I am absolutely thrilled to provide a glowing testimonial for Stephi, our Assistant Creative Director. Stephi has been an incredible leader and mentor to the creative team, and her dedication to her role is truly commendable.
Stephi's attention to detail is second to none. She has an exceptional eye for even the tiniest elements, ensuring that every project we undertake is executed with precision and perfection. Her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and creativity has been a driving force behind our team's success.
One of the most inspiring aspects of working with Stephi is her unwavering positive can-do attitude. Regardless of the challenges or tight deadlines that we face, Stephi approaches every task with enthusiasm and a belief that we can overcome any obstacle. Her optimism is infectious, and it motivates our entire team to tackle projects with determination and a sense of possibility.
As a mentor, Stephi has been an invaluable resource to Virgin Active. She is always available to provide guidance and support, encouraging the team to explore their creativity while pushing them to reach their full potential. Her ability to impart her knowledge and experience in a way that is clear and empowering has been instrumental in their professional growth.
Working with Stephi is an absolute pleasure. Her approachable and friendly demeanor fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. She listens attentively to ideas, encourages open communication, and values the input of every team member. Her leadership style creates a sense of unity and camaraderie among us all, making our workplace a truly enjoyable and fulfilling space.
Karen Saville - Virgin Active Head of Marketing Operations
As a creative professional, I have been privileged to work with many talented individuals who live by strong personal ethics and have the ability to work like absolute machines. Stephi stands out even among them.
As a member of Stephi’s team I have felt listened to, supported and guided under her extensive knowledge of the Virgin Active brand and its applied history. No matter how many twists and turns a brief inevitably takes, Stephi pushes us to keep the standard of work sky high. I admire Stephi’s ability to craft brand communication solutions that prioritise human connection, while also aligning with strategic goals - a rare and valuable combination in our industry.
What truly sets Stephi apart is her ability to listen attentively, approach challenges with empathy, and swiftly devise practical solutions. She's never one to say "no" or "can't"; instead, she finds a way to handle the tough stuff and keep our projects moving forward. In a world that increasingly values EQ and fairness while still ensuring that the boxes of productivity are generously ticked, Stephi is an incredible leader.
I have a number of particularly memorable experiences of working almost exclusively with Stephi. Together (with myself as the writer and Stephi as the visual lead), we conceptualised the Virgin Active South Africa Yoga re-launch, Boxing re-launch and the We Are The Ones Who Dare campaign. To these campaigns, Stephi has added a unique human touch, excitement, refinement, and an instinctive grasp of what defines the Virgin Active brand. It also helps that her organisational skills are so exceptional that even Asana can’t keep up.
I've witnessed Stephi shoulder more responsibilities than most would dare to, all while navigating complex dynamics, sensitive matters and practical challenges. Through it all, she manages to deliver consistently beautiful work.
In character, capability and heart, Stephi is a cut above the rest. It is an honour to work with a leader who sets the standard that high, and then goes on to raise it over and over again.
Narique Sangster - Copywriter
We all have days in our careers and in our lives when something changes and we can't go back or take it back. It usually feels so uncomfortable or upsetting that some people don't repeat it in case, they get rejected, ridiculed refused again. At first that particular day or moment doesn't feel different from any other, an opportunity, a meeting, a critic. But it is. Because you decide to do something differently, to change it.
Your day was a Wednesday and your thing was standing up for what you believe in when no one else did or would. It takes guts and bravery to put yourself out there when others may laugh or snigger or just say no, again and again. It also takes maturity not to take any feedback personally.
In my mind as I said yesterday, these are exactly the kind of people we need in our design team and more of in the business, more VIRGIN people who pursue disruption and the future of building irresistible experiences and clubs.
Your change and development has not gone unnoticed. Not only did it earn you great respect from Tim, it has given you the opportunity extended by Rick to chat to him directly about things and discuss and learn from his years of experience in the business, I assure you this is not invitation many people get or rather put the other way around, it is only given to people who he sees great potential in.
You have done yourself, me and the team very proud and I urge you to build upon this moment, use it learn, keep learning and know that the next time everyone needs persuading or leading into the future that you remember this Wednesday and dig deep again.
Well done.
Richard Lamb-Hughes - Virgin Active Brand Director
I wanted to say a big thanks and well done on the Jabulani and Dainfern work. It's world class stuff and it’s this kind of work that is helping us get to be designing the best health clubs in the world.
Ross Faragher-Thomas - Virgin Active Managing Director