More about me...
Hi, I'm Ilze
I became an Executive Leadership Coach because I love helping people uncover their unique (and often hidden) capabilities and develop strategies to use them to excel.
I spent years in professional services and know it is a great environment to learn and grow. Unfortunately, the high pressure and fast-paced nature can lead to overwhelm and burnout. Many people leave for this very reason.
But what if professionals and leaders had the support they needed, and found purpose and meaning in their work?
Coaching is one of the most effective ways to work through challenges in a safe space with someone who gets it, and has the tools and experience to help.
My mission is to empower those in professional services (especially leaders) to fulfil their potential in a sustainable way.
I started my career at KPMG in South Africa and moved to the United Kingdom to realise my dream of working for EY 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 obtained my Executive Coaching certification and started Everise Executive Solutions to empower professionals to reach their ambitious goals without losing themselves in the process.
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 both firms and for the people. 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 coach ambitious professionals to grow influence, build confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, manage burnout, and step into leadership. I help them get unstuck and find purpose and meaning at work.
I partner with firms to address and overcome leadership challenges by equipping leaders with the tools, mindset, and support they need to lead with confidence and impact.
In my free time I enjoy nature walks, reading and spending as much time as possible with my husband and busy-body young daughter.
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
Coaching credentials:
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Certified Executive Coach (Centre for Executive Coaching)
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Certified Career Coach (Centre for Executive Coaching)
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International Coaching Federation (Member)
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Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (Member)
Professional credentials and experience:
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Leading teams in audit and advisory at KPMG South Africa and EY UK
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Learning and development departmental lead at EY UK
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Chartered Accountant - Member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
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B. Com (HONS) in Chartered Accountancy
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B. Com Chartered Accountancy
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Experience as Assistant Lecturer at the North-West University in South Africa
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.