank you for your support of the Soweto String Quartet. I am sure you would appreciate that the results of course you offer will be immeasurable as the SSQ embark on their concert tour of Spain. Not only will each member have the confidence to speak on stage, but I also believe that the language barrier we experienced in Europe earlier this year, will also now be overcome.
Manager, Breakaway (Pty) Ltd - Soweto String Quartet
Ms J Beggs
The IE Group provided me with the necessary skills to handle difficult conversations, feel confident again and be able to leverage from my past success.
SADC Emerging Technologies Lead, Accenture
Dr. WJJ Thompson
I love Maya Angelou’s quote – you are a truly inspirational lady that has achieved so much in your life time. You have not only been a coach and a mentor to me personally but a friend as well.
Project Executive BCX
Vanessa Olver
I have known Gail for over 20 years. I still marvel at how little one is aware of the bonds while they’re forged and how much they affect one’s life afterwards. As I take an investory of my career, I realise that a lot of the most important lessons of my professional life have been from her. If my mind were a canvass, then Gail carved on I a masterpiece and consequently turned my simple life into a memorable adventure. The divine fine and wisdom that came from her voice changed and moulded men and women from all races and most spheres of South African life. It is a fire that always urged us to fly as high as our wings would take us. Gail epitomises what great teaching is all about and like all celebrated teachers she influenced lives. She wasn’t just a teacher, she was also a friend and a sister. Even as I enter the afternoon of my working life, Gail is always there to gently guide and wisely persuade. We have grown used to wonders and miracles in our country, it is therefore very hard to dazzle us. But Gail, like the sun warmed and enlightened us. Perhaps the greatest monument to her life and career will not be carved in stone, but will be enshrined in the many lives she has changed
ENT Surgeon
Dr. Mtutuzeli Nyoka
From my side it certainly has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with Gail over the years. Her energy and drive inspired many of us at Lions Rugby to believe in yourselves on many levels. Her assistance during the 2011 season with myself and the team and the most difficult coach was highly valued. A season in which we won the Currie Cup against a star studded Sharks team. This against the highest possible odds in a victory of 42 points to 16. Gail’s personality and warmth is perhaps her best asset, coupled with a wealth of experience and knowledge that she has makes her a formidable and inspirational leader. No shortage of labour and courage with Gail. Well done dear Gail, you will always be a “Go To” person for many of us
President Golden Lions Rugby Union
Kevin de Klerk
It’s not often that one meets remarkable people that leave a lasting impression – Gail is such a person. It was such a privilege having you as a coach/mentor in the Personal Mastery course. Your knowledge on the human psyche was just amazing.
Absa Bank
Roedolf Brits
There are those who by chance, or should I say “Divine appointment” one meets on footpaths of life who shine a light and help refocus us – YOU are ONE of those. THANK YOU For the impact you have had on my journey through life For being there through some very difficult events For the wisdom and inspiration timely imparted.
Director, Dentsply Sirona South Africa
Andy Cyprianos Commercial
When we met the first time, you promised me a life changing experience. Almost three years later and your promise has been fulfilled many times over. During our sessions you and your team have moved me so far out of my comfort zone that not even a compass will help me find my way back! Thank you so much for what you have done for e not only on a professional level but also on a personal level.
MD Cementation
Daniel Grobler
I went through one of your programmes in 2018 whilst I was still in university. My father (Neil) had suggested that I do the programme. I was naive at the time and did not fully understand the purpose of such programmes. Looking back now, it’s clear how profoundly it shaped me. It has accelerated my ability to operate in boardrooms, sharpened my presence and has had a significant impact on my career. All the best, Nathan
PWC
Nathan Herrick
Working with Gail has helped me tremendously in terms of how I think about the balance between my career and my personal life – and how I ensure that I stay true to my values and what is truly important to me. I have been able to clarify in my own mind the that my single biggest priority is my family and their well being. This has helped me to priorities more effectively – and focus more effectively on what my goals are for my immediate as well as long term future… Makes me realise that we didn’t touch at all the other day on my family issues…which is a little strange given my comments above.
Former Executive Director at MTN
Khumo Shuenyane
The Image Excellence Group’s programme is an investment in yourself. In SA today we come from various different backgrounds, norms are different depending on where you’re coming from. Certain things that are done in the corporate world might differ from your own personal paradigm. There is more to working in the corporate environment than just your technical and operational competencies. Image Excellence has pointed this out to me. It has taught me how to position myself and understand the world that we live in. It has been a big eye-opener for me. As a result, I am more confident. I now understand the rules of the game and I’ve become a player. I can see where people are coming from and understand the various paradigms. It has given me the skills to understand people in totality. In the past, it was a case of feeling my way through. Now I have absolute understanding – my level of knowledge is complete. The course has certainly enhanced my management skills. Banking is essentially a service industry; to excel we need to understand that it is people that bring the results – the outcome of our business depends on them. By understanding people more, I can better manage them. SA is becoming a melting pot of diverse culture, all with equal status. In the past we were dominated by one culture. Today, diversity is part of who we are. In order to make this diversity count, you need to understand yourself. The program helps you do this. I personally believe that it (Image Excellence) is a credible programme – an excellent personal investment. If people are your most important asset, then the ability to deal with them is a manager’s most important skill.
COO Deloitte
Allen Swiegers
When I was first introduced to Image Excellence, I was looking for a programme to help me develop my presentation skills as I started to do financial presentations to my board. This was in the late 90’s. I was amazed to meet a team that didn’t just delve into my presentation skills but the assessment of my entire being unpacking every aspect of who I am, where I was in my professional and personal journey was amazing. This happened at a time when coaching was not as fashionable as it is today. The invaluable benefits were beyond my presentation skills and I was taken through a profound journey of personal growth, step by step, by a team with diversified skills addressing each area that needed development ranging from a voice therapist to a psychologist who would assist with ones view of self and the environment that one was surrounded with. The integrated service that Image Excellence offered was a critical attraction for me. More than 10 years later, I remain a client of IE because they have moved with me as I progressed from being a professional technocrat to a leader. I could not have done this without the road map IE had designed for me.
Chairman Advanced Capital
Sindi Mabaso-Koyana
I become involved with Gail and her team when I was still a professional footballer – back in 1997. The players had a lot of media attention and we were often asked to present at functions. I needed to boost my image. Gail has assisted me with my presentation and speaking skills. As a business person, Gail’s courses increase your confident in yourself. They teach you what is important to say – what is relevant as well as how to prepare for a presentation, present yourself to your audience. We started out with voice training. I am very soft spoken and people were not able to clearly hear me. Gail and her team has taught me to use pitch and resonance to increase my communication skills. She has also taught me to research my audience and ensure that the speech is relevant to them. She has also encouraged me to involve the audience in my presentations; how to respond to their feedback. I have always felt at home at Image Excellence – they are always helpful, professional and friendly. I looked forward to attending my courses there. The benefits I have obtained through Image Excellence have made me a
better person, increased my confidence and given me a new dimension in which to look at myself. I see myself now as a very capable person. “I believe that by participating in Gail’s programme, it makes you a better person. There is no better place than this to acquire the confidence and professionalism you need to deal with the media and supporters.
Former Bafana Bafana Captain
John Moeti
I try and send our senior managers in the Financial Services Industry Group to Gail Cameron and the Image Excellence Group (IE Group) during the time before they become associate directors, but also others with specific coaching needs. It is easier to identify development needs, if there are others, in addition to those identified throughout their careers and I would say we have had more than a 90% success rate of our people coached at the IE Group. The neutral environment at the IE Group also put people at ease – I would have valued that sort of coaching at that that stage of my career (perhaps I should still go … !). Our managers who’ve attended the coaching have benefitted in a number of ways. Gail and her team have helped them with building confidence and a ‘can do it’ attitude; helped them through positive reinforcement; assisted with presentation skills; techniques to deal with difficult questions and situations; and in many other ways. Her programme has become one of the important life changing events in our people’s lives.