“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Every Women’s Day, I’m reminded of the extraordinary strength of women who shape our world, often quietly, often against the odds. My journey has been shaped by moments of courage: leaving the safety of corporate life, stepping into the unknown, and founding Inspiravit Consulting with one clear mission to inspire leaders to grow and lead authentically.
Today, I have the privilege of working with women who are reshaping organisations, driving change, and lifting others as they rise. Coaching them is not just my work, it is my calling: to unlock their potential and walk alongside them as they step boldly into their purpose.
For over 25 years, I’ve partnered with both private and public sector organisations to lead transformation and culture change. My career began in the corporate world of South Africa, where I focused on organisational development and leadership. During my time as an HR Senior Leader at Woolworths, I witnessed firsthand how inspired leadership can unlock extraordinary potential in people.
My entrepreneurial spirit later led to owning several small businesses, including a retail franchise and a change management consultancy. These ventures taught me the grit and creativity needed to build something meaningful. At the same time, my heart was drawn to impact. I provided pro bono coaching for charities and, as a Rotarian, mentored disadvantaged students through bursary and mentoring programmes.
In 2014, my path shifted globally into the humanitarian sector when I joined World Vision International as a Senior Global Organisation Development and Change Advisor. I supported leaders and teams across Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia through large-scale transformation. This work was complex but deeply fulfilling.
Then came 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic brought unexpected change, and I was retrenched. What felt like an ending became, as my mentor said, “the nicest push I could have hoped for.” From that challenge, Inspiravit Consulting was born.
The word Inspiravit means “to breathe life into.” This is at the heart of everything we do. Together with my associates, we partner with organisations doing meaningful work helping leaders and teams grow, thrive, and lead change courageously.
Our philosophy is simple yet powerful: when leaders are inspired, they inspire others. This ripple effect, one leader empowering another, is how meaningful transformation begins.
My passion for supporting other women is deeply rooted in my journey. I know what it feels like to doubt your voice, to sit at the table but hesitate to speak, and to question whether you belong. Over the years, I’ve been uplifted by women who saw something in me before I could see it in myself, and that has left a lasting mark. I believe in creating those same moments for others: spaces where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to lead with confidence. When one woman rises, she opens the door for others to do the same. That ripple effect is how real, lasting change begins.
My commitment to female empowerment extends beyond leadership, it includes a deep drive to help women embrace their potential as entrepreneurs. For too long, women, especially those from previously disadvantaged communities, have not been seen, heard, or respected as business owners and creators of opportunity. I believe entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for transformation, and I’m honoured to walk alongside women as they navigate that transition. One story close to my heart took place in the Eastern Cape, where I’m from. I had the privilege of coaching a woman through her journey of self-belief, resilience, and vision. She went on to establish her own construction company, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and becoming a beacon of possibility for others in her community.
“When women step into their power, they ignite change far beyond themselves.” – Christine Wilke.
While I work with all leaders, I have a special passion for supporting women. Too often, women underestimate their voices or question their place at the table. I’ve seen how coaching can change that narrative.
One client, a senior leader facing a daunting global transformation, came to coaching unsure of her ability to lead and handle resistance to change. Through our sessions, she not only gained confidence but also inspired her entire leadership team and organisation to rally around a shared vision, shifting the culture from within.
With other clients, I use visualisation to help them see their future selves. One young woman shared an image of a lion cub with a lioness standing behind her. She said, “Everyone thinks I’m the cub, but I’m the lioness protecting the vulnerable.” She needed to overcome imposter syndrome and find her voice. By the end of her coaching journey, she had done just that, earning a senior global leadership role where she now makes a remarkable difference.
Tools like Insights Discovery play a decisive role in this process, helping leaders gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, energies, and patterns so they can lead authentically and build stronger teams.
Over the years, as a corporate leader, entrepreneur, humanitarian advisor, and now coach, I’ve learned that leadership is as much an inner journey as it is an outer one. I share these lessons with every woman I coach:
My vision is to see more women lead boldly, breathing life into their organisations and communities with courage and authenticity. At Inspiravit Consulting, we partner with those who want to make a difference, equipping them with the clarity, confidence, and tools to thrive.
Through Coco Corporate, you have the opportunity to connect with me as your coach. Whether you’re navigating change, stepping into a new leadership role, or ready to grow into the leader you’re meant to be, I would be honoured to walk alongside you.
To every woman reading this: you carry within you the seeds of change. Leadership is not about fitting into a mould; it’s about standing tall in your uniqueness and leading from the heart.
Let us rise together, courageously, and with purpose.
Warmly,
Christine Wilke
Consultant Coach & Founder, Inspiravit Consulting
