René has dedicated over 16 years of her career to academia, holding various positions at both public and private universities. She served as the Programme Coordinator of the BCom Economics and Law degree at Akademia, held roles as a senior lecturer and researcher at Akademia and the Albert Luthuli Centre for Responsible Leadership at the University of Pretoria and worked as a senior researcher at the University of South Africa, Institute for Corporate Citizenship.

René holds a diverse educational background including a B Com, LLB; LLM, and PhD in Leadership. Her research focuses on the social construction of leadership, integrated reporting, responsible investment, and sustainable development.

Since 2020, René has also ventured into the consulting space, contributing her expertise to Trialogue, a sustainability consulting firm in South Africa, where she advised on integrated reporting strategy, sustainability and transparency reports.

René is recognized as an experienced leader, facilitator, lecturer, and researcher with exceptional communication, organizational, and analytical skills. She is deeply passionate about developing young, responsible leaders and equipping them to become purpose-driven individuals through knowledge, vision, and health.

COACHING & FACILITATION OFFERINGS

• Leadership Development Training & Facilitation
• Facilitation on Materiality Determination
• Strategy Facilitation Focused on Sustainability
• Keynote Speaker

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

My facilitation style: Energetic, authentic, transformative learning, deep learning, positively challenging.

What gets me out of bed in the morning: Coffee and then hot pod yoga.

I get a real kick out of: Intellectually challenging conversations, training, and development.

What I most look forward to when working with a new client: I am a problem root seeker – this is the reason why I enjoy doing research and spent so much time in academia. BUT I also like to find practical solutions to problems for clients.

Outside of work, you’ll find me: Spending quality time with my family, in the hot pod yoga class, walking/ hiking, reading, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, cooking for friends and entertaining, and drinking amazing South African wines. OH, and don’t forget drinking coffee…

My dream client: Should have a firm conviction that fostering personal growth is not merely an add on, but at the heart of success and sustainability for any business. They are keen to engage in collaborative learning alongside their team members and would like to create a more socially and environmentally friendly world. Embracing a mindset of openness to fresh perspectives and a hunger to enhance their performance, they are always on the lookout for opportunities to elevate their skills. Additionally, they value individual freedom and fostering workspaces that support sustainable growth.

The number one thing I’ve learnt as a facilitator: I learn something new, every day!