by Ine-Mari Bredekamp
Dare to Be Different: A 25-Year Journey of Growth and Innovation
I still remember my very first speaking event like it was yesterday. At the time, I was the Area Manager for SDV Pharmaceuticals in Western Cape, South Africa, tasked with organizing a conference for Skin Care Therapists and clients. My responsibilities were clear: secure a well-known motivational speaker, ensure the event ran smoothly, and – the part that filled me with both excitement and nerves – deliver a speech of my own.
The topic of my talk was Dare to Be Different, a message centered around thinking outside the box and embracing creativity to boost sales. I poured my heart into preparing for that speech, refining every word until it felt just right. When the day arrived, I could feel the energy in the room, the anticipation of the audience, and the challenge of holding their attention. And as I spoke, I realized something powerful – I loved this. I loved inspiring people, pushing them to think differently, and encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones.
That moment sparked something in me that has never faded. Now, 25 years later, I am still daring myself to be different.
Embracing Emotional Intelligence as a Game-Changer
Over the years, I have seen how the power of Emotional Intelligence (EI) transforms lives, workplaces, and leadership. The ability to understand, manage, and harness emotions effectively is at the core of great leadership, successful businesses, and meaningful relationships. It is what allows managers to connect with their teams, teachers to inspire their students, and parents to support their children—especially children with ADHD, who require deeper levels of patience, understanding, and guidance.
That is why I am developing a unique training program that weaves Emotional Intelligence into various areas of personal and professional growth. This initiative is not just another leadership course or a corporate training workshop—it is a movement toward a more compassionate, effective, and dynamic way of leading, teaching, and parenting.
A Training Model for the Future
This program incorporates Emotional Intelligence into several key areas:
Motivational Speaking – Helping individuals and teams understand the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and resilience in achieving success.
Parent Workshops for ADHD – Providing parents with the tools to nurture, support, and guide their children with empathy and understanding.
Teacher Training – Helping educators recognize the emotional needs of their students and create an environment where learning thrives.
Management Training – Equipping managers with the skills to handle their teams with emotional intelligence, ensuring productivity and positive workplace culture.
Leadership Coaching – The ultimate goal: redefining leadership by instilling a deep understanding of how EI influences decision-making, team engagement, and long-term success.
At its core, this training is about being human—understanding neurodiversity, embracing differences, and recognizing that the most impactful leaders, educators, and parents are those who serve others with empathy and insight.
Superheroes Are Always Different
One of the key lessons I have learned through my journey is that superheroes are always different. Whether in business, leadership, education, or parenting, the ones who make the greatest impact are those who dare to stand out. They challenge the status quo, think differently, and take bold steps to create change.
Great managers, leaders, and teachers understand that their titles come with a responsibility—a responsibility to uplift, empower, and guide others toward success. It is not about wielding authority; it is about creating opportunities for growth, fostering resilience, and encouraging others to reach their full potential.
Turning Lemons into Lemonade
Life has handed me my fair share of lemons. I have faced challenges, setbacks, and unexpected turns, but I have always chosen to make lemonade. And now, as I step into this new phase of my journey, I am stirring the pot once more—bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a bold approach to Emotional Intelligence training.
So, to those who are ready to challenge the norm, step outside the box, and redefine leadership, education, and parenting—let’s dare to be different together.
Are you up for a drink? 🍋🥂
Connect with Ine-Mari
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