As someone who has gone through motherhood, divorce, menopause, and death of a partner, I’m intimately familiar with difficult periods of transition. Then, in 2021 during a routine gynaecological checkup, my doctor discovered a big ovarian tumour. Two weeks later a radical hysterectomy was performed. The physical recovery was difficult and long, but like most crises, this crisis triggered an intense journey of self-reflection and inner growth. I knew I had to write to survive and a year later Never waste a good hysterectomy was published.

Women started to write to me from all over the world about how betrayed and abandoned they felt by the medical system. In response I created and hosted a podcast under the same name for women who are preparing - or recovering from a hysterectomy. But, it still didn’t feel enough. I wanted to do more to support women through their journeys of transition and healing with cancer, illness, menopause, divorce and motherhood. I also knew first-hand the incredible power of the African wilderness in facilitating inner and outer healing. So I founded When Women Rise Retreats. These retreats give women an opportunity to rest and heal in the arms of the African wilderness, whilst being pampered in 5 star luxury - because, we deserve, it right?

And if you still want to know a bit more about me: In 1994 I was asked by Nelson Mandela to serve as a member of parliament in South Africa. Eight years later I became South African Ambassador to Ireland. I then became Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland. I returned to South Africa in 2012 and between my work with women, I also act as a political and environmental consultant. I also wrote a couple of books.

I’m often described by those close to me as a rainbow friend – which might have something to do with my hair. (It  is currently red, but can be pink or green depending on my mood). It is true that I like to bring colour into my life and in the lives of those around me .

Professionally I have been in marketing and advertising all my life - working for big global advertising and marketing companies.