Blog

Gary Silbermann | COO

gary@acuityconsultants.jobs

I’m happiest when I’m walking the dogs, playing squash, spending time with my wife, watching my kids learn, working with a team of friends, and doing the best job that I can.  That’s my daily routine, and I can tell you – I am the happiest I have ever been.

I’m inspired by people who are honest, generous, kind, mindful and funny.

Currently, my two favourite quotes are: “Always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python; and, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde

As COO / Recruitment Director, here at Acuity Consultants, I am ultimately responsible for Delivery, Client Service, Recruitment Operations and steering our ongoing Recruitment Process evolution.

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 enormous slab of fruit and nut!

Cara Schickerling | Senior Recruitment Consultant

cara@acuityconsultants.jobs

I officially made the “GROOT -TREK” from Jol-Homies-burg five years ago , leaving behind the Traffic (or so I thought) , Smog ( yes the air in Cape Town is cleaner) and just general Negative Vibe (Cape Town has the mountain of all mountains which of course radiates positive vibes) for the land of Wine , unaffordable Property Prices and Hipsters (even though I am happily married to one).

Mother of Dragons( well two cats) , Keeper of Secrets( unless it’s really juicy – kidding) and Social Butterfly ( This whole “having a job” think is really getting in the way of me living my best life) , eight years on and one degree later , recruitment still has my heart even if I do spend a large portion of my day researching my next holiday.

Ashleigh Watermeyer | Senior 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!

Philip Boltt | Senior Recruitment Consultant

philip@acuityconsultants.jobs

I would describe myself as the epitome of your typical family man, think Phil Dunphy from Modern Family but sharper (I hope). I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my wife, two kids and small herd of dogs. When not at the office, you will find me around the braai, working on my DIY projects (the same ones I have been procrastinating about for the past year) and landscaping (the more macho version of gardening, or so I tell myself).

Where does the strange accent come from you ask? Having been born in Zimbabwe, spent my early years in Durban and Johannesburg and then completing my schooling in Namibia at a German high school before moving to Cape Town, you can imagine why I don’t know either.

I have been in recruitment for over 10 years now and still really love what I do. I am a stickler for information and endeavour to really understand the purpose of the positions that I recruit for and be able to envision the role that the candidate will fulfil in the organisation.

Marja Visser | 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 towards 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 the colleagues I work with have been here since the beginning of my Acuity journey, 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 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).

Tristan Ewing | Social Media & Content Manager

tristan@acuityconsultants.jobs

Aside from the daily grind, you’ll generally find me at home channelling my inner Jamie Oliver, cooking up a storm in the kitchen by finding new ways to improve my ultimate pasta sauce recipe or experimenting on new Tech projects that will make everyone’s (mostly mine) daily lives a little easier. On the weekend, I’ll be in my usual spot, the designated Family Braai-Master, around the fire with a beer in-hand, shouting at the ref on the TV because “THAT SHOULD’VE BEEN A PENALTY!”

Apart from that, you’ll notice I’m STILL talking about fulfilling my dream to be a Rockstar Bassist in a fringe band, but once I’ve brought myself back down to reality, I’m generally dreaming up new projects for the house whilst inadvertently killing all the plants I’ve tried to take care of.

But in the end, I wake up every morning and work hard to make sure my cat is living her best life!