The scary, real reason I created an Area Manager Leadership Programme
There was a time when I thought I had it all together. I was working as an HR Director in a comfortable job, a senior role that kept me grounded in the day-to-day. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and before I knew it, I found myself facing a challenge that would change everything.
I became a partner in two franchises in Nelspruit. This wasn’t just a business venture; it was my livelihood. Things went well initially, but then, out of the blue, came the email from our landlord.. We were months behind on rent, and they were ready to close the doors. The reality of financial stress hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew what it felt like to have my back against the wall, and there’s nothing like that pressure.
The experience wasn’t just challenging—it was overwhelming. Every day felt like I was barely holding my business together. I was drowning in financial stress, facing mounting debt, and trying to keep my head above water. When you’re in that kind of pressure, you can’t think clearly; it’s like every decision is clouded by the weight of survival. I needed someone to help carry the load, someone to strategize with me, brainstorm solutions, and show me a way out of the mess I was in.
I had an Area Manager, and initially, I thought he’d be the answer. I hoped he would walk in, understand what I was going through, and offer the support I so desperately needed. But instead, his visits became a source of dread. He’d walk in with his checklist, take a quick look around, and start ticking off boxes. Then, he’d point out my flaws—what I was doing wrong, where I was failing—and then leave. No empathy, no encouragement, and absolutely no real solutions. It felt like I was being judged, not helped. I wasn’t just running a business; I was fighting to keep my dream alive. And the person who should have been my lifeline, my partner in this journey, was only there to remind me of everything I wasn’t doing right.
I remember hitting a breaking point and complaining to the Head Office, “I don’t want this guy in my store. He does absolutely nothing.” I was on the edge, and his visits were only pushing me closer. I needed someone who could see beyond the surface, someone who understood what it felt like to be in my shoes, facing the pressure and responsibility of making a business work. The Head Office listened, and they sent me a new Area Manager.
This time, things were different. From the very first visit, this manager made me feel seen. He didn’t just show up with a checklist; he sat down with me. He listened as I poured out my worries, my frustrations, my fears. Instead of ticking boxes, he asked questions. We brainstormed together, bouncing ideas back and forth. For the first time, I felt like I had a partner—a true ally who was invested in my success. He didn’t just point out problems; he helped me find solutions. He gave me clarity, something I hadn’t felt in months. That feeling of having someone by my side, someone who was there not to judge but to genuinely help, was transformative. I started to feel hopeful again, capable of turning things around.
That’s when a question started nagging at me: Why was there such a massive difference between these two Area Managers? They came from the same company, used the same tools, and yet one made me feel inadequate and isolated, while the other made me feel supported and empowered. I realized that the potential of a good Area Manager is enormous—they can be the difference between a store that thrives and one that crumbles. A great Area Manager doesn’t just follow a checklist; they step up as a leader, a guide, and a motivator.
I knew that if one person could make such a difference in my life and my business, this kind of support was something every business owner deserved. And that’s when I knew I had to do something about it. That’s why I started the Area Manager Leadership Programme—to bridge the gap between Area Managers who merely show up and those who show up to make a real impact. I wanted to create a program that not only trained Area Managers on the technical aspects of their job but equipped them with the emotional intelligence, strategic insight, and genuine empathy it takes to lead.
Because, from where I stand, an Area Manager isn’t just a middleman between head office and the stores—they’re the linchpin of the entire operation. They have the power to uplift, to inspire, and to transform. And it’s my mission to make sure that every Area Manager has the tools they need to bring that level of value to their team, their stores, and to business owners like me who’ve been through the trenches and know just how much a good leader means.
So, I began to design a program, pulling from my experiences and everything I’d learned over the years. I built this programme for people like me—business owners, franchisees, and managers who don’t just need someone checking boxes. They need someone who will stand beside them, offering support, clarity, and actionable advice. And, above all, I created it because I know what it feels like to be on the other side, wondering if anyone will care enough to help you turn things around.Today, I’m proud to offer the Area Manager Leadership Programme, knowing that it has the power to make a difference. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about empowering leaders to step up, support their teams, and build something incredible together. For anyone who’s ever felt the weight of running a business alone, this programme is for you. Because I know just how much a great Area Manager can change the game.