Can you describe your business in one or two sentences?
At Tikumu, we equip business leaders and teams to consistently achieve peak performance through tailored one-on-one coaching and dynamic group workshops.
What drove you to start your business/get involved in this industry?
I was driven by a deep respect for business owners—the ones in the trenches every day, juggling the chaos, making things work with grit and passion. After years of being behind the scenes in big franchise systems, I saw exactly where people thrived and where they stumbled. I noticed that the gap wasn’t just in process—it was in mindset, leadership confidence, and knowing how to navigate complexity with calm and direction.
When I moved to New Zealand, it wasn’t just a fresh start geographically, it was the perfect opportunity to carve out my own path. I wanted to take all those years of insight, strip away the red tape, and offer something real and human. A way to empower people without the jargon, just straight-up clarity and support.
What do you love about running your business?
It was a natural progression for me. I was part of two international franchise organisations in South Africa for over 16 years, working across strategy, operations, training, and HR—helping business owners open, run, and maintain their businesses. When I immigrated to New Zealand, it felt natural to continue that role, but this time under my own brand. I studied for my coaching diploma and started teaching business. From there, it grew into something more meaningful—supporting business leaders not just to survive, but to lead with clarity, build solid foundations, and grow with confidence. It’s always been about equipping people with the tools and mindset to step into their potential, with structure and purpose behind it.
What have been some of your biggest challenges?
Being an immigrant and starting a business from scratch in a new country, without an existing network, came with many challenges—and still does.
What is your biggest ambition?
I’m not driven by material things, fame, or fortune. My greatest ambition is to be a strong role model for my daughter and for young women entering the business world. I believe we are powerful, capable, and can achieve anything we set our minds to. Embracing our uniqueness and leaning into our strengths is the key to success. More than anything, I want to leave a lasting legacy—one that creates meaningful change in people’s lives through coaching and support, empowering them to grow, thrive, and make their own impact on the world.
What does success look like to you?
Being grateful, not taking life for granted. Appreciating the simple things. Staying humble and knowing there is always something to learn.
If you had to walk away from the company tomorrow, what would you be most proud of?
Building a business from nothing. Consistently sticking the course through ups and downs.
Who inspires you and why?
I find inspiration in many things, but what moves me most is spending time with kind people—those who openly share their experiences and mistakes so others can learn and grow. My daughter is also a huge source of inspiration. I learn so much from watching how she connects with her friends and community. She’s a kind, gentle, and loving soul who naturally sees the best in everyone.
What growth have you experienced being in New Zealand Businesswomen?
I’ve been a member for 10 years—NZBW was the first networking group I joined, and I’m still here. I think that says it all! NZBW has been a significant part of my journey over the past decade, and it continues to play an important role today. It’s given me a sense of community, a space to learn from other women in business, and a platform to share my own knowledge and experience. I’ve made lifelong connections, gained clients, and grown both personally and professionally through the support and inspiration this group offers.
What’s your favourite pastime when you are not working?
Im a trail runner and road runner as well as a cross fit junkie. Also mooching on the couch with my fur baby, Flynn!
