Ann Clarke

Position: Managing Director

The foundations for Ann's business career were laid when she joined Twentieth Centruy Fox Film Studios in London, as a secretary, at the age of sixteen. Her mentors continually challenged her to strive for excellence whilst developing a strong work ethic. She realised the power of teamwork, the importance of loving what you do and that communication and networking are vital in business. Three highlights of her years in the film industry were spending time with her pop heroes, the Beatles, meeting Sean Connery and driving in 007's Aston Martin!

Ann's keen sense of adventure led her to spring at the chance of emmigrating to sunny South Africa. She gained valuable experience as a consultant in both the insurance and recruitment sectors. It was when she was involved in Drake Personnel computerising their business in the 1980's that Ann saw the impact that computer knowledge would have on the job market future.

As the personnel consultancy established by Ann and a partner grew so the need for computer skills became apparent and, in 1988, Ann established options in training.

options in training has gone from strength to strength over the last twenty years. In addition to raising four children and building her own home, Ann considers her company to be her crowning achievement.

But, never content to sit back and rest on her laurels, Ann is currently upgrading the premises whilst keeping busy at weekends hiking, skydiving, and abseiling at 'the ripe old age of 29!'

Chantal Gomes

Position: Training Manager

With a Packaging Management Diploma and 15 years computer training experience, during which she has become a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor, has the  IC³, the ICDL, is an Assessor & Moderator - Chantal is well-qualified in her capacity as Training Manager.

She has a reputation amongst corporate companies for unending patience and an astute awareness of individual needs, assisting to top management level.

Coupled with a quick wit and sense of fun, her depth of knowledge to an advanced level of a large number of end-user packages has proved invaluable, not only when training clients or her own staff and but also in support, consulting and development of course material.

The computer trainers in her team have extensive broad-based computer knowledge on the various versions of Windows and MS Office from 95 through to 2010, as well other packages such as Lotus SmartSuite and Perfect Office – and space to hang everyone’s qualification certificates (especially in Microsoft applications) is becoming very scarce!

Michélle MacKenzie

Position: Training Consultant

Michélle spent four years at Wits University, but learned a lot more than English grammar and Education pedagogy. She realised that in order to succeed in one's career and in life, that all people need to develop their Emotional Quotient (EQ) at the same time as increasing their Intellectual Quotient (IQ).

Her passion for coaching people in life skills, whilst passing on academic knowledge, blossomed in the 16 years she spent in the public education field. She trained public speakers, budding writers, historians, athletes and youth leaders.

In addition to being a Training Consultant, she relishes being Ched d' Equipe of a school equestrian team and the Liaison contact for the Gauteng Region of the South African Pony Club. In all three capacities Michélle has the chance to network with people all over the country and be actively involved in empowerment and team building.

In her capacity as a soft skills trainer, Michélle  thrives on meeting the challenge of designing courses to meet the needs of corporate clients. Alternating days in the training room facilitating Business Writing Skills or Public Speaking with weekend Management Development Training on a game farm is her idea of the perfect job!

Niren Uithairaj

Position: Training Consultant

Coming from KZN, Niren has brought with him a mellow attitude which fits in well with our relaxed training environemnt. His interpersonal skills have been honed in years in telesales, as a Call centre agent and Customer Account Manager.

His calm training persona immediately puts delegates at ease and makes trainees feel comfortable about asking questions. Niren's own interest in computers began at school resulting in his passion for Excel and his current Computer Science degree studies through UNISA.

Marion Bell

Marion’s ability to explain the complexities of project management in simply understood terms is enviable and her obvious enjoyment ofher delegates' comprehension explains her move into training. Extensive IT qualifications and experience in end-user computing, Operations and Project Management have given Marion remarkable insight when training project management and are an ideal background to developing project plans and mentoring new project managers. Being a qualified Assessor and Moderator in Project Management adds yet another dimension to a remarkably energetic personality.

Helen Minty

Position - Training Consultant

Helen's success lies in creating partnerships in learning, to enhance others "Personal Mastery". Whether it involves self leadership or the leadership of others, her goal is to offer people opportunities to maximise their potential.

Helen has extensive experience regarding the design and presentation of training programmes and as a Business Coach.

She also develops managers as coaches. Through an integrated process which involves not only training, but also on-going coaching support, managers are coached as they coach their staff. This ensures the effective transfer of skills.

As a Sports Coach, specialising in "Ride With Your Mind" techniques for horse riders, Helen integrates her passion for personal growth and achievement with her love of horses.