My Story

It's been quite a journey!

From the Cricket Pitch to the Boardroom: A Life Devoted to Developing People

Tim Shaw’s journey began with a dual passion—for education and sport. After earning a BA Ed (Hons) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, he pursued both teaching and semi-professional cricket, eventually representing South Africa on the international stage. It was here, amidst encounters with global leaders and icons, that Tim’s calling crystallized: to cultivate leadership, nurture relationships, and unlock team potential.

Following his retirement from cricket, Tim transitioned into the corporate world as a broker consultant, gaining firsthand experience in both multinational and nonprofit sectors. A pivotal meeting with John Maxwell in 1999 inspired him to become a certified leadership facilitator through Mentors and Business Coaches International (MBCI). Since then, Tim has worked across industries to guide individuals and teams toward self-mastery and authentic relationships.

His books—Leading Self and Others, Teaming with Ideas, and Relationship Philosophy—reflect a lifetime of insight drawn from sport, business, and personal encounters with figures such as H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II and Mother Theresa. Relationship Philosophy, his most recent work, explores the foundational role of connection in human flourishing, offering a compelling framework for understanding relationships as the elixir of life itself.

Today, Tim lives in Gqeberha with his wife, surrounded by nature and family. Whether through coaching, writing, or facilitating transformational workshops, he continues to inspire others with the belief that meaningful relationships are not just central to leadership—they are the lifeblood of a purposeful life.

In a nutshell:

I believe that we should live simply so that others may simply live.
I believe in respecting a person’s ‘thumbprint’.
I believe in provoking people to think for themselves, it’s their life.
I believe I can make a difference even if I reach one person at a time – and that you can too.

However, it’s not important what I believe, what do you believe?