Samantha Reinders

Samantha Reinders Business Advisory 2019

I was introduced to Madge Gibson of TCI (The Change Initiative) six years ago, at which time she came highly regarded and recommended. I have since had the opportunity to work with Madge on several occasions, firstly in my capacity as HR Director for Johnson & Johnson South Africa, with Madge being our go-to person to provide Outplacement services for executives.

Madge worked on a number of cases for us, each time receiving very positive feedback fromthe executives themselves, all of whom commented on her professionalism and depth of knowledge, her good counsel and ability to instil confidence. The executives supported were diverse in many respects, spanning a spectrum of skills, expertise and life stages, but in each and every instance Madge provided excellent guidance, helping them to re-define their careers and pursue new aspirations, with confidence.

During the course of 2019 I had the opportunity to sit on the other side of the table, with Madge supporting me during my own Outplacement process. Partnering with Madge to investigate and craft the next chapter of my career has been a tremendous highlight and something that I am truly grateful for. Madge is a wonderful combination of human and professional; she understands the business landscape and is highly skilled in her field. I can unreservedly recommend Madge / TCI to employers and individuals seeking effective and reliable career counsel.

Fahmida Omar

Insurance industry Executive 2021

I have had the privilege to work with Madge the last few months. Madge is a very talented and experienced professional who added tremendous value to me. Over and above her CV writing skills, she is amazing at coaching and assisting with interview preparation. Madge is easy to deal with, very approachable and professional and extremely knowledgeable about the corporate world. She has a wealth of skills and experience that can definitely add value to anyone in the job market. I would highly recommend Madge anytime.

Louw Nel

Senior Political Analyst 2020

I met Madge during a challenging period in my career and life, and I am enormously grateful for the guidance and compassion she showed me over that period. Having spent a decade working for only two organisations, I needed a lot of advice on how to navigate an extremely difficult jobs market. She did an exceptional job in helping me understand the technical aspects, but also helped me with the human side of the challenge and kept me positive and motivated. The continual help and support she provided proved invaluable. I sincerely hope that anyone going through a difficult transition, as I had, could have access to a resource like the Change Initiative and the support of a kind, compassionate person like Madge.

Nicole Griffith

Senior Manager at PwC 2017

At the beginning of April, I was unexpectedly given a retrenchment package and a 16+ years career was over in an instant. I did not know where to start or how to go about reinventing myself in the face of this life-changing event. I am not sure where I would be today, except for one lucky break when friends referred me to Madge Gibson at The Change Initiative. Three weeks after my first meeting with Madge, I felt like a different person.

Step one: The CV – Madge has an in-depth understanding of what prospective employers are looking for, and a talent for presenting information with a punch! She creates an impressive CV that has the desired impact – the first reading of my CV by a prospective employer landed me an interview.

Step two: Interview Technique – Madge gives holistic base training, providing an essential awareness of all aspects of interviews, from what to expect to what to deliver. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it, and with Madge’s help, I learnt to best present my skills and abilities. It is not easy to face change, and it is not easy to sell yourself to relative strangers, but that is what is needed to secure a new job, and after my time spent at The Change Initiative, I am much better able to make a great first impression. The preparation techniques are both challenging and empowering.

Step three: Get yourself out there – I have a much better idea of how to handle myself in interviews and the confidence to get out there and  get started again. Where I initially felt as though the challenge was insurmountable, I now feel determined and optimistic. My time spent with Madge Gibson at The Change Initiative was some of the most productive and worthwhile ‘training’ in my 25 years of working. Thank you too Madge, for your encouragement and ongoing support and advice – you are worth your weight in gold!

David Magagula

Bakery Operations at RCL Foods 2017

Having found myself as a recipient of a mutual separation proposal from my employer, I was confused, worried and anxious – the very emotions that would hinder my personal change management and prospects of finding employment. At first, I was not entirely hopeful of the outcomes of The Change Initiative’s “Career Management and Change Strategy” program, but Madge’s frank approach and incisiveness showed me how my emotional state, at the time, came across and helped me identify my blind spots and identify areas of improvement and strengths to focus on.

The discussions, case studies, reading material, recorded discussions, and the career management tactics have all helped me in my personal rebranding journey. I definitely recommend The Change Initiative for both employers and individuals on career management and strategy.

Thank you Madge, for checking in, even beyond the formal end of the program.

Guy Lundy

Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry 2015

Madge was a great colleague to learn the ropes from as a newcomer to executive search, given her vast experience in the industry. Her professionalism, dedication and focus on getting the detail right ensure that both clients and candidates come away feeling that the placement process was a pleasure. She shows true commitment to managing a project through to completion. I would recommend her to anyone making a career change. Madge is someone we can all learn from.

Kathryn Sakalis

MD: Group Marketing and e-commerce TFG (The Foschini Group) 2015

Working in a large corporation, one meets a large number of professionals in the recruitment industry. Madge Gibson is one of the few that stood out from the ‘crowd’ and who I’m willing to go on record to vouch for. Her honesty and integrity struck a chord with me from the very beginning. I knew that I could trust her responses and recommendations. I know Madge will be a success in whatever she does, and that she will take that business savvy and mindfulness with her. Her level of insight is not something that can be trained.

She is passionate about what she does and pours all her energies into it. Could one ask for more? I think not.

Nathan Natty Motjuwadi

Head of Human Resources – Capitec Bank

I have been associated with Madge for several years, as both a business partner and in an advisory capacity. In all her work she brings more energy and passion that is very infectious. She is a consummate professional who is comfortable and confident at all levels of interaction with management. Her credibility and integrity precede her.