Julie Dakers
Rural Development Specialist
Durban North
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Managing Director
Pearls Arise Pty Ltd
05.2018 - Current
- Pearls Arise is a Social Enterprise focused on working towards eliminating illiteracy on the African continent through reading programmes, enterprise development partnerships, mentorship, and tutoring.
- Published three Children’s books in the Shosholoza series, launched by the eThekwini Municipality
ESD Manager: Operations and Business Advisory
Lean Enterprise Acceleration Programmes (LEAP)
05.2016 - 04.2018
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Responsible for all Enterprise and Supply Chain Development Interventions
- Managed entire mining portfolio of clients such as South32, Exarro, Richards Bay Minerals
- Set up a business development centre in Belfast for Exxaro. This includes creating development plans for each entrepreneur and in addition conducting monthly business acumen workshops and business mentoring.
Relationship Manager: Women and Youth in Business
Motsepe Foundation
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Assessed and cleared three-year backlog of over 5000 applicants
- Create sustainable and strategic alliances and partnerships with Private and Government sector
- Identifying New Role Models and Sustainable Projects across South Africa
Rural Development Specialist
Raizcorp Pty Ltd
02.2008 - 04.2015
- Designed and facilitated learning interventions for start-up entrepreneurs in rural areas nationally
- Awarded Most Impactful Learning Guide (2013)
- Worked with team in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park and World Bank to assist rural entrepreneurs develop entrepreneurially minded skills
- Appeared regularly as Sales Expert on Big Business Television show (2013)
- Designed and facilitated Social Entrepreneurship program for International Medical Company for their Enterprise Development Programme. (2014)
- First Female Presenter picked for Pitch and Polish Road Show workshop event preparing entrepreneurs to pitch their business to exclusive Panel of Judges (2014)
- Worked on project for Jewel City for Diamond hub to select and take their jewellers through intensive learning and selection process. To formalize their diamond incubation program.
- Assisted with Roll Out of Raizcorp University and Heading up Raizcorp Guiding Academy
Education
Business Coaching
Small Franchise Enterprise Development Initiative
United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Asset Based Community Development
COADY International Institute, Xavier University
COADY & Gordon Institute For Business Science 04.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science - Psychology And Counselling
South African College of Applied Psychology
Online Flexi Campus 02.2022 - Current
Social Entrepreneurship
Gordon Institute For Business Science
Sandton, Gauteng 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies And Political Science
University of Natal
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Sales Leadership
Mentoring and training
Recruitment Strategies
Staff Management
Business Development
Strategic Planning
Operations Management
Partnership Development
Client Relationships
Accomplishments
Published three children's books to help inspire reading and working towards eradicating illiteracy
Timeline
Associate of Applied Science - Psychology And Counselling
South African College of Applied Psychology
02.2022 - Current
Managing Director
Pearls Arise Pty Ltd
05.2018 - Current
ESD Manager: Operations and Business Advisory
Lean Enterprise Acceleration Programmes (LEAP)
05.2016 - 04.2018
Relationship Manager: Women and Youth in Business
Motsepe Foundation
05.2015 - 04.2016
Rural Development Specialist
Raizcorp Pty Ltd
02.2008 - 04.2015
Business Coaching
Small Franchise Enterprise Development Initiative
04.2001 -
Asset Based Community Development
COADY International Institute, Xavier University
04.2001 -
Social Entrepreneurship
Gordon Institute For Business Science
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies And Political Science
University of Natal
04.2001 -