LOCAL BOARDS
Our Local Boards
Both our business coaching work and advisory boards are available virtually or face to face if it is safe to do so.
Co-owner & Managing Partner, The Alternative Board® – SA
Paul Malherbe
GAUTENG - WEST RAND
I grew up on a farm in the Northern Cape, the driest and most arid province of South Africa. The climate of this birthplace exposed me early on to both the beauty and the harshness of life.
Formally, I hold an undergraduate degree in finance, complemented by a master’s degree in business as well as attending Harvard Business School on strategic and leadership dynamics. I spent almost a decade at the helm of a multinational organisation headquartered in Europe, represented through multiple African offices in more than 20 sub-Saharan Africa countries. I was privileged to spend 13 years at the coal-face of SME financing and entrepreneurial mentorship in South Africa. I travelled more than 40 countries across Africa, through Europe and North America, sat in many conferences and addressed many a distinguished audience about SME’s, business development and enterprise growth. In the leadership role of a large company I held boardrooms in my hand with strategy, structure, vision and team, knowing you cannot do it alone.
The boardroom battles and market strategy hold nothing to the harshness of sitting with a business owner, who has given their all, whom you have worked with to turn their business, till they finally slide you the keys to the business across the table with an “I cannot anymore”. The harshness of a restructure, walking with a colleague through a retrenchment in a corporate re-boot.
The accolades, travels and the corporate acquisitions hold nothing to the beauty of a business vision when an entrepreneur finally opens the front door for the first time, giving birth to a life-long dream. The beauty of a brilliant mind, a colleague, a protégé, a friend, whom you mentor and guide to unlock their potential and soar in their own confidence.
Life is filled with beauty and harshness. Life and business centre around people – how we treat them, respect them, recognise them. And through that, change their lives and that of those around them; changing a village.
Like my partner David, one of my favourite quotes is Teddy Roosevelt’s “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. Well, sometimes, you can do more, because you are there.
Co-owner & Partner, The Alternative Board® – SA
David Weideman
GAUTENG - WEST RAND
Whether sipping on a fresh-grounded-bean coffee at home that I made myself, on my motorbike on a dirt road, mentoring, consulting, speaking, reading, learning something new, walking the production floor, or sitting in the boardroom, I am an unapologetic challenger of the status quo. I have a simple principle for life, inspired by quotes from respectively Ray Dalio, Edgar Allan Poe, Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein – “To be effective you must not let your need to be right be more important than your need to find out what’s true.” “Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see”, and find out the rest for yourself. Then “do what you can with what you have where you are” and never forget that “insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results”.
With more than thirty years’ experience in banking, I have first-hand experience in a plethora of business fields and am as comfortable in the boardroom as in the canteen. Spending twenty-two years of my career in South Africa and nine years experiencing fourteen countries in Africa, I grew a particular awareness of the impact decision-making has on businesses. Having had seen how volatility in markets, as a result of exchange rates, ignorance of, and/or lack of mindfulness of macroeconomic factors, can seriously damage and even destroy any business, I developed a keen interest in helping people better circumnavigate life’s challenges, both business and personal in nature.
As both an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, I enjoy asking the unwanted questions, getting to the “real issues”. With the famous quote of Nelson Mandela – “It always seems impossible until it’s done”, I believe that – “There are no stupid people. Only ignorance. And to get rid of ignorance we need to ask as many questions as possible. Then challenge the answers. Challenge the status quo. Unapologetically.”
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Eduan Steynberg
WESTERN CAPE - DURBANVILLE AREA
Growing up I believed that success comes from hard work. Full stop.
Thirty years of hard work in financial and general management led to the roles of FD, GM, MD and CEO of multimillion rand businesses, a sought-after business turnaround specialist, lifelong learner, family man and father. It worked.
Hard work also left me time poor and stress rich, with very few people, if any, to consult on big decisions, or to get support with the constant day-to-day challenges of running a business. It’s not always easy for business owners and leaders to admit they need help, but having the guidance and support of other business owners, industry leaders and experienced professionals can make all the difference. It did for me.
The Alternative Board® offers a personal, streamlined programme to help business owners:
- Identify and achieve short-term objectives
- Surface and address issues that are holding you back
- Uncover new opportunities and learn from others’ mistakes
- Get objective feedback from peers in non-competitive industries
- Connect and learn from a global community of business owners
74% of businesses say they have become more profitable since joining TAB.
76% say they are earning more sales revenue.
90% say they have improved their ability to address personnel or organisational issues.
As the TAB facilitator in the Western Cape, I have wealth of experience at the right level. I have a good track record of growing and turning businesses around, growing profit margins and reducing debt, developing strong teams and managing diversity. In my various senior positions I learned to think and operate like an entrepreneur, focused on innovation, growth and transformation.
More about me
- I have a finely tuned strategic eye,
- I know how to ask insightful questions,
- I’m not afraid to tell the truth,
- I’m well networked, which means I have access to the right contacts and
- I will add value.
If you have the appetite to grow and challenge yourself in your business, yet are feeling isolated and unsure, consider what it would mean to you to fix that. Get in touch for an obligation free conversation to talk about business. Yours.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Marco Petersen
GAUTENG - ALBERTON AREA
My passion and drive for excellence has played a central role throughout my career.
Starting out as a financial controller for a large corporate, it gave me international exposure. This allowed me to move into a space where I ran my own business. During this time, I was head-hunted twice in the space of 4 years to head up the finance teams at two organisations. This culminated in the role of CFO for a mid-sized manufacturing organisation. In this role, I provided leadership to, not only finance, but also HR, Payroll, SHEQ and IT. My role was expanded to COO in 2018 where I took on the additional responsibilities of operations. Although a broad span of responsibilities, I rose to the challenge and brought clarity and vision to the team of General and Senior managers. The main focus at the time was to create one culture from the merger of three companies, seeking to unlock the value in the organisation that ensured its sustainability into the future.
12 years of board participation, being a member of various business forums and focusing on leadership development over the last couple of years has grown my strategic and leadership abilities. Frequently being consulted by senior managers, I realized I would be able to impact the business world at large. I decided after 12 years of corporate employment to focus my efforts on providing strategic and professional services to other organisations through my own business.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Mark Kaminsky
GAUTENG - FOURWAYS AREA
If your business depends on you, you don’t own a business – you have a job. And it’s the worst job in the world, because you’re working for a lunatic!” Michael E. Gerber.
I have always been fascinated with running my own business. To control my own destiny and dream while pursuing my passion and purpose. The problem though, like most entrepreneurs, we are all a bit extreme, or in Michael Gerber’s words, a lunatic.
But it’s about connecting the dots… the journey has to start somewhere.
I spent my first 13 years in business working in the corporate world, but quickly became frustrated with its apathy.
This fueled my passion to be an entrepreneur and take control of my destiny. So, after spending a few years at Sony, I started my own distributor business of Sony and other electronic products. Over the next several years this grew into an audio-visual company specializing in servicing many blue-chip companies throughout South Africa.
My real passion lies in inspiring people to do what inspires them and ignite possibility. During this time, I started a training business called Maximum Impact.
For the past 17 years I have worked as an entrepreneur, following a journey that sometimes ended in failure, and sometimes success. But as Michel Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
As long as I have failed forward, I counted it as a win.
In 2014, my brothers and I formed FitChef, a disruptive health food company. Together we built a business from the ground up as we successfully created a brand that dominates the online healthy frozen food industry, as we scaled the business rapidly throughout South Africa.
Connecting the dots as I look back, it has never been about arriving at the destination of owning a business. It has always been about the journey of discovering the boundaries of what is possible, and inspiring others to do more. The journey taught me the most valuable lesson – none of us is as good as all of us.
Teamwork makes the dream work. And that is why being part of The Alternative Board is a privilege every business owner must experience.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Riana Olivier
GAUTENG - PRETORIA EAST
During the past 20+ years I have founded and developed multiple businesses. I have worked independently as well as in collaboration with partners and venture capitalists to develop, improve and grow businesses in various industries, including the services industry, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. My involvement in these projects included the development of business structures, financial and marketing strategies, and operational processes. As a SAIPA registered accountant, I specialise in the financial side of the business.
I spent nine of these years as the founder and owner of an accounting and tax practice where I assisted many small and medium enterprises. I was deeply involved with 17 businesses providing services and/or coaching in the attempt to save or improve the business.
Sadly, I met many entrepreneurs who came to see an accountant in a desperate attempt to save their business. I have first-hand experience of the challenges that business owners face, for which the solutions cannot be found in a textbook. The immense responsibility you feel for your employees, doubts in your ability to make the best decisions, and loneliness. I struggled to find someone to be my sounding board and to keep me accountable on the targets I set for myself and my team. The constant challenges of deadlines and personnel challenges ruled my life.
It was only when my little girl asked my “Mom, if you have time, can you please buy me an eraser for school?” that I realised what an effect my busy work life had on my children.
I now have a strict work-life balance. I enjoy spending time with my family while surrounded by nature. But I will never be fully fulfilled without working alongside successful entrepreneurs, being part of the process to make people and businesses successful. Whatever that may mean for them.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Nathan Groener
GAUTENG - RANDBURG
I am Nathan Groener, a TAB owner with a passion for coaching and developing high achieving leaders to catapult into new levels of personal and professional success, reaching their peak performance, while living a simpler, yet more vibrant life. I am a firm believer that life is all about balance and this is what I live and preach, being a husband and a father of two.
My many years in business banking gave me insight into companies ranging from an annual turnover of a few hundred thousand rands to over a billion rands. I assisted both start-ups and well-established companies with structure finance, banking infrastructure and everyday relationship banking. I have been fortunate enough to excel and receive Top Achiever awards throughout my career at both the banking sector as well as in corporate finance.
When promoted to Area Manager at a risk finance company I was privileged to be instrumental in the administration of funds earmarked for job creation as well as funds towards relief for industries that were left crippled by COVID such as restaurants and the tourism industry. This fed into my need to have an impact, albeit small, in the South African economy by assisting entrepreneurs with raising capital, creating employment and saving existing jobs.
This role began stirring a desire in me to impart the wisdom gained over 20 years of corporate employment in various roles studying the unique creature called an entrepreneur, in its natural habitat- the world of business and in 2022 I decided to take a refreshing deviation and founded my own business consulting and coaching company. Although this proved to be successful, my business model lacked a certain je ne sais quoi which I later found in advisory boards under the international foremost experts on business coaching, The Alternative Board. As iron sharpens iron, the heart of my work is to utilize this platform to enable business owners to gain fresh perspective in a non-competitive environment from fellow business owners who will help keep you accountable and relevant whilst amplifying the collective knowledge of the board. I firmly believe that most of our country’s problems can be solved through entrepreneurship and I have identified my purpose in helping existing entrepreneurs succeed and creating opportunities for new entrepreneurs to start out.
I am an avid sports fan and a passionate cricket supporter. When I am not busy serving as a compass, directing business owners in the right direction, I can be found failing hopelessly at negotiating a little screentime to support the Springboks or Stormers with my feisty toddler daughter, despite having colleagues describe me as having the gift of the gab and the ability to sell ice to an Eskimo!
Please reach out to me if you would like to know more about how I can help your business grow and help you outline and accomplish your personal vision. It does not have to be lonely at the top!
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Colin Carmody
EASTERN CAPE - GQEBERHA & EAST LONDON
I believe in creating experiences that bring meaningful change to people and organisations. I do this with a desire for continuous learning, listening to understand, collaborating, problem solving together and challenging the status quo with innovative ideas.
I began my journey managing theatre – restaurants and function venues and I’ve plied all the tricks of the bartending trade while cruising North to Central America. Developing people and creating learning environments in the gaming sector has afforded me the experience of living and working in each of South Africa’s major cities. This rich experience in Hospitality, Gaming and Training & Development Management over the last 20 years drives my passion for making systemic change through Organisational Development and Coaching practices.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Elmari Wilmot
GAUTENG - GREENSTONE
I am a diversified and naturally driven management specialist with over 25 years experience in the financial services environment. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree (with specialisation in management) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Risk Management.
Being raised in a predominantly entrepreneurial family, it has been a natural transition for me to take my experience and expertise and partner with The Alternative Board ®, whereby we collectively provide the necessary guidance and support to business owners in managing present-day challenges, growing their businesses to the next level, and positively contributing to the achievement of both personal and company visons.
My aim for you as a business owner, is to build an open and effective communication system which develops mutual, constructive, and co-operative working relationships across business units and associated stakeholders (both internal and external). This results in a more efficient and effective alignment of all business resources which is noticeably seen in increased bottom-line profitability, improved employee engagement and a greater work / life balance.
I am a strong advocate for mental health and wellness in business. I also believe that South Africa will be best empowered through entrepreneurial participation and collaboratively driven initiatives.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Lize Terblanché
GAUTENG – SANDTON
My goal is simple: to help you unlock your business’s true potential. Together, we can conquer obstacles, seize opportunities, and create a roadmap for sustainable success.
As an attorney turned passionate entrepreneur, I thrive on driving success and growth for businesses. Armed with years of hands-on experience as a co-owner and managing director of a thriving SME, I bring a unique perspective as well as strategic insight to the table.
I help business owners navigate the complexities of growth while prioritizing their personal fulfilment.
Let’s unlock your business potential without sacrificing work-life balance. Together, we’ll redefine success on your own terms.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Guillaume Oberholster
WESTERN CAPE – SOMERSET WEST
I am an experienced Business adviser and Chartered Accountant CA (SA).
I have 36 experience as a partner and business owner in the audit, accounting, tax and advisory industry and profession with a special focus on business structuring, improvement and development.
I have been involved with and consulting to business owners regarding their local business operations and structures, more effective tax planning and structures, international business expansion and structuring as well as financial management with a strong emphasis on continuous personal development and a balanced lifestyle.
I have been a senior partner at Mazars for the last 10 years, Managing partner of the Central Region of Mazars for 6 years, member of the Mazars board and Governing Council and various other leadership positions in previous firms and the profession. I have mentored and guided numerous young professionals to become partners and managers in our firm and profession.
I firmly believe in a balanced lifestyle with strong and close family relationships being of utmost importance. I also have a passion for travel and sport, especially tennis in which I have and still is representing South Africa in my age group.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Martin Heyman
Gauteng - Johannesburg
With over 30 years of experience serving as an Exco member, as an Accountant my expertise is primarily in finance, strategy, financial reporting & management, corporate governance, risk management and change management.
As the Managing Director of a multimillion-rand manufacturing business my expertise includes operations, stock control, procurement, and staff development. My knowledge includes HR and IR having owned an HR company.
My diverse experience empowers me to assist businesses utilizing my knowledge together with TAB methodology to reach their full potential and goals, whilst maintaining a work-life balance.
Education: BCompt (Hons): UNISA SAICA articles: Fisher Hoffman Stride & co.
– Martin Heyman
Certified TAB Facilitator/Coach
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
David Harty
The Garden Route - Western Cape
An innovative business professional with over two decades of dynamic expertise in nurturing and expanding businesses ranging from ambitious startups to growth companies and mature corporate enterprises.
Specialising in enhancing business and commercial impact, I gained considerable experience in fostering operational efficiencies and business growth through effective approaches to change management, dynamic system & project implementation and strategic software development. My track record showcases proficiency in identifying and utilising operational process & technology solutions to drive transformation at both organisational and industry levels.
Armed with a background in Commerce, particularly Finance and Accounting, I first honed my business acumen through professional engagements in South Africa and self-initiated ventures in the UK. Later, my entrepreneurial mindset developed over a decade as a senior executive and shareholder at a highly successful technology company before a successful corporate exit sale transaction to a large multinational.
Having navigated executive, managerial, and operational roles in the realms of business operations and technology as both a client and vendor, I have been successful in steering large-scale projects and managing cross-functional teams with finesse. My adept people management skills have empowered me to extract optimal value from diverse talent pools and align operational resources with strategic goals, making me a formidable asset for driving business success.
Eager to channel my rich and adaptable background into a consulting and coaching role which aligns with forward-thinking business strategies, methodologies and solutions, I joined The Alternative Board as a Business Owner in The South African Southern Cape region where I leverage my experience in conjunction with TAB’s proven formula to facilitate and help business owners improve their businesses in ways that change their lives.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Robert J. Williams
Greater Pretoria & Further North
As a seasoned business entrepreneur with over thirty-five years of experience in steering and aiding successful businesses, I am thrilled at the prospect of bringing my strategic vision, leadership skills and ability to take business owners and their businesses to the next level. Businesses innovative approach to business solutions and commitment to client success resonate deeply with my professional philosophy and achievements. I am eager to contribute to any business leaders who not only understands the intricacies of business management but also thrives on driving growth, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring business owners personal and company visions are fulfilled.
Throughout my career, I have honed my ability to identify business opportunities and transform them into profitable ventures. My expertise lies in executing strategic business plans, leading high-performance teams, and cultivating strong client relationships. In my Experience, I spearheaded a strategic initiative that resulted in a 35% increase in client acquisition and a 50% boost in revenue within two years. This success was a direct result of my dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and an adaptive business model that could swiftly respond to changing market dynamics.
What excites me most about the opportunity at The Alternative Board (TAB) is the chance to apply my entrepreneurial mindset within a company renowned for its forward-thinking strategies and impactful solutions. I am particularly impressed by business owners that are eager to expand and lead their businesses and its employees to new levels, which aligns with my experience and passion. My background in business practice across various industries will be instrumental in its competitive edge.
I am confident that my proactive approach to business practice, combined with my track record and experience will increase operational efficiency, and allow for business leaders to find time for what they love most. My commitment to coaching and empowering business leaders and their teams has consistently resulted in increased productivity and morale, and I am excited about the possibility of bringing this leadership style for all to share. I am passionate about the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed teams to drive sustainable growth and to be self-sufficient .
I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can align with the strategic goals of businesses. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to company’s impressive legacy and future successes.
Business Owner & Board Facilitator
Daniel Lombard
Western Cape
With over 30 years of diverse business experience, I am passionate about unlocking both the business and personal potential of leaders. I focus on helping executives and entrepreneurs navigate today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. My mission is to empower leaders to adapt, innovate, and thrive by challenging conventional thinking and exploring new opportunities.
My extensive career spans from startups to complex organizations, involving critical roles in strategy development and execution. My background in Sales has equipped me with deep expertise in areas such as sales strategy, channel and national accounts management, shoppermarketing, and revenue management. These skills have been honed through hands-on experience with turnarounds, acquisitions, integrations, and scaling businesses.
In the past decade, I have served as Managing Director and CEO, gaining valuable insights into the strategic challenges faced by business leaders. This role has reinforced my belief in the importance of pragmatic leadership and creative problem-solving.
Academically, I hold a B.Com in Marketing Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Masters in Business Management .My education has provided a solid foundation for my practical experience, enabling me to drive growth and deliver results effectively.
I consider myself a growth-driven, results-focused, and creative entrepreneurial thinker. I advocate for lifelong learning, collaboration, and empowerment as essential components of organizational success. On a personal level, I am committed to self-discovery, mindfulness, and multidimensional growth, which I believe are integral to leading a fulfilling and impactful life.
In summary, my goal is to support business leaders in not only meeting their strategic objectives but also in enhancing their overall well-being and effectiveness. Through The Alternative Board’s comprehensive program—including peer advisory boards, coaching, workshops, and networking—I aim to facilitate meaningful change and sustainable growth.
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Cannae Business Catalyst (Pty) Ltd t/a The Alternative Board – South Africa
883 Vlakhaas Ave, Weltevredenpark, Roodepoort, 1709
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