My Passion for Freedom
I grew up in Apartheid South Africa at a time of tremendous turmoil. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, the opposition movements for change were at their most active with daily acts of sabotage, rioting, and demonstrations.
At the time, I accepted the status quo of being a white male of privilege as being normal. This was an incredible lesson in indoctrination of a specifically held view that becomes the rationale for unconscious discriminatory thinking.
At University studying for a degree in Economics and finance, I was exposed to the nature of the apartheid government and what slavery was really all about. It was eye opening to see the imprisonment of a whole sector of South Africa.
Through the radical change and miraculous miracle that occurred under Nelson Mandela, I came to understand firsthand what real societal transformation was about and what were the key requirements to make this a reality.
This was where my passion for transformation and freedom for all erupted like a volcanic shift in my awareness.
I have dedicated myself to the inalienable right of all men to pursue happiness and freedom, and the role that enlightened leadership, government, business and individuals must play in this pursuit.
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Michael Raal - My Career and Qualifications
After University, I started a career in the Insurance industry. In 2001, I joined Aon Re Africa as a director. Aon is a listed company on the Chicago Stock Exchange and I was responsible for building the business in Africa.
In the next 8 years with a dedicated team of professionals, we grew the company to the largest brokerage in Africa with over 60% market share. As managing director of this business, I faced many of the challenges that confront business and political leaders today. The challenges of maintaining a competitive advantage along with managing staff and client expectations. I found it increasingly difficult to maintain work-life balance with extensive travel, a young family, and the increasing demands on my time that growth brings. I felt trapped in my own success and I was looking for answers.
I decided to pursue my own personal development full-time.
In 2008, I left the corporate world full-time and started a business and personal consultancy dedicated to the transformation of business and society. Over the next few years, I engaged in transformation work with executives and large corporations in whole system change facilitations, executive coaching, team and culture interventions.
Mastering Myself
It was when immersed in western self-development methodologies that I realized that the true freedom for myself required an inner-shift. It was this inner-shift that led me to study the Eastern approach to transformation with Spiritual leaders.
After a number of years of inner catharsis and outer challenges, I emerged balanced, more integrated, and ready to impart with others the wisdom I gained through my journey.
My Qualifications :
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Bachelor of Commerce (Economics/ Finance/ Tax/ Accounting)
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Certified Executive Coach
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Certified Organizational Development Coach
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Master Consciousness Coaching / Quantum Leap Master Coach
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Cultural Transformation Tools / Whole System Change - Barrett Values Center
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Advanced Integrative Enneagram Facilitator
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Master Plan Facilitation Guide
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Neuro-Linguistic Programming
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Advanced Integrative Energy Therapy
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Spiritual Warrior Training - Corelight