Working with Gwendolen
Coaching Testimonials
What did I get from my executive coaching with Gwendolen? More than I can describe but in a nutshell – freedom, wisdom and the right combination of push and support.
Gwendolen helped me connect to my innate brilliance, develop my resilience and combined practical and cognitive insights and practices to help me embed this.
Gwendolen is very professional, accomplished and has a deep knowledge of what she does. In her coaching, she uses a variety of tools and practices which combine to create a unique and truly powerful journey.
Gwendolen has a gift for building the coaching relationship and has an insight into people which is at times uncanny.
Her brand is very unique, creative and real.
She holds space with courage, depth and humour.
I found her coaching incredibly powerful. My time with Gwendolen touched me, kept me on track, enriched me, informed me and helped me see what else is possible.
Roswitha Becker
I was referred to Gwendolen by a fellow lawyer and can wholeheartedly recommend her services.
Having to juggle things like a master juggler and manage “the tyranny of the billable hour” were among the challenges that I bought into my Coaching Program with Gwendolen. Having a focus and paying attention to my coaching objectives was helpful and I quickly started introducing highly effective “practices” and “action steps”. This was fantastic!
Coaching gave me the permission I needed to look at myself and my behaviour. It provided focus and another set of lens giving me a sense of perspective and allowing me to change some of my habitual scripts.
Gwendolen helped me make changes that allowed me to do more than “just cope”. She mirrored back to me themes and patterns that were showing up in my life and work – right down to becoming more aware of the way I moved! This was highly insightful. I slowed down, felt more in control, more at ease, more comfortable in challenging work situations that before would cause me considerable stress. As profoundly, coaching gave me the space to reflect on parenting, family and relationship issues and, in that process, come up with new strategies which, while often small, had a surprising impact on the entire system. I am pleased that I made this investment and know it has enhanced my personal and professional resilience.
Nicola Caine
The coaching I’ve had with Gwendolen has been one of the most beneficial things that have happened for me in the last two years. Not only was I able to explore how I came to be in the place that I was in in terms of my career, I felt supported, held and heard and I experienced many ah-ha moments through the process. I became awakened to many things within myself that I had not ever explored. I believe being facilitated and supported in this process accelerated my personal growth in a fascinating way. I realised that I had made many decisions about my career path due to outside influence and very little from listening to what my heart wanted. I also became aware of how I had done very little forward thinking – I never fully explored future possibilities or the actual reality of the career path I had chosen to embark on when I had started studying.
Another hugely beneficial experience was to see all the different “aspects” of my life and how I felt about each one – I was able to pinpoint that many of my feelings of inferiority, irritation and unhappiness came from a deep dissatisfaction with my career at that time. This awareness sparked so many thought-processes for me. And in retrospect, my coaching with Gwendolen was the planting of the seed of where I am at today.
Today I follow my heart, with joyous feelings, and positive thoughts about the fact that I am doing what I feel is my life’s purpose. I live with a sense of excitement about my future, and a sense of satisfaction that I am no longer fighting myself and doing something because others, or society dictates that I should do it. I have come to a place of peace. Not only do I feel empowered about the choices that I have made, everyday is an day of learning – of learning with love, for others and for myself!
Bevan Reynolds
I started my coaching journey with Gwendolen approximately a year ago. As a result, my thinking and leadership skills have been greatly enhanced and I have a greater awareness of self. At the time I started coaching with Gwendolen, I was ready to throw in the towel. I learnt to appreciate and embrace the complexities of being a single mom and career women. My relationship with my family as well as with my colleagues profoundly improved.
I am still on a journey of discovering my true purpose but what I know is that true leadership begins with looking deep inside my self and being aware of how my own actions can either enhance or hamper my growth.
Gwendolen is blessed with the ability to listen with compassion and is able to interpret my words and communicates back in a simple and clear manner.
I am tougher, happier and more resilient, because I understand that both my successes and failures have contributed positively to the dynamic woman I am today.
Glenda Williams
Gwendolen and I were part of each other’s life for the last 9 months. From my side it was a real roller coaster journey and the coaching process an absolute wow experience! The first time we sat down I was insecure and not really knowing my purpose. This leadership program took me out of my doubt and my comfort zone.
And then, without even knowing how, I just started to stand up and stand my ground and make an difference.
I just been given the opportunity for a higher position, more responsibilities more pressure but this coaching made it not a burden but a total challenge. I had to juggle to do the program and do my work. Staying positive were a challenge but worth while.
Gwendolen is no push over, she has the skill and ability to let you see your weak part and at the same time bring out a strength to overcome the obstacle. She is highly focused and demanding but it is more of a pull and a push in the direction that will allow you to see your potential, see how your strengths can overcome doubt and build the negative energy in positive energy.
I recommend Gwendolen highly. If she could make such a change with me, I’m sure any stubborn or negative candidate Gwendolen can turn around. THANK YOU!
Gerhard Schutte
My “VIP” coaching with Gwendolen has been exceptionally beneficial, providing me with a clearer perspective into my own ambitions, motives and inhibiting beliefs. With this greater awareness of self, I find I am better equipped to make appropriate decisions for my future, with crisp motivation to do so.
Gwendolen was professional, insightful and engaging. We looked through multiple lens: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. More importantly, she empowered me to move from concept into action. I can’t recommend her coaching highly enough.
JJ van der Vyver
I chose Gwendolen as my personal coach from 2012 through 2013 and we had regular telephone / Skype coaching sessions that helped give me immense clarity and direction during a time of transition.
Gwendolen is nurturing yet challenging; structured yet creative; supportive while helping you build resilience, courage and confidence so that you know you’re well resourced to forge your way ahead. I’d highly recommend Wendy to anyone seeking a highly professional, expert coach.
Katie Demain
Meeting with someone who is neither a friend, partner or colleague has been most beneficial. I have been able to talk to my coach, put things into words, think things through and find solutions in a way that I would never have been able to without Gwendolen as my leadership guide and thinking partner.
Coaching with Gwendolen has been a very powerful experience for me. Gwendolen asked me questions I would never have thought of before and certainly never have taken the time to answer in such detail. She helped me come up with not just one option but a couple but without telling me what to do. This has been hugely valuable.
Coaching gave me the space to be and think more creatively. Instead of arriving back at work in “go mode”, I allowed time for reflection.
Gwendolen also helped me work with a number of assumptions. I became more present. I am less reactive. I have become much calmer. I now stop when I am faced with something and no longer feel so pressurised to make a decision. I will take time to think a thing through – even if I have to shut my door. I would recommend her highly as a leadership coach.
Nicci Probert
Coaching has given me more than I ever expected. Although business coaching, the coaching bridged what was happening for me personally and what I needed to develop. Working in this way gave me far more powerful tools than if we had just looked at the situational. Each session I wondered what more we could possibly cover. I was always amazed that in session after session more layers were exposed and we unraveled so much more. I have realised that I can be who I am and that I am becoming more authentic as a leader which is very freeing. I feel I have moved back into my power and that this is coming through in my persona and at work. I have now created space to observe which is allowing me more choice in how to be and respond in the world. I feel much more balanced in my life. Before it was about being in control; now I feel I have more control.
I am so grateful to Gwendolen, from the bottom of my heart, for all that she has helped me discover these past few months.
Lei Lester
I signed up for coaching with Gwendolen because I was in search of discernment over personal matters that have been unresolved for years. I wanted to find answers which were true for myself. What I gained was a profound reconnection with my self, clarity, the answers I was looking for and the courage to make the decisions I knew I needed to make.
Gwendolen is highly intuitive and was able to help me identify areas of myself I had hidden deep down. She helped me re-focus my energy on more positive aspects of myself. I would absolutely recommend Gwendolen without hesitation.
Sarah-Jane Capazario
At the beginning of my coaching, I had low self-confidence, lacked structures I needed for work and I had lost sight of my potential. Gwendolen believed in me from the minute she listened to my story and she never imposed her ideas on me. During the coaching, I used to talk a lot….lol! I poured my heart out and sometimes also my tears. We would sometimes do breathing exercises which I found most amazing simply because it worked. I was calmer and more relaxed. I became much stronger and I was able to speak my mind more.
My public speaking skills improved as we did practice runs together and she would be my audience. Gwendolen introduced me to Toastmasters. There I further honed my speaking skills. I am now speaking confidently in big groups.
What changed was the way I saw myself. Coaching helped me to know myself better, be committed to self-improvement and to be the best I can be.
Violette Mureko
Wow, what a journey! It’s been tough, it’s been an effort but it’s been so worth it in the end. Gwendolen seemed to recognize exactly what it was I needed at every step.
I want to thank you, Gwendolen, for coming on this journey with me. We worked hard and we achieved a lot. We worked well together. I am walking away with so much I do not know where to start.
Your coaching notes were a gift and I am honoured to have received these from you. They are a great reflection tool and from time to time I go through them and it reminds me where I came from and where I am now. I even laugh at some of the truths they highlighted.
At first struggling with the Vision Statement, I now understand its purpose. In a very busy and confused mind this has opened up so much possibility and direction, this has now become the new voice in my head.
Embracing anxiety, my greatest obstacle. Becoming curious about the feeling instead of getting tangled up in it allowed for the very important “What am I attached to?” question to arise which almost instantly led to the release of the attachment, and the anxiety it caused, allowing me to move forward. I understand that it will always be there but my coaching with Gwendolen gave me the tool set to deal with it which has been invaluable.
And then there is the journaling or Morning Pages. I did not see the point of this but was willing to give it a try and I am glad I did. For a month every morning I wrote down whatever came to mind and have to say what came out there will scare the bravest people I know. Then I realised how untidy my ‘house’ was. By doing this, I not only started a mind cleaning ritual but also made valuable space for the ‘new’ to come in. With the spaciousness coming through, frustration and irritation seem to diminish. I can honestly say I am more at peace with me. I am truly grateful for having Gwendolen as my coach.
Natalie Bloom
I met Gwendolen under a vulnerable situation in my life and immediately I felt I could trust her to help me crack through my vulnerabilities. I will treasure my coaching journey with her for the rest of life.
The journey with Gwendolen was filled with self discovery experiences and was fulfilling. Each coaching session I never knew what to expect and every session enabled me to move from one point to the next. Exercises I did with Gwendolen were very valuable and I use them everyday as part of my daily routine.
My vision in life is now very clear and I work towards achieving it ever day. Gwendolen has been inspiring and exceptional to work with. Many thanks once again for this valuable life changing experience I had with you. God bless.
Dawn Mthombeni
Gwendolen Ward is a very talented, intuitive coach who employs a holistic approach in the way she supports her clients to seek and realize the outcomes they desire. I appreciate her passion, rigour and discipline to her craft.
Shanaaz Majiet
Gwendolen has been my coach for a number of years. She operates as a thinking partner and has helped me stay on track with my objectives and achieve my goals.
Gwendolen has helped me stay focused, disciplined, to lead in new ways, to create balance and to acknowledge my inner self. Her regular Coaching Notes have allowed me to engage in a meta level reflection which has been hugely valuable.
Gwendolen is a professional coach with a clear coaching model, a resourceful coaching tool kit and a thorough understanding of human psychology and development. She has the ability to ask incisive questions and get to the core of any issue. She is not side tracked by “executive talk” and has a great ability to handle complexity.
I truly believe that the coaching is contributing to the way I live my life. I experience that I can respond with more wisdom than being just a fighter pilot! I can highly recommend Gwendolen to any executive who would like to better themselves and keep ahead of their game.
Daan Mare
From the outset Gwendolen impressed me with her ability to listen and feed back with great accuracy. I felt she used not only cognitive listening skills but also her empathetic skills. Gwendolen would very quickly pickup on how I was feeling and emotionally responding to any given question or topic of discussion then clearly feed back to me in her own words. There was a sense of safety and containment in the space Gwendolen provided. I felt she built trust and intimacy organically, giving me the space to explore boundaries, share my thoughts and ideas and examine my emotional reactions. I felt Gwendolen was particularly good at breaking down goals, providing very clear step by step action plans, without loosing sight of what I ultimately wanted to achieve, making progress simple and contained.
Gwendolen’s feedback notes were clear and concise providing me with an accurate account of our previous session, what we had contracted to achieve before our next session and any added readings or information Gwendolen felt may be of interest and help with my process. I would highly recommend Gwendolen Ward as a coach as I feel that her very clear understanding of the process made for an exciting yet secure journey through growth.
MA Boulle
My request of Gwendolen was that she be my ‘thinking partner’. To this end she was that and so much more! Where I ended up was not what I had envisaged at the outset! I wanted Gwendolen to hold a space of mirroring back what she heard me say; to challenge me when she heard something that sounded off-key; to hold me accountable to my goals and desires. Yes, I achieved a number of the ‘tick the box’ goals and yet the ‘so much more’ was around the insights relative to my way of being that really hit home.
Gwendolen brought a calmness to our conversations; almost like looking into a still pool of water and being in a position to reflect with clarity. It is with appreciation and thanks to Gwendolen that I am in a position to be still in my busyness and for this I am grateful as this is worth far more than the ticking of boxes.
Juanene Freydman
At the beginning of my coaching program with Gwendolen, I was looking for a sounding board and mentor at a crucial juncture in my career, specifically whether or not I should remain at the bar. During the coaching, I had the opportunity to explore my motivation for choosing to practice as an advocate and the passion which I have for my work.
Coaching helped me reorient myself, and to become more clear and focused on where I was going and where I ultimately want to be. I decided to take on Gwendolen as my coach because I was very impressed by her outlook and coaching philosophy presented at the Fine Women Business Breakfast. I found space to be fully heard. I started meditating and finding room for simply being. I find that I am generally more grounded and confident in both work and social situations and feel far better equipped to cope with challenges.
Gwendolen is a compassionate, inspiring and quietly challenging guide. I would highly recommend her as a coach.
Melanie Holderness
I am an actress and started coaching with Gwendolen because I wanted to grow in the creative process, continue working on myself and become more aware of my beliefs and patterns while working on my insecurities. During the coaching, I made big decisions and was able to feel comfortable with these decisions and not keep questioning them or myself. What changed was that I started playing to the beat of my own drum. Gwendolen was very understanding, giving and I enjoyed working with her. She made it easy to open up and talk to her. I would say that overall my time with Gwendolen helped me make a very big decision in my life and own it and learn to trust myself more.
Lauren Harris
I was looking for a greater understanding of myself, clarity, direction, a personal and professional vision. I took on Gwendolen as my Happiness Coach as that was what I was after. Gwendolen came across as a reputable coach always pushing the envelope. This was not always comfortable but necessary for my growth. I really enjoyed Gwendolen’s energy. She helped me apply principles of resilience in my life.
Rustiem Ariefdien
What I hoped to gain from coaching with Gwendolen was access to my inner power and to harness my full potential. Before I started coaching with Gwendolen, I felt stuck; I was unable to successfully complete the projects that I had started, finding every reason to procrastinate or simply find something to distract me from dedicating myself to the completion of anything of great significance. Not because I did not have the ability to do so, but because I was afraid of how it would change my life. I didn’t know why this was and had to find out.
During the coaching I was able to confront the barriers that kept me from realising my full potential. I left the 6 months coaching with Gwendolen with an incredible feeling of emancipation and enlightenment. I now approach the daily tasks and projects that I aim to accomplish in a strategic and organised manner and use various tools to keep myself on track. But most importantly, I now know that I deserve to experience the joy and satisfaction of accomplishing great things, I deserve to grow! Gwendolen skillfully, yet gently, steered me in the right direction, offering and suggesting tools to assist me on my journey. These tools I continue to use as they keep me grounded and focused.
Anna-Marie Blumears
Gwendolen is a phenomenal coach and I would highly recommend her sessions. My objective of being able to face an interviewer and enter back into the workplace from a wholesome, “Real Me” has been reached. This was about knowing what I want, recognizing and accepting and appreciating all the aspects of me. Embracing this has put me in a strong position to look for a job with self-confidence and a positive attitude. It has also empowered me to face rejection AND reach for more than I did before. I now look forward to accepting a position that reflects my abilities and my passions and that is not merely a means to earn money.
But my coaching with Gwendolen gave me far more. I am able to create my world how I would like it and my behaviour patterns accordingly. As my coach, Gwendolen made this possible by asking the right questions at the right time. She made me look at myself and my issues from “out of my own box”, enabling me to give answers to myself. Her non- judgmental and inviting, non prescriptive approach helped me “ease” from one layer to the next. Thank you, Gwendolen!
Bee Luky (first coaching program)
When I started coaching with Gwendolen, I was beginning a new step in my career and felt at a loss and overwhelmed in my new position. I came back to Gwendolen as she had been my coach in the past and I trusted implicitly.
I have been amazed again and again at the depths of this process. With each session, Gwendolen led me to deeper and deeper insights. At times it was challenging. I found myself facing situations that I would have avoided in the past. I learnt how to hold my ground and remain in integrity. I faced challenges and threats that would have terrified and intimidated me before, with calm, confidence and even flair. I developed a strong sense of my identity and came to a deep appreciation of my value and worth.
Gwendolen supported and guided me as I faced some of my deepest fears, not just once, but several times. I learnt to be resilient in ways I had not imagined. I am now at a point where although there is still considerably uncertainty I am able to sit comfortably with that level of ambiguity and, realistically, face what is ahead without worry.
I loved the way each session would be quite different. The one day we walked in the mountains. I couldn’t believe the unexpected insights that came to me during that session alone!
Gwendolen has a gift for what she does. She is able to hold various trains of thought and complexity, bringing back focus where necessary. She is fully present and lacking any judgement of you or your situation and yet open to offer stimulating ideas and advice where fit. Gwendolen has bought new things to my consciousness and, infact, changed my life. Thank you!
Bee Luky (second coaching program)
After Gwendolen’s coaching life did not change immediately, else I would have written this then. However it has been 9 months and I am a different person with all these amazing tools that have assisted me in creating an amazing brand with the most amazing team, and the most amazing clients. Gwendolen, I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for ALL your help, guidance and support.
Sam Fouche
When I started the coaching process with Gwendolen I felt hopelessly locked into a single trajectory. My life felt filled with things that I could not control with very little room for me. I felt lost and nothing really seemed to be moving forward in my life. I was certainly not the master of my own journey.
The outcome of coaching was not what I expected. I thought I was going to get to some magical place and everything would just fall into place. What I really got was a better way to ask myself the important questions over and over. What do I want? Is this part of my plan and not someone else’s? When am I listening to the wrong voice? When I use those powerful questions I can get back on track even when things are not going well.
Gwendolen’s coaching helped me move forward, create boundaries, love myself more, forgive myself more often and choose what battles to fight. I was able to let go of SO much and created space for myself. I gained a different perspective and was able to challenge my current norm. This process gave me mental hand rails with which I was able to pull myself up from my current circumstance and look at the world beyond.
Gwendolen is a true agent of change. She has always been a person to challenge the conventional and her core motivation is constant reinvention.
Tom Tyson
Gwendolen is an amazing and professional woman and coach and has the ability to hold an awesome space. I trust that anyone going on a coaching journey with her will benefit tremendously from her joyous spirit and incredible insight!
Hayley Manson
I have known Gwendolen since we studied together in 2010 for our Diploma in Practitioner Coaching. She was my coach for a while. Gwendolen is one of the most thoughtful, fun and interesting people I know. Uniquely, in my experience, she combines a calm wisdom with supreme energy. She is very connected with her own emotions and sense of being and has an empathy for others that is rare in an individual, seemingly able to connect at any level with any person. I recommend her without hesitation to anyone considering her services. She will not disappoint you.
Ian James
In looking over our Coaching Notes starting in Nov 2010, I recall clearly being apprehensive of the process and not really believing that the “answers are within me”. To my delight Gwendolen was calming and re-assuring just as I remembered from our first business meeting a few months earlier. My biggest concern at the time was settling into my new leadership role in which I had about 5 different functions which left me quite overwhelmed. The one staff member that we had was not performing and not responding to my guidance, which was causing me great stress.
Gwendolen, with your guidance as my “thinking partner” (pushing me to think) not only have I grown personally but the business has grown from a 3 man office to 6 member team with two temp staff. We have also grown strong in our administration and systems. The bonus for me is that the one employee that was causing all my stress has blossomed beautifully in our new dynamic environment, which is a testament to the ripple effect from our coaching sessions. This is but one victory noted there have been many little victories in our time together.
Your professionalism and genuine interest has made the journey easier (facing one’s demons is not exactly a garden tea party). I look forward to a continued “thinking” partnership and will continue to recommend you highly. Thank you!
Joy Minnies
I feel warm, fuzzy and safe right now. When you look at me with your eyes I think you can see right into my soul. And this is your greatest gift. I feel seen and recognized in your presence. I think people want this more than anything. A place just to be human, not to have all the answers, not to have your shit all together. A place to take off your masks and be real. This is your work. To hold space for people to find their authentic self, even if it is challenging. This the only place we can find true freedom. And this is what Gwendolen calls sovereignty.
Hoffman
Coaching with Gwendolen has had profound affects in my life. People being coached need to realise that they ultimately need to do the work, and that it is not easy – sometimes I feel that people often think that no work is required, that your coach will “fix me” – I have been through this, but what I have realised is that it is HARD work. Especially when you have stubborn/ deep seated habits/ reactions from past experiences. I couldn’t have done this without Gwendolen as my guide.
Nandi Mncwabe
I signed up for Gwendolen’s VIP Coaching because I was in search of discernment over personal matters that have been unresolved for years. I wanted to find answers which were true for myself. What I gained was a profound reconnection with my self, clarity and the answers I was looking for and the courage to make the decisions I knew I needed to make. Gwendolen is a highly intuitive and gifted coach and facilitator. she really found the right arrears to focus on. Over the course of the weekend, she helped me identify areas of myself I had hidden deep down and she helped me re-focus my energy on more positive aspects of myself. I would absolutely recommend this program to others.
Recollect and Reconnect VIP Weekend Coaching Client
Courses & Workshops
Gwendolen’s wisdom and coaching is truly exceptional! From the moment that I started the Power of Presilience course, huge shifts started taking place on many levels. I felt and continue to feel, a deep sense of happiness, presence and awareness of new possibilities and ways of being.
However, before starting with Gwendolen, I felt stuck in my personal patterns, responses and career development. I felt resigned that on some level things would not change, could not change, as I found that I kept experiencing similar obstacles.
Now, having finished this program with Gwendolen, I find that I am able to implement what she taught into my decisions and awareness, and for the first time I have a real sense of things moving forward. Gems of wisdom and awareness are given with much humour, honesty, depth and passion! The group coaching greatly strengthened this, giving connection, confidence and shared experience.
I highly recommend the Presilience course to anyone wanting to thrive, to live in happiness, presence, and actualise potential!
Michelle Bestwick ~ Power of Presilience Participant
Thank you for the beauty and presence with which you held a safe space throughout the past 6 modules. Gwendolen’s dedication and insight into her subject were evident in the way she conveyed her message and took us on a journey along a carefully laid out path. This 6-week course allowed me to dig really deep and led me into those parts of me that hid beneath those limiting beliefs that automatically showed up in challenging situations. My new understanding of resilience, on many levels, has given me a much greater awareness towards mindfulness and also the courage to live my life more fully as me. Presiliently!”
Martin Gevers - Power of Presilience Participant
During my amazing 6-week process, I learned to tap into various intelligences and make resilient choices about how I connect and communicate in the world. I have become conscious about self-talk and the power that it has when I am present and conscious. Presilience covers so many aspects of daily life that I found myself re-thinking time-management, my unconscious rituals, being purposeful and persistent, being open to knowledge, advice and assistance while consciously focussing on my strengths and what is important. I would recommend this workshop to everyone who feels that they need an injection of focus, energy and direction in their lives and those who want to explore what happiness and success is and how to live a fuller and more meaningful life.
Kym Jackson ~ Power of Presilience Participant
The shifts/changes/learning I experienced during this course were profound and insightful. Gwendolen was inspired and engaged and allowed all participants to feel safe to free to experience and share any insights and ‘aha’ moments that emerged during the course. I am enriched and more empowered to live a more meaningful life through it lifting so many veils around our limiting beliefs. I highly recommend this course with gratitude.
Stephen Cory ~ Power of Presilience Participant
Before starting Gwendolen’s course I was a very negative person in a very negative place. I found my thoughts overwhelming and stressful. Gwendolen’s 6-week program has given me the tools to help manage my negativity by becoming aware of my thinking patterns and the language I use everyday. I see now how I can choose to change these thoughts to more positive ones, and hopefully this will eventually become second nature. Gwendolen created a safe space which allowed me (and all of us) to be our true selves and spend time with ourselves really thinking about what we want and where we are trying get to. It is not often in life you have the opportunity to do this! It was not an easy process and you need to be committed to the journey. I hope I can continue to use the tools Gwendolen has provided me with so that I can live a life that is full of happiness, acceptance and success.
Kerene Miller ~ Power of Presilience Participant
The Power of Presilience Program was a truly powerful journey that Gwendolen took us on during a relatively short space of time. The course far outshone my expectations. I had been mourning the part of me that was lost due to my divorce and changed circumstances and blamed it on all sorts of things, generally choosing to be helpless about it. During the course my thinking gradually changed and I have emerged into a much happier more hopeful space. Thank you and bless you, Gwendolen, for appearing in my life when you did.
Solveig McCormick ~ Power of Presilience Participant
I loved the interactions with other people. The sharings, the openness, seeing what is common to all of us… and the sense of play and possibility. Gwendolen’s coaching was infused with vitality and heart, her quirky personality and quick intelligence. The whole course was fresh and real and Gwendolen’s infectious passion shone through brightly. There is something alchemical about her work. I would unreservedly recommend Gwendolen as a coach for anyone who is feeling stuck, not sure how to take the next step, or needing a fresh perspective.
Jill Mackay ~ Power of Presilience Participant
This was perfect timing! This course was an important gift that came at an important time. Gwendolen’s 6-week Power of Presilience program has been a catalyst of great change and growth for me. The lessons…the releasing…. the tools given to me by Gwendolen during this period, cradled and equipped me to live out this metamorphosis with freshly honed skills in resilience. I am stronger and more empowered thanks to this course. Learning to be present and applying these skills in this fast-paced and harsh world is by no means easy but a challenge I willingly accepted. Being mindful moment to moment, has unleashed a great power within myself and I already witnessed how this even effects people around me.
Gwendolen has many gifts and talents. Teaching and coaching are two. I believe what Gwendolen teaches should be taught in schools and in the work place, that’s how important I feel her work is to communities. Thank you for your serendipitous ways, Gwendolen Ward!
Vernita van Niekerk ~ Power of Presilience Participant
This entire course was incredibly relevant. I found Gwendolen’s coaching style very suited to me and my value system. I appreciated her brilliant timing, her ability to think on her feet and her sharp instincts to keep the pace of the session in sync with her group.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who seeks to improve their quality of life with tools to support living in these challenging times. Anyone who is looking to grow, heal and evolve in mind, heart & spirit. You will most certainly walk away feeling as if you have shed the old, ready to accept the new and improved you.
Vernita's Mum ~ Power of Presilience Participant
When the pupil is ready the teacher appears. Gwendolen is both an awesome coach and a true soul.
Gwendolen gets right to the core of things. Her ability to really connect with each person is probably one of her greatest strengths. She seems to find that “thing” within each of us that needs recognition and nurturing, that makes one feel “OK” and helps us move towards our ultimate goals. She finds the “thing” that makes “sense” to a person. I would say one of her greatest assets is “hearing” and then cutting through the “nonsense” to help her students find answers. People respond to this even when it’s painful. She helps her clients to a clearer understanding of their power and purpose, pushing the envelope where necessary, always with care.
Gwendolen helped me overcome my self-doubt. I found my self-worth on this 6 week course. I found reasons to keep moving. She is without doubt the “complete package”.
Thank you Gwendolen, for guiding me to understand my blessings. Namaste.
Wren Dry ~ Power of Presilience Participant
The contents of this program have continued to sit with me, in a positive way. The Power of Presilience Program highlighted my thinking and what action was required to ensure maximum flexibility without compromising boundaries or self. It taught me that there are many ways of resolving issues and tackling problems, but primarily that knowing what I really, really, really wanted was movement in action, a continuous progression and refinement to finding solutions and giving substance to dreams. I am in that process now. So yes, things have shifted.
If you want to have fun, if you want to explore your psyche in a non-threatening, safe and contained way, if you want to open up to yourself and others, if you want a challenge, if you want to consolidate you’re thinking then this course is for you. Gwendolen will stretch you into action, laughter, playfulness and seriousness whilst honouring your divine self. This course is for everyone who wants to make a change and doesn’t think they have the right tools at hand. Gwendolen teaches you that you have everything you need to move forward.
Carla Boswell ~ Power of Presilience Participant
Thanks to the Power of Presilience Program, today my business is thriving. I have an amazing brand, the most amazing team and amazing clients. I could not have done this without Gwendolen. At first Gwendolen’s program was hard! This was because I knew I had to wake up and do it, LIFE! Then in the weeks that followed things became slightly easier because Gwendolen gave us tools to use that would assist us through the process of change. They were simple tools, not out there or impossible tools, but realistic and logical tools. Life did not change immediately, else I would have written this then. But as I learnt to practice what Gwendolen has taught, things changed. My staff, clients and family have her to thank for all the amazing stuff we do today.
Sam Fouche ~ Power of Presilience Participant
Before starting with the Presilience course, I felt stuck and resigned that on some level things would not change. From the moment that I started the course, huge shifts started taking place on many levels. I felt and continue to feel, a deep sense of happiness, presence and awareness of new possibilities and ways of being. For the first have a real sense of things moving forward. Gwendolen’s wisdom and coaching is truly exceptional! Gems of wisdom and awareness are given with much humour, honesty, depth and passion! The group coaching greatly strengthened this, giving connection, confidence and shared experience. I highly recommend the Presilience course to anyone wanting to thrive, to live in happiness, presence, and actualise potential!
Power of Presilience Participant
The contents of this program have continued to sit with me, in a positive way. And yes, things have shifted. If you want to have fun, if you want to explore your psyche in a non-threatening, safe and contained way, if you want to open up to yourself and others, if you want a challenge, if you want to consolidate your thinking – then this course is for you. Gwendolen will stretch you into action, laughter, playfulness and seriousness. She will see you for who you are.
This course is for everyone who wants to make a change and doesn’t think they have the right tools at hand. Gwendolen teaches you that you have everything you need to move forward.
Power of Presilience Participant
Before I started Gwendolen’s program, I was unsure about the real meaning of resilience and its absolute necessity to live a more meaningful and mindful life. During the program I came to understand and begin to apply the finer nuances of this vast topic. The shifts/changes/learning I experienced were profound and insightful. Gwendolen was inspired and engaged and allowed all participants to feel safe to free to experience and share any insights and ‘aha’ moments that emerged during the course. I am enriched and more empowered to live a more meaningful life through it lifting so many veils around our limiting beliefs. I highly recommend this course with gratitude.
Power of Presilience Participant
I thoroughly enjoyed the way Gwendolen presented this workshop on Integrating Presilience. The content was informative and provocative and Gwendolen presented with ease. I really appreciated her authenticity. I was curious about the name of the workshop and loved the idea of integrating 10 streams of intelligence to form a “new” presilience strength. I am well aware of the importance of integrating body, mind, heart and spirit when dealing with change or when achievement is desired, but this workshop gave me a useful framework to work with. I left with greater awareness of the various resilience skills we all possess in different degrees. It enabled me to see at a glance which skills are already well developed and where more growth was needed. Awesome and highly recommended.
Lorraine le Roux ~ Integrating Presilience Participant
Gwendolen’s facilitation is outstanding! She is knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated to her work. Her Integrating Presilience model of the 10 Streams of Intelligence and how they lead to developing resilience is inspiring in its simplicity while also being comprehensively profound. She makes resilience understandable and shows participants how they are able to develop it. Her workshops are fun, inspirational and impactful. Participants leave motivated and knowing what to do next, with a positive action step in place. Because she has been involved in fields as diverse as education and law she has the ability to communicate to a diverse audience. Gwendolen uses many learning styles, including dialogue and interaction which, being experiential, makes for better understanding and integration. Highly recommended.
Suzanne Leighton ~ Integrating Presilience Participant
I am very pleased I made the time to participate in this morning workshop with Gwendolen. I love how she has blended three powerful concepts (presence, brilliance and resilience) into her very own unique, innovative and imaginative model of ‘Integrating Presilience’. While there was only time for a cursory overview of her coaching model, Gwendolen provided enough information, and raised many engaging questions to support my own on-going inquiry and learning. I am sufficiently intrigued and curious to appropriate aspects of her model into my own coaching practice – both for my own self-development as a coach, and for the benefit of my coachees. I was reminded afresh that ‘resilience’ is a wonderful gift and resource that each of us has by virtue of being ‘human”. I highly recommend Wendy’s workshop for any coach, facilitator or educator.
Roger Arendse ~ Integrating Presilience Participant
I experienced Gwendolen’s “Integrating Presilience” workshop to be holistic, informative, accessible and inspiring. Gwendolen shares her content generously. I discovered new and greater awareness within myself with regard to my strengths and developmental needs in each of the ten streams of intelligence and believe that this has given me, and my clients, many new possibilities for our future coaching conversations. Gwendolen’s facilitation style is warm, holistic, inclusive and well as well-researched, informative and accessible.
Allison Hamilton ~ Integrating Presilience Participant
We were mostly strangers in the workshop but Gwendolen’s excellent facilitation soon created an atmosphere of trust & enabled us to engage fully with the concepts and integrate them into our own frame of reference, as well as to contribute fully to group discussion. This workshop was relevant and extremely valuable. The 10 KEYS were fascinating and it was so useful to see them as separate fields, each one complementing the other and how intra and inter-dependent they are. I think this will help me more clearly identify trends and patterns in clients and support them to build on their strengths, while working on their gaps. The Integrating Presilience Framework is most useful, as it pulls everything together in a coherent, integrated manner.
Pam Dicken ~ Integrating Presilience Participant
I would like to refer Gwendolen Ward. As a professional coach she empowers clients to harness their innate and collective intelligence to THRIVE or FLOURISH – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. She works with individuals, professionals, leaders and teams to foster greater resilience, brilliance and presence and with businesses to enhance organisational health, happiness and humanity.
She is passionate about working with clients who are searching for new levels of success and significance; individuals who are ready for change, willing to shift, expand, learn, unlearn, grow and evolve.
Peter Black ~ Integrating Presilience Participant
Gwendolen exceeded all my expectations. Thank you for helping me verbalise, find my words, see the essence of who I am becoming and for giving me the space to reassess my path. Thank you for your honesty when I asked for help. The day flowed, connected and breathed. The day was alive and you held us and guided us with exactly the right rhythm. Your care for each one of us was mirrored in your words, your silences (so essential) and your firmness. What struck me was that you reached everyone at whatever level they were at. The pre-work you gave us was essential and you adapted it so well. WOW!! The unity between us was palpable. Thank you.
YPO Retreat and Forum Attendee
I arrived excited and pensive. I was hoping for enlightenment, knowledge, insight. What opened up for me was huge insight into my essence and truth about myself.
What struck me was the incredible power of this state of being. During this day I came to a deep understanding of myself and I experienced the incredible power of intuition that is always there, but often hidden.
Gwendolen was AMAZING – truly in sync with our group, each one of us, a gifted guide and facilitator. She created an open and safe space in a beautiful environment.
I felt I was being guided on a path to greater joy. I would change nothing. I am leaving with a sense of realisation of possibility, a sense of my destiny, a sense of wholeness and a peace that is profound and quite magical.
YPO Retreat and Forum Attendee
At the beginning of the day I was a little skeptical about how much could be achieved in a single day.
What opened up for me is a reminder of how experiential exercises can generate much more profound “aha” moments and realisations than the merely theoretical. It was incredible tapping into our intuition to receive information and guidance.
Gwendolen was flexible, playful and highly intuitive. She held the space beautifully. The environment was safe and open and experimental.
What struck me was the massive amount of preparation and fluent knowledge Gwendolen has of each of us when arriving in this space, she really had done so much prep.
What I love and am leaving with is a strong sense of re-connection to the divine within me and one-ness with the Universe.
YPO Retreat and Forum Attendee
I came into this day open to possibility. I was intent on not controlling how things would be and going with the flow. The day truly confirmed for me that we all, and most importantly, that I carry greatness, a well of wisdom and all the answers I seek are within me. I have learnt that my journey and all its challenges were relevant to this realisation at this point in time.
Gwendolen was phenomenal in persuading me to trust the process and she helped me tap into my intuition. I thrive in this realisation.
I feel so energised, empowered and ready to live my purpose. I am leaving with the knowledge that I am powerful beyond measure. I am liquid gold.
Gwendolen you are an ALCHEMIST. You are so powerful and there is so much more to you. I respect you deeply and thank you!
YPO Retreat and Forum Attendee
At the beginning of the day I was quite nervous about what to expect. I woke up feeling quite tired but set the intention to have a day of enlightenment, learning, and growth.
I was not disappointed. I found myself in an environment and safe space where I could be honest, truthful and courageous. What struck me immediately was Gwendolen’s spiritual connection on top of her brilliant coaching and professional skills set. What I learnt is that I am an unopened rose with so much potential to blossom, to be profound, to move beyond my pain and my past, to move beyond my self-doubt and to change and be the best version of myself while being true to my inner essence of elegance, beauty and strength. What worked for me was the manner in which Gwendolen guided us through the processes. I only wish we had longer than one day. I am leaving with excitement and energy to move forward!!
YPO Retreat and Forum Attendee
I do not easily discuss or share feelings and emotions but Gwendolen opened my eyes and my heart. I can honestly say that I was 100% comfortable in opening up and sharing more of who I am knowing and trusting I was not being judged. Gwendolen you are truly an inspiration to me. The environment was safe in all aspects. Everything worked, all the pieces fitted together like a perfect puzzle. I am leaving fulfilled and happy and with lots more to learn and explore. Here’s to many more sessions with Wendy. Thank you.
YPO Retreat and Forum Attendee
To begin with I was a little nervous. I was hoping for a breakthrough in my understanding and wanting to change negative patterns. I was surprised at what opened up for me – the fact that I could look inside myself and that I could “see” differently. I learnt that I could trust myself even if I got it “wrong”. Gwendolen was a fantastic, calm and calming guide whose knowledge and empathy was humbling. I highly recommend her programs and her group coaching.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
This Master Class was exciting and unlike anything I have ever done before. but so worth it. Gwendolen was vibrant, open and dynamic. All too often we go to these kind of seminars and it a one-way knowledge exchange. This was different in the sense that it was rhizomatic in terms of learning structures and dialogue. I think that this allowed the conversations, ideas and exchanges to flow a lot further than they would have if it had been hierarchical. I learnt to access new levels of openness and flexibility in my thinking and being. As an academic and someone who works primarily with abstraction, I look for the solid and pragmatic and am less inclined to explore the purely existential. Gwendolen’s leadership and coaching style provided me with the perfect balance between left and right brain thinking and cemented so much of what it going on for me right now.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
This Master Class was enlightening, Gwendolen made it both personal and collaborative, experiential and theoretical. What struck me was how Gwendolen was particularly dynamic in thought, constantly engaging me to consider her words and my being.
What worked for me was the way the topic of the evening was explored. Giving time for self contemplation and interaction was great. It gave everyone a feeling of “ahh… that was quite cool, I’d like to think about this more in my day-to-day life”.
I learnt about the power of perception and that there are many different interpretations of what I say and what other say, and the importance of deep listening and well as clear communication.
If you have an open mind and you are keen to think and engage, you will get a great deal from Gwendolen’s work. Thanks again for you time Gwendolen, you rock!
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
This Master Class was illuminating, surprising, participative, positive and fun!
Gwendolen is dynamic, unconventional and creative in her facilitation.
What struck me was how engaged all the participants were in spite of being out of their comfort zones.
I would highly recommend this Masterclass – whether you are a millennial or boomer particularly if you are an introvert, frustrated at not being heard and wanting to be less invisible. You said to me: create your end results from your genius…and that has become my mantra.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
This Master Class was incredible.
Gwendolen was exceptional at orchestrating how the day unfolded. I personally appreciated not being forced to think a certain way about the topic of discussion. Gwendolen was honest about what made her uncomfortable and this gave us permission to show up fully and be vulnerable.
What struck me was the authenticity and honesty of people’s views. No one was trying to disguise how they felt and they were willing to reveal their discomforts about the topic of discussion. The masks came off. This was refreshing. I would definitely endorse this masterclass to others of my generation because it is such a unique and valuable topic which reveals how we perceive and interpret life and create our reality. It became clear that we perceive ‘reality’ differently to others and this is beautiful and not something to be ashamed of. Thank you so much Gwendolen!
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
The Breaking the Fourth Wall Master Class deeply resonated with me. It was a tool for me to speak my truth. The level of participation was astounding.
I left feeling more myself and extremely balanced and centred for the days after that. Gwendolen’s ability to follow her intuition, and to create a magical space was incredible and refreshing!
What I learnt was how important it is to listen to my own inner voice, and to take things others say with a pinch of salt. The answers are within.
Gwendolen is undeniably herself and shines her light brightly and this unconsciously gave me permission to do the same! To shine my light and to be myself.
Rather than pour out her knowledge seminar style, there was participation and action. I found this profound. I would definitely tell other young people about this.
I have found the courage to overcome my fears and shame, take off my masks, be my authentic self, show up and speak my truth in front of a number of people! I felt no judgement from anyone. A couple of hours of pure ecstasy. I love and crave this type of environment.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
This Master Class exceeded my expectations in every way. It demonstrated the incredible insights that can come from creative collaboration where growth becomes playful. I am grateful that it was experiential, not just analytical. Gwendolen did a phenomenal job to facilitate the alchemy that took place. She was perfectly poised to navigate the unknown for the benefit of the group. She never dictated the direction, but gently steered the shared experience to greater heights. Her deft touch in this regard is an incredible talent and cultivated skill.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
The master class explored a general theme through its various levels, at each point allowing participants to share, create and learn what was particular to them. In this way a diverse group, united only by their curiosity and willingness to listen, participate and share, came together to create an experience truly unique and profoundly moving – to each in its own way.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
My learning took place on many levels from the insights during the evening, the increased self-awareness and around myself and the integration that has taken place since.
What struck me was the comfort with which the group interacted with one another – most of the individuals knowing little of one another. The degree to which each person was comfortable with being vulnerable is tribute to the safe environment that Gwendolen’s facilitation and contracting allowed.
Breaking the Fourth Wall Participant
At the end of this two and a half day workshop, I felt comfortable and confident. I found my voice and was able to flesh out my reflections and ideas and more easily get in touch with what I was thinking and feeling – what was coming up for me. On quite a few occasions I took a step back and noticed that things I couldn’t see before I can now see. I learnt to hold information in new ways. Personally, most striking thing about the whole program was the concept of “innocence” and its abundance creative potential. The experience of being in our innocence and doing the intuitive genius readings were really powerful. I learnt that the truth has a ring to it so if you are speaking truth you will hear it.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Gwendolen was AMAZING – truly in sync with our group, each one of us, a gifted guide and facilitator. She created an open and safe space in a beautiful environment. I felt I was being guided on a path to greater joy. I would change nothing. I was looking for a light to go on. I wanted answers to questions I was asking in my own life. During this weekend I explored an incredibly powerful state of being and am leaving this weekend with a deeper understanding of myself, my essential self and my truth. I also experienced the incredible power of intuition that is always there, but often hidden. I am leaving with a sense of realisation of possibility, a sense of my destiny, a sense of wholeness and a peace that is profound and quite magical.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
I felt moved by this whole workshop and left the weekend feeling light, joyful and strong.
I learnt a lot and feel so reassured. I loved learning about the concept of innocence and experiencing it. I feel that I can trust that there is a state I can step into and that there is a natural intelligence there which can be channelled. I learnt that I can choose to elevate how I operate in my daily life.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
For me, a recurring characteristic of these sessions was being allowed to be vulnerable and honest and being safe and held.
This experience was incredible and empowering.
Gwendolen has energy, conviction, charisma.
Thank you for sharing your deep knowledge and wisdom. I would recommend this workshop to my peers.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Gwendolen curates events that seem to naturally unfold in ways that ensures that participants are not forced to think in a certain way. She holds space masterfully.
This was a chance to explore dualities and polarities.
The masterclass was a unique offering, relevant for our times, universally effective and memorial with well-curated activities that demonstrated the premises being taught.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Gwendolen has a very special energy about her.
She is an excellent facilitator.
She is not in the business of fixing you.
When I realized that I was not broken and did not need fixing, something shifted for me in quite an extraordinary way.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. By being undeniably herself and shining her light so brightly, Gwendolen unconsciously gave me permission to do the same! To shine my light! Her ability to follow her intuition, and to create a magical space is refreshing. I learnt is that it is SO important to ALWAYS listen to your OWN voice. That speaking your truth is of utmost importance. A couple of hours of pure ecstasy – I love and crave this type of environment and surroundings i.e. awareness, spirituality, life’s journey and sharing that of others. Tough yet magical. Meeting my edge. Being in the unknown and still feeling held.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
This 2-day workshop was unique, playful and profound!
Gwendolen offers “perspective adjustments”, opportunities for self-discovery, opportunities for deep (whole body) listening -plus opportunities to articulate learning, growth points and share reflections in group circle. This was both personal and collaborative – experiential and analytical. Her skilful facilitation allowed for interaction with others and time for integration and greater understanding of perceptions, interpretation, definition, beliefs and assumptions. I became more aware of how I communicate, how and what I think, how we perceive reality (differently) and what is the nature and fabric of reality.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Gwendolen creates space for people to be honest, authentic and truly inclusive. No-one in the group tried to disguise how they were feeling and Gwendolen gave permission, through her own example, for us to be willing to reveal discomfort in a discussion as those those discomforts arose.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
I would describe Alone 2 Alive as a mixture of teachings, embodiment exercises, and individual and shared experiences all organised around premises and principles that underlie processes of moving from states of disconnection, disillusionment and being on ‘auto-pilot’ so to speak, to states of intentionality, awakeness and awe with the world. It felt like an intense, powerful and transformative process.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Gwendolen created the space where I was able to do my own healing work ACTIVELY – through embodiment – not passively and therefore with far more long-term sustainable results.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
This was a truly transformative and healing experience. I felt I had a shapelessness, no real substance or structure. I was unclear how I could be of service in the world. I realised we are all shape-shifters. I experienced the Dance of Life in these past few days. It feels as if I now have a fresh or re-refreshed ability to see and be seen – clarity – I feel that I have cleared my channel of chaos and confusion. Deep gratitude to you Gwendolen. I describe what you achieved here as a sublime ability to balance challenging us and keeping us safe – which is exactly the growth cycle – you were able to take us again and again into our growth zone where we were able to meet our edges.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
I would describe Alone 2 Alive as a holistic set of exercises and activities, drawing from various and expertly curated global traditions and experiences, that enable learning and growth at different scales of the self – e.g. mind, body, spirit, etc. It combined many of the modalities space and allowed me to feel comfortable enough to unravel and be vulnerable, whilst pushing me through a series of exercises at a pace I didn’t think I had the spiritual stamina and endurance for, and definitely wouldn’t have been able to complete alone. I left with a felt sense of collective resolution knowing we had grown together as a tribe. The course was so well curated and the structure unfolded really well. I enjoyed the “slowing the f*ck down” of the pace, it allowed for such deep levels of feeling and learning.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Gwendolen held the space with generosity, grace, strength and gentleness all at once. I felt safe and able to let my guard down and be me. The primary shift for me was from confusion to clarity. The course was a means of integrating a lot of the more abstract spiritual work I’ve done previously. Gwendolen gave me a new take on how to embody this and practical modes that I can really apply to my everyday life in many regards. She saw in me, a gentle way to support my own healing work far more long-term, sustainable results.
For me, so much of my identity is in question right now due to the turbulent collective experiences that we’ve been going through, as well as the st(age) of life I’m at right now, so pushing my sense of self through multiple hoops was challenging at times, but as I felt so safe to do so it was indeed generative. I found myself personally confronting self-limiting beliefs that are at direct tension with systemic issues that I find to be triggering such as class, race, gender, etc.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
Thank you for an awesome morning. I learnt that intuition is something I use frequently, unconsciously as well as consciously. I learnt that I am “more” than I thought I was and am connected to my greatness of the time. This two day workshop was moving, inspiring, informative, funny. It helped me connect with myself in a way I haven’t for a long time and “remember” who I was and why I am here. I am walking away hope for the future, with great tools which I will continue to use and a wonderful feeling of no longer being scared.
Alone 2 Alive Testimonial
I asked Gwendolen to run a Resilience Workshop for + – 60 of my mature psychiatric nurses. You can imagine, these are men and women who are involved in highly stressful work environments. The feedback and benefits of this day were so great that I asked Gwendolen and her co-facilitator to come back the following term.
Dr Kate Joyner - Senior Lecturer Faculty of Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University
Gwendolen thinks beyond the conventional; she awakens the interest of participants through creative ideas and great insight, taking and engaging them beyond their expectations and, by drawing others together, she provides every opportunity possible to help participants grow, change and learn.
UCT Law Lecturer
I am currently coaching members of School Management Teams in Western Cape and Eastern Cape schools where enormous challenges confront leaders and educators as they seek to contribute positively and innovatively within their respective school and community situations.
I am convinced that partnering with educators and inviting them to tap into and draw on their own rich experiences and resilience as human beings and educators more creatively and effectively can be enormously liberating and transformative for them as well as those in their care, i.e. the learners. What Gwendolen offers in her workshop, in my view, is highly suitable and will certainly contribute much to the growth and development of educators at any level.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
I learnt at Gwendolen’s Workshop on Resilience and Well-Being that I am not alone in facing resistance and that having the support and honest opinions of colleagues in a similar position is vital. This gave me the opportunity to reflect why, what and why people are resisting change. I see resilience as a means to accepting change and dealing with it accordingly. I look forward to taking one day at a time which will be new for me. Gwendolen gave us the freedom to express ourselves and to unlock the keys to the answers we needed for ourselves. This was incredibly empowering. I feel equipped with the tools to make a difference in my own life and am very glad that I can take something valuable back my staff and students. I recommend Gwendolen and this workshop whole-heartedly.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
Many thanks for a great experience that gets better after you’ve had it and had time to absorb it! The learning environment was new but not uncomfortable. Gwendolen’s gentle but affirming manner was appreciated.
I realised that I was not alone and that other school leaders also felt overwhelmed a lot of the time. I shall be more patient in future and not beat myself up so much for not “reaching the bar”. I can see that the resilience I want to embrace in my life and leadership is to see things more optimistically and stay focussed on my purpose for living.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
I learnt that I needed to flourish both personally and professionally and was happy to receive tools to look at the four different types of responses and I was encouraged to stand tall and try to model what to do next. I was taken by Gwendolen’s serenity and confidence. I shall definitely recommend Gwendolen’s work to other educators in positions of leadership as it provides excellent building blocks for all situations.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
Gwendolen helped me realise that, if I really think about it, I have the skills and intelligence to be quite resilient, I must just watch that my emotions do not cloud my judgement. Gwendolen created an environment that did not feel in any way rushed or hurried. She treated us all as intelligent beings and was willing to both listen to us and learn from us. I found that rare.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
Our workshop on Resilient Leadership is still percolating through my mind and I feel inspired to do more reading around the subject. I know that I allow myself to be consumed by my job, especially when facing tough challenges and though I participate in regular exercise, I don’t look after my ‘heart and soul’ enough. I am currently paying a price for this that is way too high.
I feel more confident that I will be able to listen better and be far more aware going into tricky meetings of the choices of response available to me. I have a great deal to take back to my staff and happily recommend Gwendolen’s valuable work. Thank you.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
Gwendolen has a deep understanding of resilience and how to teach it. Her model is quite brilliant in that she defines resilience as comprising several different types of intelligence. She then explores each and gives exercises to improve that level. Her teaching style is engaging and enthusiastic, she is generous with what she shares and makes it all very understandable. I recommend this talk and the 6 week course for anyone who would like to move up the scale towards thriving.
Principals of SA Resilient Leadership Workshop
Gwendolen presented an incredibly well received session on “Resilience For Women In Leadership” for Symphonia Leadership Development. Gwendolen produces and facilitates sessions that are informative and motivating and has deep knowledge on her subject.
Kym Jackson - Symphonia Leadership
Gwendolen gave a great Resilience Presentation to our staff here at Nedbank. I really think it made a difference to them especially the reflections about happiness. We tend to get “sucked” into the monotonous process of work without realising the opportunities and what’s around us that could create positivity. Thank you, this was something we needed, as it allowed the staff to reflect and think about how to change what is not working and how to move out of a negative space if they are in one.
Hilton Voss ~ Nedbank Retail
Before I started Gwendolen’s program, I was unsure about the real meaning of resilience and its absolute necessity to live a more meaningful and mindful life. During the program I came to understand and begin to apply the finer nuances of this vast topic. The shifts/changes/learning I experienced were profound and insightful. Gwendolen was inspired and engaged and allowed all participants to feel safe to free to experience and share any insights and ‘aha’ moments that emerged during the course. I am enriched and more empowered to live a more meaningful life through it lifting so many veils around our limiting beliefs. I highly recommend this course with gratitude.
Power of Presilience Program
Thank you for an awesome morning. I learnt that intuition is something I use frequently, unconsciously as well as consciously. I learnt that I am “more” than I thought I was and am connected to my greatness of the time. The workshop was moving, inspiring, informative, funny. Gwendolen helped me access my inner greatness and connect with myself in a way I haven’t for a long time. It helped me “remember” who I was and why I am here. I am walking away hope for the future, with great tools which I will continue to use and a wonderful feeling of not being scared.
Amit ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
This workshop was worthwhile and thought-provoking. I am walking away with the notion that intuition is always available and is will give us what we need to know on a need to know basis. I would like to learn to listen more. Gwendolen is calm, in touch with herself and her own intuition and confidence-inspiring.
Beena ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
What I learnt was that I am already doing a lot “right” – I work with intuition in my work-life but would like to embrace this in ALL aspects of my life. Gwendolen is inspirational, clearly doesn’t care how people might judge her inspired me to move more towards that way of being.
Bipin ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
I attended the workshop on “intuition” where Gwendolen helped me realize that I can act on my intuition more and be more confident in the knowledge that I am making the right decision! Gwendolen is very good and calm and presented of a very interesting topic. I enjoyed the practical exercises and the outcomes.
Julia ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
I learnt that intuition is a gateway for freeing us into our greatness via our innocence. Gwendolen is very inspirational, confident and has a lovely presence and way of commanding a group of very different individuals making each one of us feel special in our own way. I am excited about what I have learnt and what I will take forward with me.
Michael ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
This workshop was special. I immediately felt connected with Gwendolen. The way she delivers her presentation, how she is accepting of what something means to you or another individual is powerful. I felt my mind was opened and I was able to explore ideas that I would normally have considered. This has made me a lot more curious.
Kim ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
I learn so much from this workshop. I learnt that I can trust myself and that I am enough. I can listen to my intuition. I saw clearly how much I doubt myself. Gwendolen is amazing – suddenly everything connects and makes sense – confirming some things I already knew but didn’t have the confidence to fully believe or follow through on. Having come into the workshop in a fuzzy mess, I now feel calm and very grounded. Gwendolen is a fantastic teacher!
Isabel ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
This workshop was great! Gwendolen was funny, inspirational and thoughtful. She is a very intelligent and powerful, electric and in the moment. I definitely want to do more of the breathing and the grounding meditations.
Abi ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
This workshop “Trust Your Intuition” was for me a reflective process of tuning in to my inner guide or truth. Gwendolen delivered the material with grace, power, energy and humour. I took away that I need to ACT on my intuition and not keep stifling it.
Pam ~ Access Your Intuition Workshop
Speaking Gigs
Gwendolen’s presentation was excellent: well-presented, inspiring and thought-provoking. Wendy challenged pre-conceived ideas about resilience. Gwendolen was engaging, interactive, approachable and gave us time to think, experience and share. She made me want to hear and learn more.
Tracey Brownlee ~ Brand Strategist and Facilitator
Gwendolen gave a presentation to the Accenture Woman’s Forum. She is smart, funny and approachable . I found her talk valuable, enlightening and thought-provoking. It was a real happiness booster, too!
Angela Blackwell ~ Digital Marketing Director, Technology and Operations, Accenture
Gwendolen is an inspirational, authentic speaker who is able to engage and connect with her audience in a meaningful way. She is also appreciative of contributing to the greater good in society.
Margie van Zyl Chapman, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Geratec
Thank you Gwendolen for an AWESOME morning. You have really given us aspects to think about and to also get us talking. Infact I heard a number of the women still talking about your inspirational and practical take-aways on our return to the office. Your session was well thought out, and the content was relevant to the group. You are an inspiring woman – and we loved how you brought in your own experiences into the talk. Thank you again, and we are looking forward to further interactions with yourself in the future.
Sue Olivier, Solution Architect, Senior Manager, Old Mutual
Gwendolen spoke at Fine Women Business Network on the subject of Resilience. She has excellent verbal skills and use of language, she is passionate about what she teaches and her material was extremely well received and valuable to us all. I highly recommend her.
Patti Graham, Founder of the Fine Women Business Network
I would like to express my gratitude for an amazingly intellectual and spiritual evening. What a talk, what a treat. Gwendolen’s amazing energy and wizardry on the topic was so vivid. I couldn’t stop taking notes. Or talking about it afterward! Gwendolen’s approach is very systematic and easy to follow and yet challenges one to action. She is a great user of words and metaphor and an excellent facilitator.
Jerome Jacobs – Integral Coach
Gwendolen’s talk on Resilience for Women in Leadership was informative and enlightening. The 10 key resilience skills she has defined are inspiring and empowering.
Jenny Bellairs Independent Consultant and Nia Instructor
Gwendolen’s talk on Presilience was very interesting. I loved her clear presentation of the 10 Keys which just highlighted for me some areas that I had already identified as areas which I need to explore and move out of reaction into considered action. This gave me additional food for thought.
Lindiwe Sol - Engineer
Gwendolen presented an incredibly well received session on “Resilience for Women in Leadership” for Symphonia Leadership Development. Gwendolen produces and facilitates talks and sessions that are informative and motivating and has deep knowledge on her subject.
Kym Jackson Sales and Marketing Manager
Gwendolen speaks my language. Her talk had substance to it. Her message about resilience, success and happiness came through powerfully. Not only was it presented and explained well but it grabbed my core. She asked the right questions and ignited my thinking. Gwendolen was honest and affirmative. Her Presilience Formula is BRILLIANT!
Carla Boswell - Herbalist
Gwendolen Ward is a creative thinker who approaches her work with integrity and capacity to bring out the best in individuals and groups. The talk Gwendolen gave on The Art of Science of Resilience was thought-provoking and offered fresh insights. Gwendolen was dynamic, well-prepared, confident and open to engaging at all times with the audience. What I took away with me was a feeling of certainty about the possibilities relevant to my personal growth and professional development.
Naren Sewpaul ~ Director at Creative Futures Consulting
Thank you for the invitation to your talk. I found the content thought provoking and the energy you exude during the talk inspiring. I look forward engaging with you in the future.
Rustim Ariefdiem – Disability Consultant
I found Gwendolen’s morning workshop to be both informative and a way to re connect with self and others. By her presence and skill, she was able to encourage the group to re-connect with what was important and to evaluate their own focus in their lives. She has a lovely gentle manner and confident in what she shared.
Angela Grobbelaar ~ PA
I have worked with Gwendolen facilitating dialogues; Gwendolen’s approach encapsulate resilience and wellbeing. Her model on resilience is second to none and highly organized for easy application.
Charles Obiorah ~ Visionary Mentor and Development Coach
Gwendolen is a gifted and wise woman, coach, educator and speaker.
Hugh Joseph ~ Finance & Administration Manager at ICON
Attending Gwendolen’s talk on the 10 keys, I feel as though she was talking directly to me. Some of the keys I already use, however as my life became “busier” slowly each one had fallen away. My biggest gem was learning more creative ways to incorporate them back into my life.
Claire Stephenson - Clarity Coaching
This was a great talk about thriving! It was delivered with passion. I enjoyed the creativity that went into creating the concepts and found some of the questions Gwendolen posed were very particularly relevant to my life. Thank you!
