Thomas Johannes Hugo
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with a lifelong commitment to human development, leadership, and business growth. Backed by over 15 years of diverse experience across business ownership, leadership, coaching, consulting, wellness, and performance enhancement, I bring a unique cross-functional expertise that integrates strategic thinking with a deep understanding of human behavior and organizational success.
I have successfully founded and scaled businesses, led high-performing teams, delivered consulting services to both entrepreneurs and organizations, and worked across industries including construction, marketing, fashion, wellness, entertainment, and social services. My experience spans leadership roles, business strategy, operations, customer success, and team development, with a proven ability to drive growth, unlock human potential, and foster sustainable results.
With an extensive self-education in psychology, leadership, behavioral science, and holistic health — combined with hands-on leadership in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings — I excel in building strong relationships, inspiring performance, and guiding individuals and teams toward transformative growth. Currently advancing my operational excellence through Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification, I am committed to delivering measurable impact in leadership, organizational development, and people-centered business solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Coach
Self-employeed
03.2017 - Current
- Cultivated a high-performance mindset among clients by sharing best practices in time management, prioritization, and delegation techniques.
- Enhanced client leadership skills by implementing personalized coaching strategies and assessments.
- Improved communication skills of executives by providing guidance on public speaking, presentation techniques, and interpersonal dynamics.
- Inspired innovative thinking among executives with exposure to cutting-edge ideas from various industries.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within client organizations through strategic planning and goal-setting initiatives.
- Promoted work-life balance for clients with tailored coaching sessions addressing stress management and personal wellbeing.
- Troubleshot, brainstormed and collaborated with fellow coaches on ways to make coaching more impactful for clients.
- Increased client confidence in decision-making through targeted coaching sessions and role-playing exercises.
- Implemented creative problem-solving techniques, assisting clients in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Assessed clients'' needs and tailored coaching approaches accordingly, fostering personal growth and development.
- Facilitated the development of healthy coping mechanisms through mindfulness exercises and guided reflection activities.
- Provided ongoing support to individuals experiencing crises or setbacks, offering guidance on navigating challenging situations effectively.
- Navigated sensitive conversations with professionalism and empathy when addressing complex issues impacting individuals'' lives.
Customer Success Manager
Own Business
01.2019 - Current
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
- Delivered exceptional user experiences by consistently exceeding customer expectations in problem-solving efforts.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement, leading to enhanced product offerings.
- Provided expert guidance to customers on best practices for product utilization, maximizing their return on investment.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Assisted customers with onboarding and product setup to foster successful adoption and usage.
- Played instrumental role in client satisfaction by working with operational teams for proper resolution of service issues.
Business Owner
African National Gas
04.2013 - 12.2024
- Established strong customer relationships through excellent communication and attentive service.
- Strengthened company reputation by consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations in terms of quality products/services offered.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Managed financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and regularly updating staff on industry best practices.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing innovative business strategies and streamlining processes.
- Fostered an inclusive workplace culture that valued diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Drove revenue growth with innovative sales strategies, understanding customer needs and market trends.
- Improved team productivity with ongoing training and development programs, fostering culture of continuous improvement.
- Increased customer satisfaction with personalized service offerings, addressing specific needs and preferences.
- Developed strategic business plan, guiding company towards sustainable growth and profitability.
- Implemented cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance operational productivity and customer engagement.
- Streamlined operational processes, significantly reducing overhead costs and improving efficiency.
Mentor, At-Risk Youth
Saskatchewan Health Authority
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Reduced instances of negative behavior by teaching conflict resolution strategies and promoting healthy communication habits.
- Boosted self-esteem for at-risk youth through consistent support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement.
- Fostered a sense of community within the program by organizing group outings, events, and team-building exercises.
- Organized workshops on topics pertinent to at-risk youth, such as bullying prevention, stress management, and career planning.
- Inspired personal growth by helping mentees set achievable goals and providing guidance on how to reach them.
- Created a safe space for open discussion about sensitive topics such as substance abuse or mental health concerns without judgment or stigma attached.
- Facilitated collaboration between mentors, mentees, teachers, and parents to ensure a cohesive support network for each individual.
- Encouraged mentees to pursue their passions by exposing them to new hobbies or extracurricular activities they might not have otherwise discovered.
- Provided guidance and recommended coping mechanisms for youth dealing with difficult issues.
Education
Yellow Belt - Lean Six Sigma
Prof. Dr. Marcelo Machado Fernandes
Johannesburg, South Africa07-2025
Certificate - Knowledge Broker
Tony Robbins & Dean Graziosi
Johannesburg, South Africa08-2025
Certificate - Coaching
Mindvalley
Online09-2025
Post-Graduate Certificate - Carpentry
SIAST
Saskatchewan04-2016
Post-Graduate Certificate - Gas Technician
LPGSASA
Johannesburg, South Africa10-2012
Skills
- Executive development and leadership enhancement
- Strategic planning for personal and professional growth
- Stress reduction and burnout prevention techniques
- Confidence building and performance mindset training
- Organizational wellbeing and culture transformation
- Emotional intelligence and resilience mastery
- Team alignment and high-performance facilitation
- Conflict resolution and interpersonal mediation
- Clear, impactful communication and executive presence
- Talent cultivation and succession planning strategies
- Leading change and fostering adaptability
- Work-life integration and holistic wellness practices
- Goal achievement frameworks and accountability systems
- Relationship management and stakeholder engagement
- Metrics-driven support with measurable outcomes
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Mentor, At-Risk Youth
Saskatchewan Health Authority
08.2019 - 02.2020
Customer Success Manager
Own Business
01.2019 - Current
Executive Coach
Self-employeed
03.2017 - Current
Business Owner
African National Gas
04.2013 - 12.2024
Yellow Belt - Lean Six Sigma
Prof. Dr. Marcelo Machado Fernandes
Certificate - Knowledge Broker
Tony Robbins & Dean Graziosi
Certificate - Coaching
Mindvalley
Post-Graduate Certificate - Carpentry
SIAST
Post-Graduate Certificate - Gas Technician
LPGSASA
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