Core/Associates Team
Wade COOPER
Founder
Wade Cooper has specialised in Talent Management Solutions & Project Management for the past 20 years in South Africa, Africa, Middle East and International markets, working with small and large employers both in the public and private sector, aligning employee performance with organisational strategy. With PEOPLE being an organisations biggest asset, Wade prides himself in supplying clients with proven customised People Development Strategies that are Aligned to the New World of Work alongside truly understanding our CLIENTS Job Architecture, including scientific competency-based new ways of attracting, recruiting, selecting new talent and managing performance. Whether local, national or international our holistic online technology platforms take revolutionary steps towards a more effective, digital, Human Resources process eliminating the biggest risk organisations face globally – PEOPLE RISK. Wade has been recognized for his role in Gender Mainstreaming and Women in Development initiatives and was the runner up at the Gender Mainstreaming Business Engage / PricewaterhouseCoopers Awards in August 2015. Since 2011 Wade has followed his passion of Developing Women in Leadership and Future Leader Development Solutions, and is proud to have established an International Network of Associates & Partners with over 90% being Women owned enterprises. In 2014 our sister company Future Leaders opened its doors, providing customised community upliftment programs to NPO’s & Corporate Future Leader Accelerator and Succession Planning opportunities creating tailored Development Journeys with coaching support on Principled Based Leadership ™ closing the GAP between Education & Industry. Proudly Wade and his team of Organisational Development Consultants & Industrial Psychologists align, refine and save time across our clients HR processes and continuously invest our energy on achieving a measurable return on investment.
Ross Mc Kirdy
Founder
Ross Mc Kirdy has had a number of years specialising in the Corporate world of Recruitment, with his main focus being on Head Hunting senior positions within the Telco Industry. Ross has vast experience in Data Centre sales and Project Management both with local and International clients where he obtained, managed and grew the biggest client from the United Kingdom. Ross holds a National Diploma in Public Relations and in addition a National Diploma in Human Resources(Cum Laude). For the last 10 years, Ross has been a specialist in Talent Management Solutions and Project Management in South Africa, Africa and the International Market. Ross maintains and manages large Corporate Key Accounts developing and maintaining their Human Capital Systems, Services and most importantly managing and driving Solutions. His core focus is Developing Women in Leadership and Future Leader Development Solutions. People’s development within his position has been a priority for Ross and is proud to have established a Network of Associates both locally and Internationally. Ross has been Internationally accredited as an Analyst in Behaviour and Cognitive Assessments and Coaching. He is the Systems Administration Head of the Company creating tailored Development journeys with coaching support on Principle Based Leadership and Succession planning methodologies. Ross prides himself on world class service excellence and to see the growth and development of individuals and Partners alike.
International Territories
Canada – Claudina Whisken
Claudina Whisken is the Managing Director, majority shareholder and co-owns Elemental Concepts Limited. Claudina has over 20 years of experience, specializing in work-based Psychometric Assessments, Virtual Competency-Based Simulations, talent management consulting, administering and applying assessments to support various talent management and organization development strategies as well as developing and facilitating workshops.
Claudina has successfully worked with clients in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Canada and the USA to provide guidance and support in Talent Acquisition & Organization Development with a focus on strategy, organizational change and business transformation. Helping companies derive maximum value from their people through innovative business-oriented approaches to the human capital elements including workforce planning support, talent acquisition, retention, performance and talent management, change management, leadership and team development, succession planning, organization effectiveness, employee engagement.
She is an expert in her field and is a certified assessment analyst and trainer in DISC, cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, 360’s, personality, values, skills tests as well as competency-based simulation exercises.
India & South Africa – Sanjay Chotkan
Sanjay is a South African entrepreneur who hails from a Brand Management and Marketing background and has business interests in a very diverse field. Best known as a Recreational Water Expert, Sanjay made his mark in the Pool & Spa Industry and launched a flagship international brand in South Africa which went on to become the leading brand in the Pool Professional sector for many years. Sanjay was instrumental in providing sales, marketing and technical training to swimming pool and spa professionals in SA and other major international swimming pool markets.
Since 2007, Sanjay has been an avid entrepreneur with diverse portfolio ranging from swimming pool chemical manufacturing and marketing, importation, distribution and marketing of alcohol products and in the HR Sector operating in South Africa and India . Sanjay is a certified practitioner of the NBI (Neethling Brain Instruments) and introduced the NBI Assessments and Training into India in 2007 with Dr Kobus Neethling and continues to distribute the NBI Assessments and Training Programs via his distribution network across India. He is also a certified PDA Analyst.
United Kingdom – Ron Knox
I am an experienced Coach that has operated highly successfully across companies of all sizes and sectors, but in particular with SMEs wishing to grow rapidly or scale. I have worked with numerous SMEs in private, public and third sectors and helped them achieve tangible results. These results are achieved by working with people, giving them self-awareness, guidance, and confidence. I am warm, friendly, approachable and amiable and get on with all my clients.
All companies are looking for even greater levels of success for their business. The answer to this is very straightforward – you create an environment that encourages people to perform to their best. Your people are your most valuable and often most expensive asset. They have the greatest influence on whether your company reaches its full potential or not, much more so than systems, technology, or marketing. Giving your people a positive mind-set, a can-do attitude, embracing change and a desire to succeed is the most valuable asset they can have. Getting rid of defensiveness, over-compliance, and a toxic atmosphere is essential, and it all starts from the most senior key people to set the tone and lead from the front.
Associates
DR GERHARD VAN RENSBURG
Experienced in the leadership development field. He is well-known for his articles in the leadership field and is a column writer for the CEO magazine. He published two leadership books, The Leadership Challenge In Africa (foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu), and Leadership Thoughts. He is furthermore chosen by Motivational Press as one of their community of leading experts, thought leaders, and industry authorities. His articles are published in several leadership, management and human resources publications such as CEO, PMR, HR Future, HR.com and BusinessBrief. Gerhard received the 2015 Titans Building Nations Country winner in Education and Training (Private Sector) award. In 2017 he received the Top 100 Global Coach award at the World HRD Congress as well as Acquisition International’s Best in Executive coaching SA award.
WENDY SPINKS
Wendy Spinks, a creative intuitive born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1973, is also a multi award-winning creator, writer, director and creative producer. A certified Art Life Coach, Flow Coach, Personal Development Analyst & Coach and trained Demartini Facilitator currently living in Cape Town with a devotion to human potential, education and the expansion of consciousness.
Wendy co-founded Zeropoint Studios in 2010, acting in her role as a development exec /creative producer, writer and content & media strategist, for the TV, digital, and animation film industry. A true polymath, with a background in human behaviour, education, advertising, fine arts and fashion, Wendy creates and develops educational and edutainment content for global consumption aimed at multi-platforms including online, linear and nonlinear broadcast, VR, digital, apps and social media.