Testimonials of Strongest Story women

“I’m still coming down from the course. It was such an eye opener for me, to help me solidify thinking and actions that have been floating around in my head for a long time.  I was so impressed with the level of thinking that went into the content and the incredible delivery from Jacqui and Deborah - practical and emotive.  This course needs to go global and all women attend 💪. I kept saying to myself 'I wish I had this in my 20s, I would have been much stronger and made better decisions'. Thank you thank you thank you.” - Claudia (Marketing - September 2021)

“I have discovered things about myself that I subconsciously knew but never really considered as gifts or strengths. It has given me the tools to approach my next chapter more deliberately. I have an affirmation of who I am as a person and the valuable contribution I can make every single day, not only in my personal life but also to my team. I have a renewed sense of energy and confidence in my ability to help others through my natural gifts.” - Roxanne (Human Resources - August 2021)

“I really needed clarity and direction in my life and most of all to once again feel excited about my life and what lay ahead of me. The Strongest Story course helped me realise how to get going in a ‘forward’ and ‘upward’ way…It helped me rediscover my strengths and passions and most of all made me realise that I am indeed the main character of my story. It’s my story and I must not compare it to anyone else.” - Rèchelle (Beauty Therapist - August 2022)

“Thanks you for an inspiring and amazing 4 weeks! I was so sad that it ended so quickly and wished it could have continued monthly. I have been so motivated to live a stronger story. Thank you! “ - Brigitte (Personalized Jeweller - October 2021)

"Thank you for this course and the impact and strength it gave me at a crucial time." - Mandy (October 2021)

“Thank you to Strongest Story for facilitating the renewed sense of hope I have in my own story. I so appreciated being part of this course!” - Kate (Marketing - October 2021)

“A big thank you for the course. It was so lovely to open my mind and sometimes just listen and take it all in. It was truly thought provoking and I still find myself ‘digging deep’. Doing the course opened my heart and has given me the energy to move forward and think beyond being a mom and a wife. Thank you for being so real and honest!” - Kondia (Accountant - October 2021)

“I loved making time for myself during the Strongest Story course and I am excited about the ‘attitude adjustment’ I have had.” - Lindsay (Entrepreneur - September 2021)

“I so loved the course! It was a huge blessing in my life…and I am very expectant and hopeful to see what God is going to do. Thank you for what you offer ladies through your courses, it really is an incredible experience.” - Shannon (Home Educator - September 2021)

“Thank you for the blessing of this course. I am learning so much and am finally beginning to feel some peace with every step forward I am taking.” - Vanessa (Nurse - September 2021)

“A must for women undergoing a change in seasons of her life.’ - Debbie (Home-maker - August 2021) 

“It’s been a long time since I even thought about my story and picking up the pen to start writing it so to speak. Thank you for being such an encouragement to me and so many others. I feel richer for embracing the story within me and having a plan and purpose for the future. The course was so awesome and gave me the courage to make plans and dreams without thinking about failing, but rather feeling inspired about what I have on my heart and seeing where it goes. You both have a real gift to uplift and inspire people.” - Jenni (Customer Relations Specialist - August 2021)

“The Strongest Story course was incredibly uplifting, reassuring and encouraging!” - Tracey (Full-time mom and Pilates instructor - August 2021)

“This is such an incredible course to do! It was awesome and I am literally telling every woman I know to do the Strongest Story course!” - Jeanine (Teacher - June 2021)

“Your attention to the ‘heart’ detail in every aspect of the course was so evident and made it a truly unique experience. You both have such compassion in sharing your passion for what you do. What a privilege to benefit from this calling you both have to encourage women to live their stories”. - Vanessa (Marketer & Technician in Packaging Industry June 2021)

“Thanks so much for this course and for sharing with us in such a generous way! It was so great to have a safe place to explore and share - really appreciate you both for it.” - Lindsay (Account Manager - June 2021)

“I have done a LOT of training and courses over the years, and I have never, ever experienced the sincere care and love that you both present. You are genuine, you are fun and you are both just simply remarkable. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty – it was so refreshing to know that, in many ways, we are all experiencing very similar struggles and not doing so on our own. What you have developed is a tool for women to regain their value and significance. Thank you for giving me the confidence and know-how to reclaim my story – it is the most precious gift!” - Carmen (Admin Guru, May 2021)

“Thank you so much for 8 wonderful, insightful and enlightening hours spent together. All good and uplifting stuff. It has been an enjoyable experience!” - Shelley (Interior decorator – May 2021)

“Thank you for the enormous value that you've brought, to a lot of women but especially to me, through your words and your insight and your passion. It’s been a wonderful way of delving in deep as to what is keeping me stuck. You've really made a profound, profound difference. Also, I must say I've found your registration process, content quality and layout super professional. Your attention to the smallest detail is perfection. It's like a dream to use.” – Chantale (Artist, March 2021)

“I got a lot from the workshop and am very grateful. The wheels have started turning in my mind and I’m determined to block sometime over the Easter weekend while everything is still fresh to put all my learnings together...” – Doris (Administrator, March 2021)

“Thanks so much for an amazing course. I love the way we have to put it all on paper to get us to think more about our lives. This is such a good process to go through.  I'm feeling liberated! Thanks for guiding me through this and giving me the opportunity to get my story rolling. This is going to be life changing, I can feel it! And I will action it.” – Frances (Physiotherapist, March 2021)

“Thank you Jacqs and Debs for amazing enlightening morning. I came crashing into the class but come away totally inspired by you girls (and everyone on the course). A big light for me here in Ireland during this severe lockdown down that we find ourselves in.” - Jane (Artist, March 2021)

“Thank both of you so much for an outstanding session this morning.  I am so blown away by it all - it is exactly what I need - intoxicating and challenging and heartfelt. You are gifting all of us with so much. Have a lot of work to do but feel like I am on the right track finally!! Thanks again for brilliant insightful experience that ticked every box and just made perfect sense! Your workbook is amazing… now to do the work!” - Janet (March 2021)

“I am excited and grateful that I’m being given these tools to help me. Thank you for an amazing session today!! Quite intense but thoroughly enjoyed it!!” - Judith (Management Programme Assistant, March 2021)

“You truly are up there with the best. Your slides are amazing... the course book is gorgeous, and you nailed the printable workbook!!!  And then you both work so well together presenting and facilitating.I've attended many online courses... yours is amazing.” - Lisa (Wealth Manager, March 2021)

“Thank you so much🌟🌟🌟amazing!!!!! I so enjoyed it all...I have never participated in anything like this before, so it was all quite a new experience! Feeling quite stunned by the wealth of knowledge and insight gained from just 4 sessions.” - Margi (Retired, March 2021)

“I am blown away by the content and the booklet design. I really cannot believe how talented you both are and I’m so excited for your business for the future and the massive difference and value you’re going to add.” - Michele (Boarding House Mom, March 2021)

“Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity, it’s so lovely to find myself completely out of my comfort zone amongst a group of lovely women all striving to live our best lives! What an incredible team you two are and so gifted in helping so many of us find our way and purpose.” – Natalie (March 2021)

“Thank you so much, I have been floating on air. Can’t believe it’s over. It went so quickly.”- Robyn (Bookkeeper, March 2021)

The design of this course (which is to guide women to discover their passions & strengths and to look at the general needs around themselves and in so doing uncover a purpose) is absolutely phenomenal! It is powerfully executed by two amazing women. Jacqui and Deborah unreservedly share their own personal life stories in order to drive home points and concepts which are a part of the course content. Their level of personal investment in simply empowering the lives of other women is admirable and heart-warming. Working through the workshop with these two women makes you remember that there are still good people in the world who are good just for the sake of being good, and who do things for others for no other reason than to help, and make the world a better place. I left this course feeling excited. Excited that I had given myself the opportunity to become deeply introspective and honest. Every step of the course is designed to help you uncover your truth, from introducing your ability to see your life as a story (can make us decide how we want our story to start and end), to helping you uncover your passions (what really makes you tick), to acknowledging your strengths (Jacqui Mol is honestly amazing at this, she has done her homework and is extremely knowledgeable)....and ends with you having to complete a goal statement which will spur you into action and includes your assertions of what your passions and strengths are. The greatest thing about this course is that every inch of it guides you towards putting all of this into action! action! action! - Mary-Ann (Wife, Mother & Business Owner, June 2019)

Strongest Story is a very insightful course that gives women permission to be the main character of their own life story. Equipped with this confidence, I realized we have to be part of something bigger than ourselves and serve others or impact them in a positive way. We can start small in our spheres of influence with acts of kindness. We have to use our natural strengths to achieve this purpose and I have intentionally decided to find my supporting cast that will help me achieve this purpose. - Mokgaetsi (Professional, June 2019)

Strongest Story is perfect when you are ready to hear that you have a story. I now realize that I have a story and am equipped with the energy to ensure I am the main character. Because of this course, I have intentionally decided to pursue actions that I was too "shy" to do. - Sheana (Full-time professional, June 2019)

The Strongest Story workshop was absolutely fabulous - I got out far more than I had hoped. You have included so much valuable info and relevant examples. I was totally blown away - thank you! - Brigitte (Full-time mom, June 2019)

The course is fantastic :) ... energizing, challenging & supportive, intentional. - Gretel (Wife & Mom & teacher & coach, June 2019)

This one day workshop was amazing, inspiring, I would do it again! It made me realize that I need to live intentionally and not be ashamed of my story. - Avril (Home-maker & single mom & school teacher, June 2019)

Strongest Story is a reminder that I don't have to be Superwoman in every area of my life, I can say 'no' to someone and cut out one or two things in my life. The course is worthwhile to learn more about oneself, and build self-confidence. – Kirsty (Certified Financial Planner, June 2019)

In my opinion, Strongest Story is an important intersection in any woman’s path. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with what is really most important in your story and to write a different script. And of course, to walk with other women and connect with each other in some way. I saw fresh courage well up in the ladies I met... daring to pick up a dream and, in some of us, realise that the “commonplace” we hold in our hands is actually the gold of our lives. And, perhaps, our great treasure. - Antoinette (Strategist, August 2018)

The Strongest Story course made me realize that we tend to tell other people's stories and listen to their stories but fail to share and live our own strongest story. In my opinion this concept is innovative , eye opening and empowering. I would advise every women to attend this course! - Thandie (Administrator, August 2018)

Strongest Story is created to give you back your confidence. - Susan (Teacher, August 2018)

The Strongest Story concept is extremely helpful in simplying one's focus - in realizing our passions and strengths and the needs around us. - Megan (Project Manager, August 2018)

The Strongest Story course is an eye opener and a guide to understand why we were created and why we need to share our experiences of life with others, as role models, mentors and  cheerleaders. - Mama Vivian (Managing Director, August 2018)

This was the most valuable experiential journey in search of my sweet spot! Although I have not yet reached my destination; Debs, Jacqui and the team helped me find and get that tool-filled backpack on! - Eleni (Presentation Specialist, October 2017)

Every single aspect of the course touched my core. I know now which story I want to LIVE and which one I want to divorce. The course is presented with so much HEART it is impossible to walk away unchanged. - Helen (Nurse & Diabetes Educator, October 2017)

I loved the course & how personal it was. I felt it put me in a much more positive place & inspired me to get better organized for making the time to pursue the things that are important to me. I've had the biggest photography job I've ever had since the course, so sure it all helped to put me in a better and more positive frame of mind & allow me to reach for my dreams. - Hannah (Mum-of-2 & Professional Photographer, October 2017)

It was lovely to be on the course - just awesome. You have got a great "product" !! It is also inspiring that you live what you teach. - Karen (Business Owner, October2017)

 I loved the flow of the course, how it went through each of the sections and then helped pull them all together at the end.  I also liked how it looked at moving from good intentions to intentional living as I think that is a crucial step that is often missing from courses.  It is easy to leave a course/workshop/talk inspired and then not really ‘do’ anything with it. I have been putting into practice some of your suggestions and have already made some changes to my schedule and am starting and ending my day with an admin time to plan and create order. - Michelle (HR Consultant & Mum-of-2, October 2017)

What an inspired, pertinently insightful and invigorating time. I was riveted! Your message is so worth sharing, here in SA and across the world. – Sally (Speech Therapist, May 2017)

I absolutely LOVED the course, the content and presentation of it was excellent. One or two of the exercises
were profound,  I wish we had had more time to ponder and think over but I know time restraints made that impossible. – Danielle (Full-time Mom with part time business projects, May 2017)

I loved the course and felt most inspired after the first session in particular. I think I left with a feeling of great excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead… I almost wish there was a follow up to the course so I could hear from others, where their journeys took them. I still feel that I have not yet pin-pointed my Purpose but there has been a positive ripple effect in my life of all the seeds that were sewn and I find myself using the “decision filter” more frequently than before. So there certainly are positive yet subtle changes happening which are heading in the right direction. – Candice (Home-maker, May 2017)

I really want to thank you for your time and energy you all put into this course. I gained an immense amount out of it.  Whether I use it or not, its up to me, and that is indeed what I enjoy about it the most. I have enjoyed speaking to my friends about my thoughts and ah-ha’s. – Brooke (Jewellery Designer, May 2017)

It was without doubt one of the most uplifting and wonderful things I have ever done! I am still blown away by the content – very cleverly thought out and made so much sense. – Jean (Entrepreneur and business woman, March 2017)

You run such a professional and insightful course for women and have so much to teach us all. I am so grateful I could attend this one. – Julia (Interior Decorator, March 2017)

 Such a great morning. Left feeling so alive. – René (Textile Designer, March 2017)

I always hoped for children to be a huge part of my story, and I am blessed enormously by having them and my amazing husband, but during the kids young years I shelved parts of my own story. I am now trying to be brave enough and strong enough to find, to pick up, and to treasure, some elements of my story that I have lost touch with. I now feel inspired to find a way to bring music back into my life and use it to find more "meaning" and to reach more people. – Nicole (Mom-of-Three, March 2017)

I LOVED this morning. You did an amazing job encouraging through your own stories and guiding so practically. – Alnere (Executive Director Life Matters Foundation, January 2017)

The course has forced me to re-engage with myself and grapple with many issues in a more concrete way.
I believe that this course will help many women put structure to their thoughts and feelings and hopefully
re-emerge as stronger and happier women with a new sense of purpose, understanding and acceptance
of ourselves. – Lesley (School Teacher, October 2016)

I was actually blown away by how the course affected me. I was touched by so much of what was shown and said and found real value in what we did. – Penny (October 2016)

Thank you for the clear, concise and informative way in which you presented this course. It was refreshingly real, easy to understand and inspiring. I have been motivated to follow through and make some necessary changes in my life. – Cathy (self-employed mother and wife, October 2016)

So many of us are not following our passions. It was clear to witness this by just watching the ladies reactions to the questions at the workshop. Thank you opening our eyes and our hearts to finding our stories. You've given us so many tools with which to better our lives. Thank you. – Vanessa (Clinical Research Technician, October 2016)

We were utterly spoilt by the care taken in providing such a glamorous space, treats, coffee, water etc. SPOILT!! On a practical level I was so impressed with the incredibly high standard of material resources, presentation and time keeping. Very slick!! – Barbara (Design Entrepreneur, October 2016)

It certainly opened up our hearts as we heard their stories, to go into similar places in our lives that are not easy and often painful. The fact that they could speak of their journey’s gave us courage to look at the painful parts of our own journey and also gave us links to identify with them as they shared. Thanks for a reason to stop the treadmill rush of life and just take time out to work out how to do life better. – Caro (Mom on a journey, October 2016)

The course was just great!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it -  thought provoking and energising. I walked away feeling very happy that I had attended the morning. I felt as though I learned something, have lots of things to think about and that there are amazing people out there all in a very similar boat! – Chantale (Architectural Technician, August 2016)

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! .... Completely exceeded my expectations! – Mary-Ann (Skills Training Professional, August 2016)

I SO enjoyed it and felt refreshed by Debbie and Jacqui’s authenticity and vulnerability. – Claire (Full time Mom, August 2016)

I just want to applaud you for a phenomenal and powerful morning. So well executed and professional.  I feel so encouraged, uplifted and empowered. Your combined gifting is a powerhouse! – Mandy (Property Management, August 2016)

Thank you for most amazing workshop today! Thank you for sharing your stories with such humility and grace. Your messages were of great inspiration and encouragement to myself and I’m sure many other women who feel like we are too ‘insignificant’ in this world to even have the right to own a story. I am going to work through the workbook you handed out and celebrate the narrative of my own life. Thank you for highlighting today, that every person has the right to claim their own story and live a unique life. – Daleen (August 2016)

Thank you, Saturday's morning session changed my life!!! – Erhyn (Academic Quality Manager, May 2016)

What Strongest Story Women have created!

During the Strongest Story course, I was reminded that, “Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure or power, but a quest for meaning”. - Viktor Frankl

I have been married for 34 years and we have three children, aged 25, 23 and 21. The fun and very full pre-school and school going years are behind us. I loved every stage of those years and felt privileged to be free to immerse myself in my children’s lives. Prior to us starting a family – (I was a late starter - almost 35) - I had been fully dedicated to building my career in research and teaching at the local University -I loved that ‘chapter’ too!

I found however, once our third child had been born, that it was impossible for me to fulfil my University obligations and simultaneously meet the needs of our children. Although not without sacrifices – nothing ‘worth its salt’, is - I gave up my career to raise our 3 children. I have no regrets and have remained intellectually alive and stimulated. During those years, I also thoroughly enjoyed participating in ‘Mums who Pray’ school groups, watching sport and cultural activities, reading with our children, learning through the projects they were given and from the many dedicated educationalists they were privileged to have as well as developing wonderful friendships with their friends’ parents. It was a beautiful chapter which we co-authored. Now that they have all left school and gone on to University in another province, (the eldest one has started working), I have been challenged to create a new script for this chapter of my story.

I have found this challenge inspiring, fun, and even liberating! My greatest realisation, and this is also my encouragement for others entering their 50’s and 60’s, was to never forget that:

You are still relevant, useful, needed, interesting and desirable! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! You can and do make a difference!

Part of my new chapter involves prioritising some of the exciting activities I invested in during our children’s school years including the work of a Christian Organization, African Enterprise https://southafrica.africanenterprise.com/?country_code=ZA and an outreach project with the poorest of the poor called Bonginkosi. I have also embarked on running a small Airbnb from our home. And continue to do flowers in our Church and at odd functions – I’m an amateur florist but a flower freak! Plus other social, neighbourhood and run of the mill responsibilities!

My family remain central to my story and ongoing engagement with and encouragement and prayer for our children is key in this stage of their lives – and they’re wonderful companions when they do come home or we have holidays together -but its key to me that they write their own stories.

These provide context for my new chapter but do not define it. I feel this is important!

The privilege of continuing the Bonginkosi outreach project amongst 120 mostly unemployed women and some men in the heart of Sweetwaters, an impoversished and under resourced area outside my home town of Pietermaritzburg, is a HEADLINE in this new chapter. The project was birthed by African Enterprise (AE) – the Christian Organisation I mentioned above – over 50 years ago, and then led by a local couple for 40 of those 50 years. They have retired and have passed the baton onto myself in partnership with AE again.

The Bonginkosi outreach project’s objective is to nourish – spiritually and physically - the 120 folk with whom relationships have been built over many years as well as empower, upskill and uplift them. This requires sensitive and inclusive channels of communication and engagement and requires thinking creatively and imaginatively about skills that can be taught to enable folk to increase their household’s income; about identifying and ministering to some of their personal needs and struggles; about their resources and abilities and those of friends and associates which we can tap into.

It’s an exciting, multifaceted partnership and project which can hopefully be replicated. I see it as an opportunity not only to give back and ‘do my bit’ but also to draw others in who are feeling they’re on the fringes and purposeless. Jesus compels us to: “Love the Lord you God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. And... Love others as well as you love yourself. There is no other commandment that ranks with these” (Mark 12: 29-31; The Message)

Another HEADLINE therefore in this new chapter of my story is:

Thankful and Tireless: Aging activists connect through community concerns!

Please feel free to donate to Bonginkosi (see details below) and share skills and ideas you have!

Account name: African Enterprise

Bank: FNB

Account Number: 50950005121

Branch code: 221325

Ref: Bonginkosi