In this interview article, we had the pleasure of speaking with Charles Crowl, a highly successful organisational coach and founder of THRIVEX. Charles shared his insights on leadership, management, and his recent appointment as an ambassador for the Woman Entrepreneur Awards. We delved into his motivations behind becoming an ambassador and his experience supporting women in business. Join us as we explore his unique perspective on coaching and his commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
What motivated you to pursue a career as an Organizational Coach?
I began my career at L’Oréal in Melbourne. After 4 years of hard work & demonstrating my potential, I was fortunate enough to be included in the L’Oréal Global Talent Pool and was posted to the APAC regional Office in Shanghai, China & subsequently Hong Kong S.A.R where I spent 10 years managing global Supply Chains the world’s largest fastest growing beauty markets.
As I climbed the ranks at L’Oréal, I became increasingly focused on the human aspect of my work and supporting my colleagues’ personal and professional growth. Despite my position as a Global Supply Chain Manager, I spent a lot of my time outside of operations, creating opportunities for my teams to develop and grow.
This focus on talent development eventually led me to transition into coaching, where I could have an even greater impact on organizations and individuals by helping them reach their full potential. To fully enable my newfound passion, I underwent formal training to become an Accredited Organisational Coach (AIECL) and went the extra mile to become an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
As we entered the beginning of the “Post-Covid Era” in 2022 I noticed a rapid shift in workplace culture & leadership demands during times of uncertainty. In response, I launched my company THRIVEX to support organisations to attract and retain the right talent by encouraging them to invest in their people’s career development & create workplace cultures where diverse talents can thrive and belong.
Can you tell us more about THRIVEX?
THRIVEX is a coaching and consulting company that helps organizations attract and retain top talent by investing in their employees’ professional development and well-being. We believe that when employees feel supported and fulfilled, they are more productive, engaged, and committed to their work.
Our coaching services are designed to help individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement, set meaningful goals, and develop the skills and mindset necessary to achieve success. We offer one-on-one coaching sessions as well as group coaching programs tailored to the unique needs of each organization.
All programs are supported by Hogan Assessments enabling organisations to access valid and reliable personality assessments that measure everyday strengths, potential shortcomings, and values and motivators.
In addition to coaching, we offer professional development workshops to help organizations build strong, inclusive cultures that foster collaboration, innovation, and growth. We work with leaders to develop strategies for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as modern leadership capabilities for the future of work.
At THRIVEX, our mission is to create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We believe that when organizations invest in their people, everyone benefits.
As an Organisational coach, what are the most significant cultural and environmental differences that you have observed since relocating to Mauritius?
Since my arrival in 2022, I have observed organisations in Mauritius face huge headwinds in adapting to the post-covid era, which has been characterized as a state of “permacrisis”, where the world is in constant uncertainty due to global warming, cost of living, conflicts, policy instability, and other factors. In this context, people are seeking a greater sense of purpose in their work, prioritizing personal relationships and well-being, and expecting flexibility in the way they work to ensure these needs are met. Amongst the hardest hit has been Hospitality – 8% of Mauritius GDP and providing employment to around 35,000 people. Based on qualitative feedback, the industry has an entrenched hierarchical culture & demanding work schedule, which does not correspond to post covid “non-negotiables” of purpose & flexibility.
Another area of focus that has emerged since arriving in Mauritius is gender equality. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the gap in access to opportunities for women with 20,000+ women having left the active workforce during the pandemic. I am drawn to learn more about this cultural dynamic in Mauritius and seek out ways in which I can leverage my skills to empower women and support organisations in creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces where all profiles of talent can thrive. For example, I am exploring initiatives that promote gender equality in the workplace with various organizations, acting as an ambassador for Women Entrepreneurs Awards, and facilitating #IAmRemarkable workshops to create more opportunities for women to succeed in their careers.
What would be your advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs, based on your personal experiences?
My advice to all aspiring female entrepreneurs is to be bold, take risks, and never be afraid to ask for help. With the right mindset, support system, and focus on generating income, you can achieve your dreams and build a successful business that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.
As I just shared, being an entrepreneur is a rollercoaster ride that demands you to acquire many new skills and competencies, and it’s not realistic to expect that you will master all of them on your own.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Women are great at sacrificing their own needs and offering help and support to others, but not always conditioned to reach out for help when they need it. Take it from me, getting support from a mentor, coach, or even a friend can be a game-changer. They can offer you guidance, insight, and support, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Remember, you don’t have to do everything on your own. Be humble and take charity when it’s offered, and don’t be afraid to offer something of value in return. Setting up a quid pro quo by exchanging skills or services with an expert can be a great way to fast-track your progress.
Now, let’s talk about cash flow. As a budding entrepreneur, it’s crucial to understand that cash flow is king. In the early stages of your business, 80% of your time and effort should be focused on income-generating activities. Without income, you don’t have a business, just a business idea! Once you have cash coming in the door, you can start outsourcing some of the less important tasks and focus on improving your offering, attracting bigger and better clients, and ultimately building a business that allows you to do what you love to do 80% of the time!
What piqued your interest in the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA), and how do you believe this award will benefit local Mauritian entrepreneurs?
The Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) caught my attention because I’m passionate about empowering women to succeed in their careers. As someone who’s been through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, I understand how crucial it is to have support and recognition along the way.
Unfortunately, women in Mauritius face many challenges when it comes to building successful businesses. They often encounter unfair gender biases, unequal pay, overwhelming domestic responsibilities, not to mention limited access to financing and resources.
This awards program shines a spotlight on the amazing accomplishments of women entrepreneurs in Mauritius, giving them the recognition and exposure, they deserve. By sharing their inspiring stories, we’re not only celebrating their achievements but also encouraging other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Women Entrepreneur Awards is also providing a platform for women entrepreneurs to connect with each other, access new markets and funding opportunities, and find role models and mentors. By supporting women entrepreneurs in Mauritius, we’re helping to create a more vibrant and prosperous economy for everyone.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for women entrepreneurs in Mauritius, and I believe that initiatives like the Women Entrepreneur Awards will play a crucial role in their success. Let’s celebrate these incredible women and continue to support them in their journeys!
For further information on Charles Crowl and THRIVEX, please visit their website at https://www.thrivex-coaching.com. To learn more about The Women Entrepreneur Awards and their programs, please visit their website at https://womenentrepreneurawards.com.
