Blog

Marja Kleynhans | Operations Manager

marja@acuityconsultants.jobs

I grew up in a small town and after finishing school I quickly realised that my opportunities would be somewhat limited there, so I decided to trade the country life for the big city life that Cape Town had to offer. Throughout my career, my work has always been focused on admin and making magic behind the scenes (which is where I prefer to be). I have worked in many different industries and I have to say that the recruitment world is by far the toughest environment, where persistence is key.

It has been an exciting journey to see the business evolve and grow over the last couple of years – many of my colleagues have been here since I started my journey with Acuity, which is testimony to our company’s culture! Outside of the office, I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. I believe in switching things up and trying new activities/challenges – this is the way I like to live my life; accepting all challenges that life throws my way and growing as a person. Recently, I have learnt how to surf, I tackled my very first Triathlon (which was daunting, to say the least) and completed a 200km road race! I have no idea what this year may bring but I do know that I will be returning to the waves (I am a surfer chick at heart!).

Andrea Williams | Data Specialist

andrea@acuityconsultants.jobs

I consider myself a socialite, always out and about with friends enjoying life to the fullest, or to as much as what my bank account can afford. I enjoy attending events and dancing the night away to the different genres of music. I don’t see myself as a typical “girly girl” and have always been a bit of a “tomboy” since I was young, I enjoyed camping and any form of outdoor activities, whether it be on land, sea or heights, you name it, I’m up for it.

When I’m not out and about with friends, I like nothing more than spending time with my “Fur-babies”, my two dogs and my cat are my life and cuddling up with them watching a good movie (mostly Fantasy/Science Fiction, like different Marvel movies) or any form of Anime is always a good way to end my day (and yes I said Anime).

Gary Silbermann | Recruitment Director

gary@acuityconsultants.jobs

Making people feel better is in my bones, which is why I studied Physiotherapy and Psychology at University.

On completing my degree, I then moved to the UK – was running away from being conscripted into the army – where I lived for 22 years. I worked in Private Practice before opening the UK’s first rehab clinics within the UK’s first sports center. I was then appointed as a Consultant for two Premier League football sides, ironic as when it comes to football, I can take it or leave it.

From there I founded a Spinal Rehabilitation Clinic on London’s Harley Street which made me feel ever so important, but the truth is that it didn’t make me happy. So, I left the medical profession after 16 years and bummed around the world for a couple of years.

By chance (like many others) I fell into IT Recruitment, working for the world’s largest recruitment company, and climbed that greasy poll for several years.

My wife, kids, and I then, on a whim, decided to move to the best city in the world, Cape Town, and we’ve never looked back!

Here at Acuity Consultants, I am a Managing Partner and have the titles of Recruitment Director and COO. But really, I am a hands-on Recruiter through and through, where I’m committed to helping people and making them feel better. I guess I’ve come full circle.

Honesty, trust, and ethical practice is everything to me in building life-long relationships.

In my spare time you will find me walking my dogs or slogging it out on the squash court.

Ashleigh Graham | Principal Recruitment Consultant

ash@acuityconsultants.jobs

After graduating with my Honours in Organizational Psychology , the opportunity to join Acuity and start a career in recruitment came along. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into but looking back over the past few years, I have learnt that to be successful you need dedication, perseverance and LOTS of luck!

Outside of work I am a fitness freak who loves competing in many races around the country – I guess you could say my dream is to become a full-time athlete, but this may upset my boss (who also happens to be my training partner) A LOT! On the weekends you will find me riding my bike around the peninsula or running the beautiful trails in Cape Town. I also love spending time with my friends and travelling around the world – this too is something I would love to do full-time, but I may need to make a hell of a lot more deals to reach this one!

Lindsay Cowan | CEO

lindsay@acuityconsultants.jobs

Did I ever think I’d be running a recruitment company? Answer, NO! I started life washing dishes in Spain, selling water coolers in the UK and even had a stint as a terrible five a side football player (2 matches) which resulted in a broken arm after accidentally tackling my own teammate! I quickly acknowledged that I wasn’t suitable for any of the above and pushed forward with a career in IT before later returning to South Africa with my family in 2010. It’s important for me to use the word “returning” in this bio as it doesn’t matter how many times I tell my friends I was born in South Africa, I am still accused of being a walking, talking Pom! Hilarious and totally untrue, I think…

Fast forward to today and I am proud to be the CEO of Acuity. It’s been a tremendous journey – not only do I have a fantastic team at work, I am exceptionally lucky to have an amazing team at home also. My wife is unquestionably the brightest and kindest person I know, and I am a very proud father of two amazing/demanding kids. Between a full-on work and home life, I enjoy all things outdoors and can be found regularly pounding the tar running or cycling, in preparation for the next competition in SA or overseas. I am at my happiest when I cross the finish line and can celebrate with an ice-cold beer!