For closing in on 20 years, Tom has been part of some remarkable stories while working in performance, teaming and leadership. From helping school and university teams win trophies and turn around their seasons, to Super Rugby, The Hundred, The IPL, winning Currie Cups and Varsity Cups, working with Olympians and helping SA cricket to a World Cup semi final and final - Tom has seen a lot of sporting exploits. Tom has also worked with hundreds of working professionals across 4 continents and multiple industries in helping them develop true high performance in their working and personal lives.
He has worked across many sporting disciplines, notable teams include The Stormers, Melbourne Rebels, SA Rugby, The Proteas cricket team, The Sharks, Western Province Rugby Ajax Cape Town, SA Golf, University of Cape Town Sport and Stellenbosch University Sport. He spent 5 years as the head coach of the UCT Ikeys rugby team.
In the business world he has put together multiple programs across industries, all of which have been customised to help bring about optimal performance for individuals and teams. He has worked at both junior, middle management, EXCO and CEO level.
Tom's coaching philosophy is grounded in authenticity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He believes that true success is not just about achieving external accolades, but about cultivating a winning mentality and behaviours that lead to lasting fulfilment and impact.
Whilst fun and enjoyment may not be the same thing, he does believe that what he does should be enjoyable and working with him should be a stimulating, but also enjoyable, experience.
Tom's approach to coaching is both holistic and results-driven. By combining cutting-edge methodologies with timeless wisdom, Tom provides his clients with the tools, insights, and support they need to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
“Tom has brought something completely different: an objective way of thinking, what you can control and what to leave out the picture. The time spent with him has helped us build on something deeper, something that plays a bigger role in a sportsman’s world than most people realise.”
"I think the most important thing about Tom is that he knows how to win. His competitive nature is a great asset to his work. In the last 3 years I have been part of 3 different teams and have won 3 trophies – Tom was extremely involved in all 3 campaigns, working with the team as a whole and on a 1 on 1 basis with all the players. Working with Tom is always fun and enjoyable; he has an amazing gift of bringing a team together and creating a positive environment. I still to this day regularly work with Tom to strengthen and refine parts of my game. If I were a coach , Tom would be the first person I would hire."
"Tom has an amazing ability to resonate with each individual by speaking and relating life with sport. His knowledge of the psychological sphere is incomparable."
“Tom understands the core essence of leadership – the ability to empower and to create more leaders within the team, whilst simultaneously leading the team as a whole. He has successfully created an environment at the UCT Rugby Club that is inclusive of all people, from all walks of life. The environment he has fostered represents the nation we find ourselves in both demographically, and culturally.”
“Tom’s ability to engage an audience with his stories makes his approach to leadership and teamwork accessible to everyone. His practical experience in both the sporting and business world means he offers a balanced view of teams in the real world. Both Tom’s enthusiasm and the clarity he offers in his message means that each person leaves feeling like they can make a strong contribution to a team, as well as find their own way to shine. Audiences remember Tom, they remember what he tells them, and his message makes a difference to their lives."
“Tom made an impact with his professional and innovative methods. He takes on tasks with enthusiasm and dedication - I wish that all my co-workers had his attitude!”
“At our company conference Tom was outstanding and filled with energy - his style and content ‘tailor-made’ for what we were looking for and very well accepted by all who attended. We had very positive feedback and results.”
“I can't express enough the impact Tom had on me during the World Cup. From the deep discussions around the game and the team, but more importantly how he helped me navigate my way through the role and still continues to do so. Tom has an amazing gift and it's been a privilege to be on the receiving end of it. I remember fondly how coming out of a prickly meeting feeling frustrated and overwhelmed and needing to facilitate a meeting and Tom helped me zone in on what had to be done. That's just one example of many.”
“He helped us find a purpose on and off the field as a group. Helped us understand the what ifs, and plan on how we can manage situations before we got to them in the game. Basically plan on how we can proactive in our thinking. He will be a blessing where ever he works .He will do everything in his power to help a team work together. Always willing to learn from peers and players."
“I have had the pleasure of working with Tom during the Ikey Tigers successful 2011 Varsity Cup campaign. I have been impressed by his passion, his intellect, his obvious thirst for knowledge and his search for new ideas. He is not someone who is comfortable with a fixed way of educating athletes. Instead he tries continuously to improve himself and his craft.”
“I believe Tom was indispensable to our Currie Cup campaign. He got the team thinking and communicating at a level we hadn’t been at before. As a team and as individuals we developed a lot from his sessions. He was also a great guy to have in the team environment.”
“Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay Tom is that he does not talk at you, but plays a guiding, facilitating role in getting team members to engage each other more effectively. He emphasises the power of story-telling and the relevance of each individual’s story within a team environment. He also left us with a mantra which has been instantly adopted within our work environment: Connection Before Content. The implication being that we need to listen, interpret and evaluate before trying to implement. Wise words indeed. I could not recommend Tom highly enough as someone to coax, to encourage and to challenge any team environment.”
“I have enjoyed working with Tom and feel he will add value in any High Performance environment. I have been impressed by the way he delivers his expertise and knowledge and feel it would give many a clear understanding and purpose around how to advance their chosen careers.”
"Although a relatively new concept with regard to rugby, the mental side of the game cannot be ignored and having a person as forward thinking and unique as Tom on board is an absolute must. He is ahead of the game in his field and has a great feel for people and is able to connect on all levels. It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with Tom during this campaign."
“Tom was instrumental in the team’s collective confidence and bringing out not only the best in me, but also the team. A man that believes in being straight up and most of all, being honest.”
Working with Tom is an absolute pleasure and a privilege. Professionally he really brings calmness and clarity to the process, helping to keep perspective of the end goal and the immediate future. Away from “work” Tom is as we South Africans will call a “lekker oke” with great banter.
