In traditionally male-dominated spaces like rugby and business, it always fascinated me how women could make a quiet yet game-changing difference by offering a different perspective. I’d like to single out a few by name, as they truly made things better for us as a team and for me personally.
The Quiet Confidence of Dr. Sherylle Calder
I want to start by mentioning Dr. Sherylle Calder, who introduced “Eye Gym” to the Stormers—long before anyone was even thinking or talking about training their eyes. The way she worked with us and gave us confidence was inspiring. It definitely changed the way we looked at the game. Excuse the pun!
Dedication and Professionalism: Helen Milson
Secondly, I want to mention Helen Milson, who was our physio for the Stormers. It couldn’t have been easy for her—she was one of only two women in our tour group of 32 people. Yet she was always on time, always friendly, and at all times, totally professional. She’s currently working as a physio in the Premier League in the UK, which is testament to everything I just said.
The Steady Force of Annelee Murray
The third woman is Annelee Murray, who was with the Springboks when I was captain from 2002 to 2003. It was an incredibly tough time in Springbok history, as the wives and children were starting to become part of the team. Despite some resistance from senior management, Annelee always had a soft but convincing way of getting the job done. If I think back, the one thing that stood head and shoulders above anything else was her consistency—always helpful, always friendly, and always there when needed.
What They All Had in Common
What all three of these women had in common was empathy, kindness, resilience, and a quiet confidence that made each one of them authentic. What I personally learned from Sherylle, Helen, and Annelee is that if you have a passion for your job, you’ll never work a single day in your life. I don’t always have a passion for what I do, but I focus on the positives, and I try to inspire people by the way I work.
Women in My Business Life
I have many women working in my business, and I love the fact that they don’t sweat the small stuff. They don’t get distracted easily, and they are consistent in their work. I have an assistant who’s been working with me for 13 years. She has an incredible ability to pick up on any vibes in the office. If I come back from a business trip and anything has happened, she’s the first one to tell me.
Who do you have in your office that has your back?
Here’s to the Women Who Show Up
I have huge respect for all the women out there who show up, dress up, and perform consistently over days, weeks, months, and years in their businesses—and then go home to be a mother, wife, cleaner, chef par excellence, and so much more, often with little or no recognition. Here’s to all the women who outwork, outplay, and outsmart many men on a daily basis and don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like to get in touch with me about my key note presentation, Debunking Motivation, please send an email to corne@cornekrige.com. Visit my website to review my speaker sheet for more info. I also share my story on my social media pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.