A high-performing, intrinsically motivated English language specialist
Acting on stage and in television was my life dream come true. It led me into corporate storytelling, where I work primarily in the fields of employee engagement and strategic internal communication.
I've been working remotely, in a rural area, for about two decades.
In my personal time I edit books, when I'm not writing my own.
I studied ballet from age four to en pointe, at age 15. It taught me the power of discipline and silence, and about the relationship between function and form. It helped me to understand the beats and bars in music, and the need for things to seem effortless, when they’re really very hard. It also taught me that methylated spirits applied to a blistered foot makes it possible to keep dancing.
One of my high school subjects was Latin, and I’m better at English (especially grammar) because of it. The choice to study Latin eliminated Typing and Accountancy, more’s the pity. My typing is fast, accurate, and inelegant. My debit and credit columns rarely balance.
At school there was also team sport – netball (goal defence), waterpolo (shooter) – and debating society (the summariser; the punch-liner; the speaker of the final word).
I did my first year of tertiary education at Rhodes University, where I very nearly registered to study Law, but decided – in an avenue of summer rain and jacarandas – to rather follow my heart. So, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Performer's Diploma with highest distinctions in English Literature, Drama, and Acting, from the University of Cape Town.
I have also awarded myself an Honorary Doctorate in waitressing, which I did – at times on a 72-hour-a-week shift cycle – from age 15 to 27, in South Africa, England and Hong Kong. I don’t regret a minute of all the years I spent working – and washing – those floors. It taught me the importance of proper prepping, knowing your subject’s nuances, and caring about chalkboards, as well as how to juggle multiple colliding deadlines, be polite to rude people, manage high expectations, and finish well. It also taught me the enormous value of shared laughter, proper listening, waterproof mascara, and a decent pair of shoes.
My first novel – a romantic comedy-drama called Love You Madly, which I co-authored with Daisy Jones – has sold more than 600 copies since launching in 2022 and is available on Amazon. It taught me about the intricacies of the publishing world, the accentuated significance of version control when working in creative partnerships, and that sincerely valuing difference is the essence of effective collaboration. It also made me realise that words, thoughts and feelings are my currency. It’s how I navigate value in life.
I distil meaning. This means I am no stranger to wading through volumes of content, reducing verbiage, and making things simple, accessible, consistent, and clear. And compelling, which leans into creativity.
Developing and planning long- and short-term comms strategies, in alignment with business and corporate brand strategy
Developing and implementing customised language style guides, in alignment with brand/corporate identity
Defining and articulating purpose, vision, mission, values, strategic priorities, and employer brands/employee value propositions
Structuring and writing scripts for radio, AV, and live events
Creating, writing, editing, and proofing copy for print and digital media – for long and short forms, below, through and above the line
“You’re passionate, meticulous, and brilliant. You can’t help yourself. It’s who you are.”
“You have this magical ability to correct the page work to reflect what I am thinking and trying – but not quite managing – to say.”
“Don’t ever let anyone undervalue you. You are one of the most brilliant minds and most talented writers I’ve ever met in my career.”
“I am grateful to have such a good, patient teacher. You always put love into your work.”
“No changes.
Thanks.”
“I’ve no idea how you manage to keep your work so fresh.”
“Thank you for all the dedication, love, energy, and skill you brought to our company. It was an honour and a privilege to work with you. I never had to doubt or worry, with you, because so much thought and skill always went into everything you did.”
“It is such a humbling experience working with you on my manuscript. Your insights are so spot on, your editing so astute, I'm in awe. And I’m also so grateful for all the kindness, support, love, and encouragement you’ve given me. You’re a gem.”
“Reading the newsletter is delightful. Visually, it's captivating, and I'm gradually gaining insight into our brand identity and objectives. The content is engaging, clever, relatable, and presented in a well-balanced manner. Love it.”
