More about me...
Hi, I'm Ilze
Chartered Accountant turned Executive Leadership Coach.
As someone who spent years in professional services I believe it is a great environment to grow. Unfortunately, the high pressure and fast-paced nature can lead to burnout. Leaders are also often promoted without the preparation or support they need to thrive. This impacts their wellbeing, team engagement and ultimately company performance.
My mission is to empower leaders in professional services firms to be the best they can be so that they can find joy and meaning in what they do and lead exceptional teams.
I started my career in Big Four in South Africa and moved to the United Kingdom to realise my dream of working for a Big Four firm in the UK. My dream quickly turned into a nightmare as my relentless drive for climbing the corporate ladder and lack of boundaries drove me into one burnout cycle after another. I knew I could not keep falling into the same cycle so I decided to invest in coaching for myself. This decision changed my life and put me on a path to discover what truly gives me passion and purpose - helping others unlock their potential without burning out.
I have coached professionals at all levels, from new joiners in Big Four firms to senior leaders navigating political complexity and cross-functional demands.
I know how challenging the professional services environment can be, for firms and for the people inside them. Firms are under pressure to retain high performers, build loyalty to the Partner track, and transition technical experts into confident leaders. At the same time, individuals are navigating their own challenges like balancing ambition with wellbeing, building influence, and finding purpose and meaning in their work.
I partner with both firms and individuals to overcome these challenges by equipping leaders with the tools, mindset, and support they need to lead with confidence and impact.
Areas of expertise:
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Executive coaching
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Career Development
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Leadership development
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Behavioural change
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High performance
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Executive presence
Credentials:
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Certified Executive Coach (Center for Executive Coaching)
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Certified Career Coach (Center for Executive Coaching)
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International Coaching Federation (Member)
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Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (Member)
Why work with me?
I get it!
With over a decade of experience in high-performing, fast-paced environments I understand the pressures, expectations, and unspoken rules. I don’t just coach from theory, I combine first-hand experience with expert coaching to support leaders as they lead others, navigate complexity, and aim for what’s next.
Coaching the whole person
My coaching starts with a foundation of self-awareness. I help leaders slow down just enough to reflect, reconnect with themselves, and understand what truly drives their behaviour, decisions, and impact. From there, we build the practical leadership skills they need to succeed and thrive.
Tailored offers
Offers are customised to the individual and the firm, not a one size fits all model. Meeting leaders where they are at with practical tools, honest reflection, and targeted skill-building. Every conversation is grounded in relevance and focused on growth that lasts.
Strategic approach
Leaders choose to work with me because my approach is practical, strategic, and insight-driven to help leaders get to the root of challenges quickly. With a style that combines sharp thinking and grounded in empathy, I bring structure, clarity, and momentum to my clients' most pressing challenges.
Sustainable success
I’m passionate about helping ambitious professionals grow, without losing themselves in the process. I know the cost of burnout, I’ve lived that pressure. My coaching incorporates self-leadership, healthy boundaries and recharge strategies to grow sustainable leaders who go on to role model these behaviours.