Founded by Debbie Craig in 1997, Courageous Leadership (Pty) Ltd embarked on an ambitious mission to redefine leadership and organisational development across industries including mining, banking, automotive, and petroleum. These early years were marked by pioneering leadership and impactful projects.
Debbie partnered with John Gatherer on a global leadership development program, reaching 2500 leaders worldwide, and setting a new standard for leadership alignment and performance culture. This era-defining program laid the foundation for our continued commitment to excellence and innovation.
In 2005, they spearheaded large-scale transformational projects, including the HR transformation of Transnet in partnership with the Resolve Group – and the comprehensive talent management strategy earning accolades for its profound impact on company culture. The culmination of Debbie and John’s work led to the establishment of Catalyst Consulting (Pty) Ltd in 2006. Together, they embarked on transformative journeys with global giants like Buckman, revolutionising organizational development and leadership practices across continents.
It was this vision that resonated so deeply with me when I joined Catalyst Consulting in 2018. With a background in operationalising business, people and talent strategies across 22 counties in Africa, I was drawn to the opportunity to shape and implement strategic initiatives that unlock the full potential of individuals, teams, and organisations on an even bigger scale. In 2019, stepping into the role of General Manager, I embraced the opportunity to lead Catalyst’s next chapter. As we evolved, so did our impact. We expanded our portfolio to include CEO succession planning, integrated talent solutions, leadership development and culture transformation projects across diverse sectors and geographies. Yet another HR transformation project headquartered in the Middle East stretched and strengthened our ability to deliver across the globe. This was tested even further under the significant constraints imposed by Covid. Our ongoing focus on growing our network of experienced associates, facilitators and coaches continues to enrich our capability and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-impact, value-driven solutions at scale.
At the end of 2023, Catalyst began its next growth phase, with the establishment of Catalyst Evolution (Pty) Ltd. Partnering with the LifeAssist Group, we are pioneering integrated wellbeing solutions focused on building healthy, engaged people and teams capable of adapting and, more importantly, thriving in an era of rapid change and disruption. Our focus on AI and digital talent underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
While Debbie continues to lead and inspire as a strategic thought partner and mentor, she will be exploring new frontiers in neuroscience and quantum physics through her global network. Her vision and leadership continue to guide Catalyst Evolution, and me, as we navigate these new challenges and opportunities on our journey to creating positive, high-performance organisations.
Catalyst Evolution is driven by an insatiable appetite for improvement as we challenge industry norms, and actively seek out and define better ways to enhance wellbeing and unlock potential. Our people are our greatest asset, and as an employer, we are committed to fostering an environment that sparks creativity, embraces intuition, and promotes personal and professional growth.
Join us on a journey of continuous evolution and innovation as we push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create lasting positive change. Together, we can build a future where individuals flourish, teams excel and organisations succeed.
Warm regards,
Kathy Kraus
Managing Director, Catalyst Evolution (Pty) Ltd
