Startup Story
Having an agile mindset in business and life is one of the keys to success, something that specialist business coach, Anja van Beek, founder of the Consulting & Coaching business that carries her name, knows all about. She has built a business that helps both individuals and companies to achieve their ambitions and fulfill their potential, helping them to lead fulfilled lives and make an impact.
LoA chatted to the inspirational and motivational coach, Anja van Beek this month to learn more about her work and the significant impact she is making on lives and businesses.
What does your company do?
The focus in my business is two-fold: I partner with leaders and HR Teams on all people related matters with a specific focus on adopting an agile mindset. I emphasize the importance of human centricity in a world where artificial intelligence and technology is taking away the human connection.
In the coaching side of my business, I partner with individuals that need an outside-in approach. I support them to get clarity on their current reality, their ambition and what they want to achieve. Most importantly, I support them to turn their ambitions into reality.
“I've been there, I've done that, I got the T-shirt. I epitomize women who reinvent themselves and create a life where they can flourish.”
What inspired you to start your company?
After being part of the corporate world for more than two decades, I was in dire need of a change. I left my permanent role looking to find a sense of balance and, at the same time, a new challenge that will stretch my abilities in a different way. Although I was not sure what my next chapter would look like, I was committed to building a business where I can inspire and influence others. In my corporate role, I have seen many people getting stuck. I have also witnessed the impact of a toxic culture. With this in mind, I knew that where I go next, I had to make a difference on a personal and an organisational level.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
I've been there, I've done that, I got the T-shirt. I epitomize women who reinvent themselves and create a life where they can flourish. I’m passionate about creating environments where people can thrive. My product and services are based on human connection and a safe space where others can learn and grow.
“I’m passionate about creating environments where people can thrive. My product and services are based on human connection and a safe space where others can learn and grow.”
Tell us a little about your team
I'm part of a blended family, happily married to my high school sweetheart and mom to four teenagers. I love the simple things in life..walking on the beach...my favourite time is spending with loved ones around a long dinner table, drinking a G&T.
On a more serious note; I have more than 20 years of corporate experience and in my last role, I was part of the global HR leadership team representing the Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia region. In this role, I have led multi-national teams through transition and change management.
In my career, I worked as a Payroll and HR consultant, a Consulting Business Manager and managed the Internal Training function. I established the HR department and was the HR director when the business won the Deloitte Best Company to Work For, for three consecutive years.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My grandmother had her own florist and was a very successful businesswoman in 1960. I have spent many holidays in her shop helping her with various tasks. My mum was a stay at home parent and my biggest supporter; always encouraging me to be financially independent.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future dreams are to host my own TV show and to build a getaway haven for women to press pause, reflect and discover their unique gifts and potential. A place where they can connect to what is important to them and to explore how they can build themselves up.
“My future dreams are to host my own TV show and to build a getaway haven for women to press pause, reflect and discover their unique gifts and potential. A place where they can connect to what is important to them and to explore how they can build themselves up.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The flexibility, the ability to live my purpose and passion, to inspire and influence a wide audience. I can say I love what I do every day (except the admin that I outsource to my virtual assistant).
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
What we do every day defines us. I had to learn to be critical on what I spent my time on and ensure it is a priority and a good investment. I learned that it is about boundary management rather than time management, and you cannot be everything to everyone. It is really Okay to say No.
I have the first-hand experience that “perfect” can be a big blind spot. When I started out, I wanted everything to be in place: the website, my marketing collateral, my automated e-mail response, my full client database, etc. I needed to remind myself that the only way to grow is to get outside of my comfort zone and learn as I go on. It was (and still is) quite an enlightening and empowering experience. When you are focused on learning, it is amazing what you can achieve.
Be intentional about personal growth - you will be stretched outside your comfort zone so embrace it and learn something new every day. I make it my priority to spend time with people who inspire me to stretch myself.
More importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun and be real – about yourself and your business outcomes. People don’t buy goods and services, they buy connections, stories and magic.
Find out more Anja van Beek Consulting & Coaching
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | EMAIL hello@anjavanbeek.co.za
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we love meeting women entrepreneurs who are passionate about improving the lives of others, and to helping businesses to achieve their growth and impact goals. Anja van Beek is a business coach who understands how to navigate both of these goal paths. Her vast corporate experience, together with her ability to engage with people from all business backgrounds and sectors, makes her an inspirational business coaching partner to have on side. Anja’s impact continues to be felt by all those who want to realize their business and personal ambitions. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa