I spent the first 8 years of my career in brand management and really enjoyed the variety it offered. But towards the end, I was beginning to feel restless. I had a niggling yearning for purpose in my life which wasn’t being fulfilled. I couldn’t face getting to my deathbed and have people say – “Well, we had soap to wash ourselves with, thanks to Stu”.
There was a disconnect that I had to sort out.
Following my intuition, I switched careers into HR and people development. I stayed in the comfort zone of the corporate world for 4 more years, cutting my teeth in HR, training & development and organisational development / transformation, before taking the plunge and “going on my own” in 2003.
Since then, I have worked in association with Appletree. My association with my Appletree colleagues brings friendship, inspiration, gracious challenge and a sense of teamness and synergy, as we grow ourselves and partner in a quest which is bigger than ourselves. I take strength from knowing there are other mad Don Quixote’s out there intent on changing our world!
I am inspired by people who are able to show forgiveness to others who wouldn’t believe they deserve it and thereby to change those people’s lives. And then of course I can’t help but admire great orators like JF Kennedy and Barack Obama.
I am passionate about Sharks and SA rugby!
What I love most about my work is supporting people to find peace by getting in touch with their “true you” – learning to follow their heart, express their natural talents, accept their weaknesses and achieve a sense of purpose in life.
What I love most about living in SA is the generosity of spirit of the people, our optimism and our fortitude to persevere against the odds. I remain proud of our miracle transition to democracy (flawed though it may be currently) and the example of reconciliation that this represents to the world. I hold out hope of what’s possible with our country.
I share my home with my wife Sandy, and our three beautiful children Jenna, Andrew and Julia, our amazing friend and housekeeper Kevelear and a menagerie of pets!
I listen to people (though my wife might tell you otherwise!) – and I am learning to be a better listener with time and practice. I love music – At its least, it puts me in a good mood. At its best, it can make my soul soar.
I read mostly non-fiction – thought provoking books on leadership, business, Christian living, relationships and seeing the world differently. Books I have enjoyed in recent years include three by Malcolm Gladwell (Outliers, Blink and The Tipping Point) and A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink.
I believe in the value of family as a cornerstone of our society.
You can contact Stuart on stuart@appletreelive.com or call him on 082 324 2342
