Clients’ Comments

“I decided to see Cath for life coaching because I was feeling very stuck in my career and personal life. I just wasn’t finding life satisfying or enjoyable, and I wanted to reconnect with my strengths I had seen before. I felt I was not living up to my potential. Working with her through her “Success to Significance” program guided me into new areas of growth. Cath’s skill in teaching me how to break down my old, self-destructive stories, and turn them around to make them self-creative, has helped me find new ways of living and thinking. There are many life-changing take-home messages that I discovered with her guidance, and her consistently caring approach helped me through the initial pains of implementing change. Cath’s coaching program has helped me make a fresh start, and the turn-around methods and insights I learned will continue to boost me along in this great adventure. I highly recommend Cath to anyone wanting to rediscover the true meaning and significance of their life. She coaches with energy, enthusiasm and love.”

Marc Burman

“When I decided to do the Leadership training with Cath as my coach, I knew I’d set myself some tough challenges. I’d reached a point in my career that I felt I needed to reach a whole new level of leadership. I wanted to be able to influence leaders and inspire people to follow me. I realised that I needed to transform as a human being – and develop some of those special qualities I’d observed in people I admired. What surprised me was how I achieved those goals and even more. This turned out to be a course that not only challenged me, made me a better leader and more effective individual, but really changed me from the inside. I am a happier, more confident person who is able to connect with people and have more fun and success.”

Sandi Langton, Author, Account Manager, Biker Chick

“Cath’s special touch meant that she could tailor the program to cater for my specific needs. She seemed to have an intuitive understanding about the issues I was facing and facilitated the process so deftly that I felt like I was uncovering everything for myself! For the first time in my life I have the skills to dream, set goals and to follow these through. I now have a heightened sense of purpose and responsibility. I would recommend Cath to anyone I care for.”

Gavin Ralphs (CA)

“The Management Committee of the Music Therapy Community Clinic has recently embarked on a major Strategic Planning exercise, with a view to mapping out our 5-year growth path. We engaged Cath Duncan to run a Visioning workshop with the management team. We felt that we would benefit from using a person from outside our organisation, who could be objective and facilitate the consideration of new ideas.

Cath gave us some background on ways that might limit our thinking process, which helped us to break through any perceived ceilings that might hinder us. We found her directive encouragement and open-mindedness to be extremely helpful as she was able to give concrete examples of other people who have overcome great hurdles in order to achieve their dreams.

This Visioning workshop has had a wonderful effect on our Strategic Planning. We are enthusiastic about what lies ahead, we have considered new options that we might never have before, we have shared dreams with each other, we have bonded as a team, everyone has a greater sense of ownership about the process, there is a positive energy in the air and we have a feeling of excitement about what lies ahead.

Using Cath Duncan to facilitate our Visioning workshop was an extremely valuable exercise. Her input has enabled us to leapfrog any negative patterns of thinking, has encourage us to dream big – but most importantly – has enabled us to create a roadmap for what lies ahead.
We would fully endorse her workshop facilitation.”

Sunelle Fouché, Kerryn Torrance and Cerri Newdigate
Management Committee, Music Therapy Community Clinic

“Hi Cath, I would like to thank you for everything. I always had an idea what was
wrong but never really knew. Cath was like a boxer absorbing all her
opponent’s punches. I tried all the reasons not to. She showed me how to
split my pain into divisions and face it. I call this truth hurts. It
also awakened a desire in myself to exceed and not just to survive. I
discovered that I should seek to listen and understand others. This
will create an atmosphere where we can all grow and learn. It’s not
going to be plain sailing but I’ve already identified the possible
obstacles and the process is ongoing thank you.”

Client Service Centre Consultant, Santam

“It was the best decision I made in many years, to ask you to come and speak with our staff. The feedback I had was overwhelmingly positive, everybody felt they had had at least one aha-experience. Small things they hadn’t thought of, but that just made so much sense and could help them so much. One sometimes runs the risk of becoming too fluffy in these sessions, but for me the proof was that although initially only a few signed up, once they came out, the numbers rose. So it was due to word of mouth that the good results of the sessions became known, and that speaks for itself.

I’m very grateful for what you did for the employees and ultimately for our company. And yes, for my own peace of mind too. I’m sure it won’t be the last time we have you here…And yes, you’re welcome to quote me – I’ll endorse you wherever I can.”

Evelyn Kidder, Lufthansa Systems Process Management

“Feedback from agents as well as team-leaders and managers is very positive, be it about individual support or training interventions. There is a general appreciation for Cath Duncan’s professionalism and the contribution she makes, so much so that a request was received to thank her by means of our weekly newsletter. In my experience, such acknowledgment is unique.”

Tia Hugo, Contact Centre Collections Specialist, CMS Group

“Cathy Duncan consulted with CMS Group for over a year providing individual counseling to staff, design and implementation of personal development training and comprehensive reporting to management on the impact of her role.

The feedback from our staff has been very positive and the support, assistance and training has been very well received. Initially staff used the counseling service via referrals from their team leaders or managers but quite quickly felt comfortable enough to go directly to Cathy to request her service. Her service focus’ not just on being an ear or a shoulder but rather in helping people make changes and achieve their personal goals in a short period.

Cathy is unique in her ability to focus on people at the same time as being conscious of and understanding corporate needs and operating practices, bearing in my mind that the ultimate success is a healthy workforce that drives productivity. Cathy is determined, focused on delivery and is very personable and approachable. Her management reporting is comprehensive, insightful and displays her devotion to the role she fills in the company. She has been very valuable to our organization and has been instrumental in improving the morale of the workforce.”"

Laura McKinnon, HR Manager, CMS Group, Cape Town

“Thank you very much for coming in to my life during a time when I was going through a promotion at work. One would think that a promotion would be all good news, but the added responsibilities, expectations and volume of new work touched on all my personal fears!

In the middle of all this, I was instructed to attend this course, the aim being to equip me better as a leader. Since this was to assist me in my ‘previous’ job, I did not immediately feel that I could benefit, especially given that I had so many new skills and competencies
to develop. Fortunately for me, YOU came with the package, and that made ALL the difference. Taking this road has resulted in me being able to maintain a link with my previous colleagues and friends, while simultaneously allowing me to grow into my new job responsibilities. The course is not easy, as it requires self-examination of one’s dreams, feelings and attitudes and make the commitment to take action on your goals. However, it enabled me to ask the right questions in the right sequences, all with your personal guidance and non-judgmental approach. Despite the feelings of anxiety and doubt as to whether I was going to cope, I can honestly say that I am glad I started this journey.

In short, my whole way of thinking about my work and personal life has changed immensely, and the benefits of this course have been immediate, inclusive and long-lasting. Thank you for your support and encouragement, but mostly for caring enough to help me find out what it is I really want for myself and my family.”

Randall Martin, Team Leader, Santam

“I learned to prioritize and to accept that it is not possible to do everything crossing my path. I now focus on my goal and don’t look for someone to blame. I am now handing over work to my colleagues in a structured manner and trusting them to complete the task given to them. I learned to assess deadlines and pressure crossing my path, and to set goals, focus and ask for help if needed. I now accept that it is okay to decline and say No to requests in my circle of influence. I am no longer getting involved in something that is not part of my area unless I really have the spare capacity or the knowledge to make a difference. I improved on my performance appraisal by 13% from June to December 2007. My confidence increased because I am more focused, I reach my goals and this also increase my image as people saw me in a different light and their attitude towards me changed. With my positive attitude and their positive attitude we get along much better. I got offered a different position at work which I don’t think I would even consider if I did not do this course. I get more compliments on my quality of work. My relationship with other parties in the company improved and with that we are reaching more of our goals and targets and so improving the live of our fellow colleagues even more. More people see the benefit of my knowledge now that my attitude has changed therefore our combined goals is now reached and not individual goals anymore. I have a more positive attitude. I also have my frustration and anger under control. This has improved my relationship with fellow colleagues and other business partners and therefore I get more support and less resistance. To get something done now is a pleasure and not a pain and I get more done. I learned to be patient. I found a balance between work and home. I still work overtime etc but it does not rule my life anymore. I spend more quality time with family and friends and my relationship with them has improved.”

Naomi Groenewald, Manager, Santam

“When I made the impulsive decision to start the Dynamics of Personal Goal setting I was merely looking for a system to assist me in structuring and organizing my daily tasks – who is not initially drawn to the attractive, leatherbound Success Planner? As soon as I started to read the lesson manual, listening to the recordings and doing the exercises I was immediately impressed by both the simplicity and profound truths the system revealed.
I began implementing the techniques from the program in all facets of my life and started seeing noticeable changes in my thinking and ultimately my life. And I came to an insightful awareness: nothing happens by chance, that the quality of my life is brought about by the quality of my thinking and how I turn it into action. Setting aside time on a daily basis, both in the morning and evening, to dream and visualize brought a desire to realize my goals and assisted me in crystallizing and clearly defining my goals, which led to inevitable changes in my habits and exposed those hidden deficiencies tucked away in the corner of my mind that sabotaged my efforts to succeed.
Assisted by the coaching of Cath Duncan I discovered it is my beliefs which create my reality, and by applying and practicing the techniques outlined in the program I created new empowering beliefs for myself. I changed. I took action. I began observing my thoughts, wrote affirmations, crystallized my goals on the goal planning sheets, examined my beliefs on family, relationships, money, career, health and all other important areas of my life – and I changed! In particular, the process helped me to rediscover and visibly define my values, which now forms the basis for my decisions and goals in life.
The Dynamics of Personal Goal setting opened up an exciting journey into my personal power and self-knowledge. It helped to unlock my imagination and made me realize that the self that I am now contains the actualization potential which will fulfill me.”
Emil Jung, HR Manager, Globaltelesales

“Not much bigger than an Umpalumpa’ is how Jeannie D described herself on Top Billing one night. A very apt description for Cath Duncan, the owner of MINE YOUR RESOURCES, as well. However, you soon realize that the only time she is small is when you stand right next to her. There is absolutely nothing small or petite about her when this lady takes you by the hand, walks you through your own mind and gently introduces you to yourself. Her generous spirit and love of people is larger than life, as is her ability to use her knowledge effectively.

When I first met with her, I was as tense about life and everything else as a string on Nianelle’s guitar. The first session already brought about a measure of calm. After the second session I was able to get through the holidays more relaxed and had a lot more fun than I did in a long time. The works not finished yet, but the progress is steady and effective.

Though qualified as a Social Worker and HNLP Master Practitioner, I find her work to be very much on the same level as that of the Psychologists I have seen previously. Other social workers had to refer me to a Psychologist, where as Cath was able to deal with everything herself. A lady in our office who also used the service, commented that the previous Psychologist she saw did not give her half the clarity and understanding that she got from Cath in her very first session.

Another colleague had such an interesting journey and was so happy with the results that she referred her elderly mother to Cath. This ‘very old school lady’ has also had major results and wants to continue her sessions. Whether you are dealing with a minor upset or the biggest thing since 9/11, Cath’s caring professionalism can be counted on to help you deal with it effectively. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Cath and to OC2 management for putting her right on our doorstep.”

Contact Centre Consultant

“I heard about Cath in a meeting we had at work, but was not really interested because its at work and I was scared others would learn my deepest issues. Initially I signed up because I thought Ok cool I could treat this like my personal shrink and just dump a whole lot of issues on her and she would just be somebody I could chat to about surface level issues like money and love. I did not see myself as the person who needed counseling.

Much to my surprise what I got out of the sessions were totally the opposite. The first time we talked I was very shielded and at first try to sugar coat my issues because I was scared of her going Dr. Phil on me and make me realise how messed up I really am.

Soon Cath made me feel right at ease and I felt comfortable enough to talk about those skeletons that we all try to forget about. She maintained confidentiality which is of utmost importance when talking about problems. The weirdest thing is that every problem / issue / secret that I had difficulties dealing with, she facilitated me in getting in touch with all the tools I already had to solve my problems. Since seeing her I have made changes to my life that I could not do before but now that she helped me realise my true worth and now the sky is the limits for me.

In short, Cath was very professional, never judged, give me insight and a totally fresh and dynamic approach to problem solving that will rival the likes of Dr. Phil. I do believe that everybody can benefit from sessions with Cath as it was truly life changing for me. Even if you like me don’t believe that you have problems you will be surprised what lies beneath. Only if you deal with the underlying issues will you truly grow and Cath just leads you on that path. Try it YOU’LL LOVE IT.”

Quality Assessor, OC2

“When I first started attending the workshops you facilitated, I had a very narrow minded approach to the world. I viewed everything in life from my perspective, and did not really focus on other’s point of view. I have since learnt (from you) that I need to respect other’s point of view, as we are all dependent upon one another, an that by listening to what someone else has to say, I can learn much more. I have never had a private session with you, and this is one of my biggest regrets. This was not because I thought you could not help. On the contrary; all the feedback I got from my team members about attending your sessions was extremely positive. So much so, that I could refer more people to your sessions, and immediately noticed a positive change in them.
When you were with our company, I had not realized the amount of stress I was under. I thought I was okay. I now realize that I am not. But with the stress management workshop I attended with you, I feel confident that I CAN and WILL overcome this. You have provided all the tools with which I can do this, and for this I sincerely thank you.

Thank you so much Cath, for everything you do, and for everything you are. There is a very negative stigma attached to receiving counseling, and I think this was why people were initially weary of using the services. But once people got to know you, (be it in a private session or through a general workshop), it stopped being about the act of counseling itself, and rather became a private chat with someone who really cares. This is mainly due to the person that you are: warm, gentle, genuine, and lovingly sincere.”

Team Leader, CMS Group

”Attending Cath’s sessions has been a great help. It’s more than a session – it’s personal growth. You get to find your inner self, and your values and gain confidence.

Before I met Cath, everything was being a dark cloud in my life. I was stuck under this big dark cloud with no hope. When I started with her sessions, I could see a light penetrating this big, dark cloud. Everytime we met, there was something new to motivate me. She never told me what to do or what steps to take in order to be out of this dark cloud, but she showed me I don’t need to be under this big dark cloud. What I need is to not focus on the big dark cloud, but to now bring a sunshine into my life.

As much as we hate attending psychologists and therapists, her sessions are making you to make sure you make a difference in your life – not only to yourself, but people around you as well. The most part I love about her is that she helps you not to focus on the problem, but to be out of it. My life is different now. I don’t stress at all. I take things as they come, and I always stay positive, walking towards my goals in order to achieve them.”

Debt Collector, CMS Group

“I am more positive, and people can pick that up just by talking over the phone. My Tyme helps me track my success (ie. the amount of calls I take and the quality of it). People react more positively towards me. I am more confident, in the sense that I do not feel intimidated to go up to management when I do have concerns. I went for my first driving lesson and I’ve booked a date for my COP exam.”

Juanita, Client Service Consultant, Santam

“Deur in jouself to glo kan jy positiewe denke ontwikkel wat ‘n positiewe energie vorm, dan kan almal om jou daarvan voed. As ek presies weet in watter rigting ek wil beweeg, waarheen ek oppad is en wat my belangstallings is, kan ek doelwitte stel wat waardevol, akkuraat an haalbaar is. Op so ‘n manier kan ek ander help om hulself te vind deur hulle to wys ek behaal my doelwitte en dan op die einde van die dag my eie langtermdoelwitte behaal. Dit lei dan tot ‘n goeie voorbeeld vir ander kollegas wat hulle inspireer terwyl jy jouself puik ontwikkel”

Bruwer, Client Service Consultant, Santam

“Firstly I would like to thank you for your great support. Your coaching is excellent. It really changed my life completely both in my work and personal life. I felt so comfortable speaking to you, it was like
speaking to someone that you know for years and not someone that is a complete stranger. The advice and coaching you gave me really changed my life for the person I was. First I use to consider my children and other people and forget about I also have a life but now it’s different. My children still come first, but I also make time for myself. I can see it made a difference in my children too. I am not so stressed anymore and am taking control of my life both work and personal.”

Team Leader, CMS Group

“You come highly recommended by me. I thank you for your brilliant service not only to me but to my peers as well. You have done a great job with my daughter. As her mother I could immediately see the change in her. THANK YOU FOR THAT. I personally have learned so much in my personal life by attending your training. I think CMS has definitely the right person for your stressful job.”

Team Leader, CMS Group

“Someone who does not interrupt you, judge you, condemn you, criticize you. And who truly listens to you objectively. Everyone deserves someone like that. My experiences with Cath were inspirational and definitely enlightening. She made me realise the only person I’m truly hurting is myself. She gently opened my eyes and I cried. I listened and heeded. The change in me was, “wow.” I felt like a new person. So much so, that I recommended my mother (very old school) should try this. Major success. I think my mom is now emotionally stronger than ever before. She wishes to continue her sessions. I know now that my mom will be okay. I must thank OC2 call centre that brought Cath to our doorstep. It has been a very interesting journey.”

Contact Centre Consultant, OC2

“I am more productive at work, because I have set a goal I want to reach. Before my quality was good, but my quantity very low/bad. Now since doing this, my quantity and quality is improving. I’m happier and looking forward to the future.”

Juanita, Client Service Consultant, Santam

“The planning and positiveness have made me perform better than before. I completed my SMP. My financial life has gotten better since I started planning. Because I’m positive, the people around me is also very positive the last few weeks.”

Razeen, Client Service Consultant, Santam

“I never used to really worry about time and I now know that time is of utmost importance. I also now know what my goals are and I’m very positive that I will get there.”

Eryck, Client Service Consultant, Santam

“Now that I believe in myself, I know that I can do things better. I am more helpful to brokers and clients and colleagues.”

Suzette, Client Service Consultant, Santam