Startup Story
Dr Michélle Booysen is the CEO of the Pétanque NXT Group, providing business leaders with the clarity to implement necessary changes swiftly and effectively, through its offices in South Africa and The Netherlands. Michélle is a consultant with over 35 years of experience spanning the legal profession and economics, driven by a passion for using enterprise as a catalyst for societal progress. She holds a PhD in Economics, a Bachelor of Law and Economics degree, and a multitude of other academic and practical application qualifications. Michélle specializes in integrating change and performance improvement by mapping and analyzing business processes. The business was founded in 2002 and today employs 17 people.
LoA spoke to Michélle about her entrepreneurial journey, her passion for using enterprise as a catalyst for societal progress, and her ambitions for the future.
What does your company do?
Pétanque NXT provides business leaders with the clarity to implement necessary changes swiftly and effectively. By co-creating solutions in storyboards, roadmaps, and milestones, they address complex challenges faced by businesses, including opportunities, risks, vulnerabilities, performance demands, automation needs, regulatory compliance, technological and web 3.0 transitions, role clarity, and ESG integration. The Pétanque NXT team makes a change not a challenge but an opportunity for growth and success. In short, clarity builds confidence for change with results.
“The Pétanque NXT team makes a change not a challenge but an opportunity for growth and success. In short, clarity builds confidence for change with results.”
What inspired you to start your company?
Our purpose is to make a difference and reduce poverty. For us, an enterprise is a tool for growth, on a global scale. A successful enterprise provides services, products, and employment. In turn they build micro-economies where families have income, there is food, children learn, there is connectivity and transport, animals are cared for, and life is good. Successful, ethical, social, and environmental awareness enterprises bring progress.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We deliver high-value, high-impact work in a way that is distinctly different from competitors and other businesses that offer the services we bring, and since “work” is the majority part of people’s lives for a long time, we wanted to create a business that people loved working in and with.
Tell us a little about your team:
With a core team of 8 eight dedicated members who have been with the company since its inception. These professionals bring a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise, making them a balanced and cohesive unit. Their close-knit dynamic fosters a sense of unity rather than mere colleagues.
“Our purpose is to make a difference and reduce poverty. For us, an enterprise is a tool for growth, on a global scale.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Not coming from an entrepreneurial background, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Law and Economics degree, an Honors degree in Economics, a master’s degree in health economics along with various certifications, she is driven by a passion for using enterprise as a catalyst for societal progress – to make a difference.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Further plans and aspirations for the business? To keep focus and growth on the South African company, and to gain momentum in the Netherlands with our current portfolio gaining impetus for our Blockchain and AI technology.
“A successful enterprise provides services, products, and employment. In turn they build micro-economies where families have income, there is food, children learn, there is connectivity and transport, animals are cared for, and life is good. Successful, ethical, social, and environmental awareness enterprises bring progress.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most satisfying aspect of being an entrepreneur is the ability to transform ideas into reality. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a vision come to life, create something valuable, and make a positive impact that aligns with our Mission: Making a difference 115. The journey involves constant learning, creativity and problem-solving, which keeps me intellectually stimulated and engaged. Additionally, the flexibility to shape my own path, innovate without constraints, and build a team of passionate individuals who share my mission adds to the sense of accomplishment. Ultimately, it's the blend of creativity, impact, and personal growth that makes entrepreneurship so gratifying.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Always, always have a Plan B.
Find out more:
Email: moira@petanquenxt.com
Website: http://www.petanquenxt.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PetanqueNXT
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we are big fans of women entrepreneurs who make positive change happen for others, particularly for other business owners. Dr Michélle Booysen is doing just that with her impact-focused business, Pétanque NXT Group. She is providing business leaders with the clarity to implement necessary changes swiftly and effectively. Michélle and her team are providing much-needed guidance and practical expertise to help their clients navigate complex challenges and find solutions. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa