Proforce (Prograd) played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of my career. Entering the Prograd assessment day was both daunting and energising, but it pushed me to back myself and pursue a path that challenged me rather than choosing safer options. The program sold me on the idea that the fastest way to understand how a business truly operates is through sales — learning first-hand about customers, value propositions, strategy, and execution. The training I received at ProForce fundamentally shaped how I engage with people. Techniques such as building rapport, mirroring clients, using the “pregnant pause,” and resisting the urge to jump straight into product detail became deeply embedded in how I communicate. While much of this learning is now second nature, I continue to apply these principles daily in leadership, strategy, and commercial decision-making. As my career progressed into senior executive and managing director roles across multiple geographies, the consultative mindset developed at Proforce became even more important. In professional services, our business is our people, and the ability to connect, influence, and lead with empathy is critical. Nearly 20 years on, I remain grateful for my time at ProForce and the enduring impact it has had on my approach to leadership, growth, and building high-performing teams.