Team Encounters
Strengthen trust, collaboration and collective performance
The Power of High-Performing Teams
Every team has its own rhythm, chemistry, and pain points. Our Team Encounters are designed to surface what drives collective performance and what gets in the way. We go beyond traditional offsites to improve trust, strengthen collaboration, and help teams navigate conflict and change more effectively. Using frameworks like the Enneagram, we support the team to work more honestly, more cohesively, and with greater levels of accountability and excellence.
Jo was amazing. She delivered way more value and impact than expected. Loved it. She was brilliant. 10!
Jacques Burger
CEO
The Up & Up Group
Can’t thank you enough for last week. Feedback from the entire group was incredibly positive and I know there were some cynics in the room when we started.
You really set up the 2 days beautifully and as a result we got exactly what we wanted from the offsite.
Pat Sanderson
CEO
Janus Henderson
What stood out for me was how Joanne instilled trust within the first minute of talking with me, how she made it come to life and how she was able to very quickly understand what would be of most value to me. Joanne and I looked at why I was specifically facing some challenges with someone and she provided instant clarity on why we seem to be pushing each others’ buttons.
Monique Bernds
Managing Director
Combera
The feedback was unanimous – our time with Jo is the deepest and most meaningful work we have done together as a team. It’s been quite incredible to see how the team dynamic has shifted and become closer, more understanding and more honest with each other. On a personal level, I connected quite profoundly with Jo’s observations, perceptions and recommendations. She both accurately captured my high points and low points, and I left our session feeling clear and confident about the journey and self-work that I have ahead.
Faheem Chaudry
MD
M&C Saatchi Abel
Joanne has a unique ability to combine strategy, creativity and simplicity. She is exceptional at stakeholder management, always well prepared, good at reading an audience and her positive energy and high EQ brings people together. She has an ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, and her sense of humour and deep sense of care puts her within our beloved Madiba’s definition of true leadership.
Margaret Nienaber
COO
Standard Bank Group
I honestly didn’t expect this to be as life changing as it has been. It feels like the different pieces of who I am – what I do, why I do it, and how I show up in the world – have been gently held, understood, and given a bit of extra care. Jo has this incredible way of polishing those parts up and handing them back to you — a little sparkly, a lot more aligned, and somehow more you than ever. I feel more grounded in myself, but also lighter – like I’m not carrying as much of the pressure to be perfect, just the hope to keep growing in a good and meaningful direction. I only wish I’d done this earlier.
Jennifer Hill
Transformation Director
Advantage Smollan
Working with Jo will be the highlight of this year, and will indeed remain a highlight of my life. Jo possesses a uniquely high level of emotional intelligence, and an abundance of wisdom, insight and value. After each session with Jo, I leave a little mind blown – but also calmer and incredibly motivated to win.
Vikash Gajjar
Strategy Director
Razor PR
I found this to be the most valuable self-assessment I’ve done. The model itself was insightful, but what really made a difference was the way Jo explained it and put my profile into context. It helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses better and gave me more confidence in some of the choices I’ve made. It also made me more aware of certain patterns and has given me a clearer idea of how to use my natural attributes to my advantage.
Payman Hazeer
CEO
Workshop
It was a truly remarkable experience, and we loved every moment. Having been through various leadership development programmes throughout my career, I can honestly say this is the best one I’ve ever had the privilege of participating in. I would recommend to anyone that they partner with Joanne in this process.
Dustin Chick
MD
Razor PR
Jo’s ability to create connections with people that are founded on trust and deep meaningful conversations is incredible. She is kind, caring, but is also able to use her knowledge to challenge you to view things from different perspectives and gain deeper insights into yourself. I would absolutely recommend working with her.
Angela Katiforis
Business Partner L&D
Advantage Smollan
I have I tried and used many different personality tests, and I think the result Jo has given me with the Enneagram model has given me the most accurate and understandable insights of myself and the people around me. And Joanne is a fantastic coach and guide in explaining the model and how to work with the results. Five-star experience.
David Bergstedt
Commercial Director
Workshop
Jo met each of us where we were, with unparalleled empathy and insight. What really set her apart was her generosity – she always gave more than expected. Above all, Jo has a rare ability to make things click. That ‘wow, everything makes so much more sense now!’ moment of clarity she creates is something truly special. We couldn’t recommend her more.
Andreas Pilakoutas
CEO
Nicks Motors
Across the board, we have seen hugely positive results and the feedback has been truly outstanding. Beyond that, Jo has helped certain individuals enormously in their personal growth journeys outside of “strict” agency life. She has helped them get onto a constructive path of positive growth, where their challenges may have been beyond the realm of the formal workplace or their careers.
Mike Abel
Founding Partner
M&C Saatchi Abel
The entire experience was exceptional. Every step was handled with professionalism and care. The team’s attitude, the engaging group presentation, and the live workshops were all outstanding. This is just the beginning for me —now I have a clear understanding of my strengths and areas for growth. Thank you for the invaluable knowledge and a truly great experience.
Gasper Sekula
CEO
PKK
What to expect
What a Team Encounter Delivers
- Help develop psychological safety
- Improve trust and working relationships
- Reveal and reduce organisational politics
- Boost collaboration and team productivity
- Expose gaps and blind-spots
- Contribute to the development of talent
- Develop the team’s ability to engage in productive conflict and have high-impact conversations
Where it Matters
Cohesive, Accountable Teams
Consider this if you want to:
- Deepen trust and improve alignment across your team or leadership group.
- Surface the hidden dynamics, blind spots, or tensions undermining performance.
- Create shared frameworks for navigating difference, complexity, and competing priorities.
- Strengthen the team’s ability to hold honest conversations and engage in productive conflict.
- Equip the team to lead through change with greater cohesion, clarity, and accountability.