About Lara
I’m an international higher education specialist, communicator and coach. I love learning, and I believe that true transformation comes from valuing diversity in every aspect of life. I’ve spent my career supporting incredible talent, connecting people and projects internationally, unlocking resources and sustaining long-term change. I’ve strategised with small local teams and with worldwide teams in multiple time-zones; my passion is for enabling outcomes that are high-impact and open doors for others. Serving by connecting energises me.
Why work with me?
I believe in strengths-based coaching. Each of us has access to a unique set of strengths which combine to make us who we are. My top five Gallup strengths are Learner / Ideation / Strategic / Relator / Input. This means I am a coach who loves learning. I’m fascinated by ideas and new perspectives, which makes me a powerful brainstorming partner. I move beyond the obvious to develop alternatives by spotting relevant patterns and being creative. Authentic, rewarding one-on-one relationships matter most to me – and this is the essence of my coaching philosophy.
I’ve discovered that ‘what you know’ isn’t enough – it’s putting knowledge into action that counts.
Understand what you have to offer, and then sharpen it. Use your strengths to serve your relationships, career and personal goals. Don’t second-guess yourself.
I’ve played it safe, reduced my risks, and lived smaller than I could have. I’ve taken leaps of faith, with intention, stumbled and flourished!
Some stumbles have led me down new paths that have changed everything. I don’t know the future, but I do know what I have in my toolbox. I believe in building a future that lives out my values, and helps me to serve others. Disruptions, dead ends, obstacles – and now the pandemic – we’ve all experienced these. I believe in the coaching process – it’s future-focused, positive-minded and honours our shared humanity.
As a South African woman, I’ve navigated complex leadership spaces throughout my career. I’ve worked in higher education leadership roles for 20+ years, and been country-director of a multi-national NPO for 3 years. I know personal experiences change lives, and that change can be lonely and uncertain. I’m a wife and mother, with experience in juggling roles. I’ve been a single mom too, with a career that required extensive travel, so I’ve learned about that balancing act.
I’m passionate about leadership, diversity and inclusion, including neurodiversity and gender roles/ identities.
In 2020, I chose to follow the path of professional coaching inspired by great feedback from colleagues over the years. The learning journey has been exciting and energising. It’s opened new horizons during the pandemic, kicked me out of my comfort zone, and reminded me of my strengths. I live in Cape Town, South Africa with my family and the neighbour’s cat. When I’m not geeking out on something science-y with my husband, you’ll find me working with international education, and playing with watercolours in my free time.
Book a free chemistry session
Transitioning to a new career or leadership role? Pivoting in a time of uncertainty? Juggling high-performance or burn-out? It might feel like you don’t have time for this. Try a short, no obligation conversation. What you build today becomes your tomorrow.