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WHO WE ARE

Unlocking Potential Through People Development

Apex Leadership Specialists is a people development consultancy that works with individuals and teams to help them understand and achieve their true potential. Originally founded with a focus on leadership coaching, we have since developed a number of natural extensions to our core offering. These have given us the ability to go beyond simply focusing on individual impact to positively influence organisations in a more holistic and enduring way. While each individual has their own challenges, and each team has its own dynamic, we know that the fundamentals of what we offer remain the same. Whether working one-on-one or in groups, with leaders or operational teams, in all our work we aim to help people gain perspective to better understand themselves, their environment and the way in which they can be most effective within it.

7+
Expert Coaches
9+
Partner Companies
15+
Client Testimonials

Whether working one-on-one or in groups, with leaders or operational teams, in all our work we aim to help people gain perspective to better understand themselves, their environment and the way in which they can be most effective within it.

OUR METHODOLOGY

We don't use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Every engagement begins with a conversation about what you need, who you are, and what success looks like for you. From there, we draw on a range of tools and frameworks, always choosing what serves the goal rather than what's easiest to deliver.

5 Lens Enneagram

A data-driven personality framework that gives leaders deep insight into their patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Brain-Based Coaching

Grounded in neuroscience, this approach helps leaders understand how to change behaviour and build new habits that stick.

Comensa Standards

All our coaches operate within the ethical and professional framework set by Coaches and Mentors of South Africa.

What Others Say

Trusted by leaders across industries

Trusted by leaders across industries

"We are privileged to partner with Craig in the coaching arena at Appletree. He is passionate about what he does which is highly infectious and inspirational to the rest of our team."

Travis Gale

Appletree

"Craig understands the nuanced and important balance between equipping a team with tools to better cope with their stressful lives and keeping a high-performance mindset."

Anton Clarke

IOEC

"Having someone independent from your work and personal life to download all that is going through your head has been an invaluable discovery for me."

Gerrie Noel

Michaelhouse

"I thoroughly enjoy my sessions with Craig. He is clearly passionate about coaching people and trying to get them to realize their full potential."

Matthew Merrick

New Forests

"I've got to see him use many different skills to effectively bring people into good emotional spaces and then equip them to take appropriate next steps."

Ross Rodger

Olive Tree Church

"Craig is a natural leader and has quickly understood the demands and challenges of my world which has made it easy to work with him."

Sue Oosthuizen

Vezikhono | Frey's Food Brands

"Craig is very relatable which helps me open up in our coaching sessions. I find Craig's approach adaptable in creating practices and actions that seem tailored for me."

Jared Price

Kaomi Marketing

"Craig is thoughtful, insightful and uplifting. He has unlocked strengths and abilities within me that I never knew I had locked away."

Jenna Gamble

Kaomi Marketing

"Craig has been a sensational life and business coach. He can connect on a deep level and has incredible values and judgement."

Johnathan Bailes

Singita Game Reserves

"Craig's coaching sessions from the start have been a great learning curve for me. They have helped me grow as a person not only in my personal life, but in my professional workplace as well."

Jessica King

Kaomi Marketing

"I don't naturally gravitate towards sharing, being open or expressive. I internalise – which is not always the best way to live life! I've had several opportunities to engage leadership coaches in my career and you are the first that I've 'retained'."

Austen Johnston

Time and Tide

"The journey I have been on with you has been life changing. I've engaged with your coaching for over 2 years now, and I've changed dramatically."

Justin Sandler

Kaomi Marketing

"I have been working with Craigo for over 4 years now on general self-development, a more balanced life and in particular leadership in the workspace. As a young person starting out in the business world and navigating your late 20s at the same time, can be challenging, however, my regular sessions with Craigo have proven to be invaluable, as well as our once-off "work team" brainstorming session. Super grateful for the journey I have been able to share with Craigo, his professionalism, guidance and mentorship during all these years. Working with him as truly made me a better leader, person and have a more in depth understanding of myself which has subsequently positively overflowed into all aspects of work and personal life."

Gav Morris

Wilkinsons Insurance

"Working with Craig Stuart came at a pivotal time in my career and life. I was transitioning into a senior leadership role, struggling with imposter syndrome and processing the loss of a loved one. Craig's coaching helped me build confidence, overcome self-doubt and navigate grief while continuing to perform professionally. What stood out most was his ability to challenge me in the right way. He encouraged me to lead with conviction and authenticity and one piece of advice that has stayed with me is: "If your intentions are good, you may make people feel uncomfortable, but ensure that your intentions are good." That insight helped me become more comfortable making difficult leadership decisions while remaining true to my values. As a result of Craig's coaching, I successfully stepped into my senior leadership role, implemented initiatives that have positively impacted the business and most importantly, I now genuinely feel that I belong in leadership. Craig is authentic, thought-provoking and knows how to bring out the best in people. I would highly recommend him to emerging leaders and executives looking to grow their confidence, leadership capability and impact."

Anonymous

Yumbi

"As a Tech Ops Manager, navigating fast-paced operational demands while effectively leading a technical team can be challenging. Working with Craig has been a game-changer. He helped me gain a profound understanding of myself, shedding light on both my key strengths and my leadership blind spots. Through our sessions, I've significantly improved my emotional intelligence, which has completely transformed how I handle high-pressure situations, communicate, and lead. Craig didn't just offer generic advice; he provided the practical tools I needed to transition from managing operations to empowering. I highly recommend Craig to any leader looking to drive genuine self-awareness and elevate their management skills."

Brighton

Yumbi

"Over the course of his time working with me and the team, Craig has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to personal mastery and professional development. His approach goes beyond traditional training; he has a unique ability to help individuals recognize their strengths, unlock their potential, and fully utilize the tools already within their toolbox. Craig has guided team members on a journey of self-awareness, accountability, and growth, creating lasting improvements in both confidence and performance. His coaching style challenges people to think differently, take ownership, and strive for excellence, while remaining supportive and approachable throughout the process. The impact of his work has been evident across the team, with individuals becoming more empowered, capable, and effective in their roles. I would highly recommend Craig to any organization looking to develop high-performing teams, strong leaders, and a culture of continuous growth. His contribution has been fantastic, and the value he brings is significant and long-lasting."

Damian J

Miavana

"Our leadership team's journey with Craig and Celia was truly transformative. The 5 Lens Enneagram opened our eyes to ourselves and each other, sparking a level of self-reflection we hadn't thought possible. Through powerful one-on-one coaching, engaging workshops, and strategic Directors' sessions, we discovered a shared language that ignited a new level of connection. We've not just improved our team dynamics; we've found a newfound sense of unity and clarity. We're deeply grateful for this experience."

STUART F.

DHS Attorneys Inc.

"Craig has played an integral role in my life for the past 2 years. I have appreciate his holistic approach to problems has changed my perspective on numerous occasions to see the opportunities that were right in front of me. Encouraging me to be bold in faith, when I've felt myself falter and always there to have compassion and understanding from a human perspective, often sharing some of his own life experiences to identify with the issues that I've had to face. I value Craig's input on most of my life and business decisions, he has not only been an invaluable life and leadership coach, but someone that I consider a close friend. Thank you Craig for your dependable support and guidance through these past couple of years."

Cliff

One Mind Body Soul