Who we are.

Where did this all begin?

Hey there! It’s me, Desiree!

Founder and MD of The Holistic People Collective, and bringer of a dash of joie de vivre to everything I do!

Leaders, managers, employees, entrepreneurs… it really doesn’t matter what your label is - I’m passionate about people! So, it’s my mission to help you be your best and reach your full potential.

Over the past couple of decades, I’ve worked in various roles for some big-name companies (WHSmith and Not On The High Street, to name drop a few!) and what I’ve come to realise is this. That the power of the business lies in taking a holistic approach to development.

So, at The Holistic People Collective, we look at people in both a personal and professional context. Your environment. Your customers. Your business goals. And by taking this all-around approach, we’ve created bespoke programmes that deliver on the outcomes YOU are looking for.

Where did this all begin? Settle in, and let me tell you a story…

I was born and raised in the ‘old’ South Africa. And even though I was very young and living in a privileged position during that period of oppression and separation, I always felt differently. I always knew that when people are treated with respect and dignity, and given the right opportunity, they’re capable of making amazing things happen.

At the age of 11, I was old enough to see and feel the change, and I was privileged to be part of my country’s change and transformation. Going from a toxic, dehumanising culture to one that celebrates differences, diversity and the human spirit!

I’ve personally felt the effects of an inspirational leader like Nelson Mandela, and this made me curious to learn more about people, leadership, performance and culture change. How can I help others transform their business, personal and professional life by reaching their goals and feeling truly inspired?

I came over to England when I was 25. I worked my way up in the hospitality industry and figured out what it’s like to motivate a team.

But when my son, was seven months old, I found myself in a difficult position. My maternity leave was coming to an end, and my relationship had just broken down. So, I was forced to leave the company I loved working for!

With zero clue what I would do with my life or how I would look after my son, I took out a credit card and self-funded my HR qualification.

Sure, it was hard being a single mother juggling a part-time job and studying, as well as the childcare costs and sole responsibility all resting on my shoulders. But I had an unshakeable belief that I could do this… and I did!

I worked my way from the bottom to a Global HR Manager position for a large commercial organisation.

All was going swimmingly until October 2020. I thought I was starting my dream job, but it quickly turned into a nightmare!

So, the following month, I left my toxic job and set up my own business. The Holistic People Collective was born! Stepping out on my own as an entrepreneur with no idea how it would turn out, I should have been terrified. But for some weird reason, I wasn’t. Instead, I had faith and self-belief! I jumped into the ocean without a lifeboat, but I knew I was a darn strong swimmer!

So, why am I telling you all of this? Because it matters. Every twist and turn we experience in life matters. Every mistake we make matters. Because it shapes us into who we are today.

I’ve experienced being a single parent and an immigrant. I’ve started my career from the bottom. I’ve learnt life the hard way. And now I want to help you get out there and be the best version of you… just like the pro you are!

“Working with you, has been like breaking the emergency glass on a fire alarm! You got me to stop, think differently and have hope for the future.”

Inga R, Private Coaching client

Our Partner Collective

But The Holistic People Collective isn’t all about me… it’s not The Desiree Show! Far from it!

When you work with us, yep, you’ll get my experience and insight. But you’ll also get to work with some amazing partners who support and collaborate with me to make your experience one that’s fully rounded, inspirational and ... well, holistic!

Meet Adelle Shaw-Flach

Here’s all you need to know about the awesome Adelle!

Adelle is the Director of her own consultancy, The Sweet Potato Consultancy (You’ll have to ask her about the name!)
Adelle and I met whilst attending a neuroscience programme. Her flaming red hair and Irish lilt in her voice made her really stand out. We connected on LinkedIn and hit it off in the first meeting with one another.
Coming from a health sector background, Adelle is what you’d call a “Nursepreneur”! She’s held several roles within that sector, including a nurse, public health nurse and health visitor, before moving into further education and starting her consultancy in 2017.
Adelle’s humour is infectious! (whoops, can you say that about a health professional?) She specialises in unlocking motivation, organisational wellbeing, mental health and personal development.
What motivates Adelle is her passion for unlocking how we understand one another and leaving her personal footprint behind by bringing people together and helping us learn how to work together.
Adelle wants to give people a great working experience! She gets frustrated by the lost potential and talent leaving the workplace because they’re either burnt out or frustrated by their lack of influence over the culture in their organisation.

Book a free call.

Want to find out more about how we can help you? Book a free call, and let’s chat!