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The Corporate Bio
I love eggs. I learnt from an early age that whether I like it fried, poached or scrambled, at some point I need to break the egg. I have always been curious to find out what is possible when I break things.
I have led businesses of all sizes across industries. Some would say I am accomplished business leader. My most recent experience involves being the CEO of a cluster of Businesses in the Telecom sector generating in excess of $3Bn in imputed revenue.
If my corporate bio interest you, please check it out on Linkedin.
Who is Igshaan Soules
I am a product of Apartheid South Africa – yet, I have never really allowed that to define who I am. I have had my fair share of set backs as a result of this, but I have also had some amazing opportunities because of my color.
While titles and professional accolades are nice and often perhaps necessary, the thing that truly drives me (no, it does not define me) is money. Money allows me to be generous with my family, friends and strangers. It also allows me to indulge in all things technology [read Apple], to travel and provide security to my family.
However, the thing that brings me greatest joy is to be of service to others, and more specifically, to make a contribution to the learning and growth of people and as such, a contribution to humanity. It was for this reason I chose in 2005 to become the South African licensee of the Coaches Training Institute, a Californian based organization. I did this at great cost to myself and my family because I felt the need to have South Africans developed the skills to be in a better conversation with each other.
Even though I decided to give up the license in 2009 [read, the business failed miserably], my most significant impact was training some of South Africa’s most successful professional coaches. It always makes me uncomfortable when people talk about the impact I have had on their lives – some have entered international partnerships, others have started successful companies, a few have entered politics, while the odd one or two have chosen to pursue a more sedate life style on Australia’s East Coach.
Thus, I can say with certainty I have impacted the lives of thousands, if not tens of thousands.
Why am I involved in developing business and leaders?
My work is driven by a desire to make a contribution to humanity. I believe the best way to do this is by working with business owners, entrepreneurs, managers and leaders – they are able to impact the lives of others in profound ways, often without them knowing or fully understanding. Their impact is mostly good, but more often than not, sometime negatively.
I work with business owners, entrepreneurs, managers or leaders, because I believe they have something of greater value to contribute beyond work, in society … humanity. They are the custodians or stewards of the future. I believe every business owner or leader wants to be remembered for the impact they had, and not just for the results they achieved. Yet, there are many who will die having failed to do so.
My dad was one of them!
My dad was an exceptional manager. He was one of the first “black supervisors” in one of the largest retail chains in South Africa. He was an exceptional turnaround specialist – being used by large retail chains to turn around failing stores.
Yet he died, in the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes, with the music still inside him. His development challenge and opportunity – he failed to recognise his own potential to have a bigger impact, accepting that his stage was simply the next failing store.
Why Does This Matter
In 1994, I was fortunate to meet an incredible woman – Heather, a manager who by choice decided to coach & mentor me. She offered me challenging assignments, championed me and engaged me in robust conversation. Her mentorship offered me the most incredible leader development opportunities I have ever experienced. Philip and Andile were similarly great managers that understood the value of creating workplace where employees felt valued and allowed to thrive. They modeled for me how impactful managers can be and directly influenced my own management and leadership style. Then there was Heidi, who skillfully through inquiry, put me on my coaching journey.
None of these managers were “HR People”. They were exceptional people people. They shaped my life through inquiry, challenge, acknowledgement and most importantly, by allowing me to discover my full potential and live it. The ignited in me, boundless possibility to the point where I started my entrepreneurial journey.
Business Mattters
In 2014, I was offered the chance of a lifetime – I was asked to steward a cluster of some 9 businesses at a listed ICT company. This opportunity stretched me in ways I never thought possible. I loved it … I learnt though lessons. I succeeded. I failed. I learnt!
I learnt how to grow profitability fast.
My intrapreneurial journey is still unfolding in tandem with an entrepreneurial one.
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