Having relocated from Rhodesia/Zimbabwe back in 1982, I began my career in the health and fitness industry beginning in the commercial sector, then moving into corporate wellness. My first corporate experience was with Altech S.T.C, and together with my husband at the time, was engaged in the conception, building and equipping phases of the Altech Health and Fitness Center in Boksburg Johannesburg. This was the second corporate fitness center built in the country after Standard Bank.
Recognising the importance of building relationships and finding innovative ways to inspire individuals from CEO to blue collar to engage in healthier lifestyle habits, regular exercise and related subjects to not only impact their personal lives but to enhance productivity and motivation in the work environment, engaged me in a personal stretch to find more effective ways to communicate and connect with people.
During 1992 I spent 6 months in Hong Kong teaching wellness at commercial fitness centers whilst exploring the local culture, food, philosophy and art of the orient. I returned to Durban South Africa at the end of 1992, and since this time have engaged with many varied projects, from co-presenting “Scotts Office Aerobics” on East Coast Radio with Damon Beard, to having my own alternative healing practice with health practitioners in the fields of Homeopathy, Network Chiropractic health care and a resident Psychologist. Adding to my experience were the many opportunities traveling abroad spending time with indigenous cultures.
I met John Dickinson in 2004 at a time I was involved in team building with corporates. A friend of mine insisted on our meeting with John to find out about the processes he was using with Apple Tree, and whether we could find an alignment with the projects we were engaged with in team building. It was as a consequence of this meeting that I dissolved my involvement with team building and began training as a facilitator with Apple Tree.
To say I love what I do may possibly sound cliché, yet it really is my truth. To say I am inspired by the people I work with is an understatement. Talented, passionate and with clear vision and purpose for their own lives, along with the desire to work in collaboration with corporates and small business as well as personal one-on-one coaching/mentoring, together as Change Catalysts we are focused on unlocking the hidden and yet unknown potentials with the people and teams we engage.
Quite simply – I love what I do. Each step along my path has gifted me with a variety of skill sets and a tool box which I am able to tap into given the situation I find myself in, and life experience is and of itself a wonderful well from which to align insights, wisdom and understanding.
I am inspired by the ‘a-ha’ moments
I am passionate about engaging every moment exactly where I am
What I love most about my work is the diversity of people
What I love most about living in South Africa is there’s no other place like it
I share my home with a cat, two dogs and my son
I listen to the wind rustling through trees
I read only that which inspires me
I believe in the free will choice of individuals
You can contact Atrayah on atrayah@appletreelive.com or call her on 079 498 9634
