Skip to main content

Nicolene Schoeman Louw

The West Coast Is What Life Is

I’m not going to lie: this has not been the easiest year, to say the least. I know we say that about many years. And, if I’m honest, I’ve always waited for the year to be over before saying it out loud. This time, I’m saying it while I’m still in it.

There has been a lot of personal stuff. Coming to terms with the fact that we’re all getting older, and that with that comes a little more to deal with physically. Having my moral compass tested to a degree I never imagined would be necessary. I’m happy to say we stood firm. But the cost of standing up is something we don’t talk about nearly enough.

Uncharted and Unravelling – and Right on Track

Being first at anything carries a particular kind of electricity. There’s the thrill of uncharted ground, the intoxicating sense that you are doing something nobody has done before.
But here’s what nobody tells you about the frontier: it gets quiet out there.

Like Grandma’s Cooking?

Feeling like a fraud in your leadership role? You are not alone. Imposter syndrome affects even the most capable leaders. In this inspiring read, discover how building capability and trust is like learning to cook without a recipe — imperfect, messy, and deeply human. Whether you are managing a team or stepping into new responsibility, learn how to lead with confidence, authenticity, and heart.

The Fire Inside. Fireworks and The Voice

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a deep, burning sensation in my chest—not heartburn, but something much more profound. It’s a fire that has fueled my passion, inspired my actions, and shaped how I engage with the world. For years, I called it my “firework,” a force that filled me with energy and direction long before I understood its significance.

In this personal reflection, I reveal my journey to uncover the true essence of that fire: my voice. I address the challenges many women encounter when trying to express their truths in a society that often pushes us to be smaller, quieter, and more accommodating. I delve into the importance of speaking from a place of intention and identity, demonstrating the incredible power that arises when our voice resonates with our authentic selves.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your place, suppressing your words, or yearning to feel seen and recognised for who you truly are, I urge you to read my story. It’s about more than just speaking out; it’s about embracing your full self and believing that your voice not only matters but can also inspire change.

Rediscovering Identity: The Power of Intent and Being Seen

Have you ever asked yourself, “Who am I, really?” Beyond your job title, your roles, and what others expect of you—what truly defines you?

In this month’s article, we dive into the powerful process of rediscovering identity—a journey that many women face as they move through different life stages. From childhood to career, from being a partner to becoming a parent, identity can shift and evolve. But is this transformation unique to women, or is it part of the universal human experience?

Understanding your identity is more than self-awareness. It’s about reclaiming your sense of self with clarity and intentionality. And when you act with intention, you build trust—within yourself and in your relationships.

Whether you’re navigating change, feeling disconnected, or simply seeking personal growth, this piece will resonate deeply.

Easter Eggs, Mandalas and The Self-Fulfilling Cycle

Have you ever noticed how people mirror the energy you give them? When met with trust, they rise. When met with suspicion, they shrink. Just like a mandala builds outward from its centre, our relationships are shaped layer by layer by the way we treat one another. This Easter, discover how your words, actions, and intentions create the emotional environments where people either flourish—or fade. Redraw your patterns. Rewrite your influence. Reflect the good.