Coaching enables executives to make sense of complex lives, and find more balance, fulfilment and success
My coaching with executives enables them to re-discover their vision and passion and achieve that elusive work/life balance. I combine a commercial, business focus with an in-depth understanding of individual and team dynamics. Extensive business experience in the UK and SA and 12 years leadership development/coaching equips me to work at the most senior level.
My coaching with executives enables them to re-discover their vision and passion and achieve that elusive work/life balance. I combine a commercial, business focus with an in-depth understanding of individual and team dynamics. Extensive business experience in the UK and SA and 12 years leadership development/coaching equips me to work at the most senior level.
Experience
Following graduation (BA, Psychology – Distinction, UCT), Margaret joined IBM in South Africa for two years. She then emigrated to work with IBM in the UK for 6 years where she progressed from IT consultant to Sales to Account Manager. She moved into consulting in 1992 and has since specialised in executive coaching and leadership development workshops.
For 7 years she was the main provider of leadership training and coaching with the largest European bank. She designed and delivered Executive Development programmes across the IT, HR, Finance, Operations and General Services departments. This work included coaching skills for managers and explored cross-cultural issues in the business (particularly French, English and American). The main purpose was to enhance the manager’s awareness of the impact of their style and improve the performance of their diverse teams.
Margaret coached at board, MD and senior management level including at BNP Paribas, The Woolwhich, Woolwhich Life and Threadneedle Asset. She also ran assessment centres and designed processes for Exco of National Westminster Bank.
Her current coaching includes clients at Rand Merchant Bank in Johannesburg..
Margaret moved back to SA – having missed African sun and skies – in 2004 and together with her partner, founded Praesta, South Africa.
Selected Client Companies
BNP Paribas, Natwest Bank, Novartis, Pfizer, Schering-Plough, Woolwich
BNP Paribas, Natwest Bank, Novartis, Pfizer, Schering-Plough, Woolwich
Professional Expertise
Margaret has an MSc (Master of Science) degree from Ashridge Business School - accredited by Middlesex University, UK. Her MSc covered different approaches to coaching and organisational change, including: Psychodynamics, Complexity and Appreciative Inquiry.
Margaret has an MSc (Master of Science) degree from Ashridge Business School - accredited by Middlesex University, UK. Her MSc covered different approaches to coaching and organisational change, including: Psychodynamics, Complexity and Appreciative Inquiry.
Education & Associations
BA – Psychology Distinction - UCT
MSc Ashridge Business School – Organisational Consulting
NLP Master Practitioner
BA – Psychology Distinction - UCT
MSc Ashridge Business School – Organisational Consulting
NLP Master Practitioner
Contact Details
t: +27 (21) 794 2625
m: +27 82 8241974
e: margaret.townsend@praesta.co.za