Yvonne Ward-Smith
Your trusted thinking partner
Rooted in 45 years of experience in Africa across the tourism-related industry, 17 of which have been in team and leadership development, I integrate emotional intelligence, NLP, and team coaching (ICF-accredited) – not as techniques, but lived practices.
As a Modern Elder, I honour experience while staying curious, valuing depth over speed, and relationships over performance.
More on the “Modern Elder”
Based in Maun, Botswana, and with decades of experience in Africa shaping leaders and teams across hospitality, and dynamic, multi-cultural environments, my work flows from deep curiosity about people and systems. I bring steady presence to complexity, listening beneath the surface, offering clarity without prescriptions, and creating space for sustainable growth. This embodied wisdom supports teams, leaders, and organisations in every engagement.
“Effective communication starts with listening.”
~ Simon Sinek
My areas of expertise
My work centers on unlocking potential in individuals, teams, and organisations
so they can thrive in complexity, and change through:
- One-on-one coaching
- Leadership coaching
- Team coaching
- Group facilitation
- Leadership development
- Supporting the shaping of organisational identity
- Training in leadership, emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness.
My approach
My approach is grounded in lived experience and rigorous education, with a deep respect for complexity. I believe meaningful change comes from shifting how people think, relate, and take responsibility together,
rather than applying quick fixes.
I create safe, non-judgemental spaces where culturally diverse leaders and teams can pause, reflect, and have the conversations that truly matter.
As a trusted thinking partner and positive energiser, I gently challenge unhelpful patterns
while supporting insight, connection, and forward movement.
My values
Presence
I bring calm, awareness, and empathy to every engagement.
Collaboration
I work with teams,
not on them.
Integrity
I honour confidentiality, respect, and truth in every conversation.
Growth
Change is a process of learning and emergence.
Connection
Human relationships are at the heart of every thriving organisation.
Testimonial
Contact me to start a conversation
“Real change begins when we slow down enough to see ourselves clearly.”