We recently connected with Hanrie Fridjhon and have shared our conversation below.
Hanrie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I was 30 and working for Swift Handling Services many years ago. I started doing soft skills training for them as my background is teaching. I was not happy with the politics, the shifts and the constraints of the 8 to 5 job. I decided to resign and lie on the beach for 2 months to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. In that time, a company approached me to do Telephone training for them. Loved the training, didn’t enjoy the set up. One of my best friends told me to take a chance and go on my own. I approached SAA, a company that I worked for previously. They remembered me, because I demanded to be put on a computer course, then during the training my appendix burst, but I still completed it with honours.
Hanrie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My brand is Pro-Active Communications. I was inspired by Steven Covey’s book ‘7 Habits for successful people.’ Even after 29 years of being in business it still resonates with me. It ties in with our values of integrity, innovation and respect.
We offer training and coaching to anyone who is curious and want to unstuck themselves. The spectrum is wide: Communications, leadership, conflict etc.
My passion is body language, I call myself a ‘people- whisperer.’ I love to understand what makes people tick.
What makes us unique is the ability to offer training based on the needs of the client, it is always customised . We establish long term relationships with our clients and keep reinventing ourselves to stay relevant.
We offer business coaching for : teams, individuals – anyone who is willing to walk the path of self- discovery and growth.
Next year in 2026 we will celebrate 30 years in business.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Being an entrepreneur requires grit, resilience, and a dark side of humour. 9/11, Covid, Trump…it all affects a small business, especially a training and coaching business. I had to relearn how to invent myself with every setback. From having a ‘stable’ of trainers to doing most of the training myself, from face to face to online, using AI, starting a YouTube channel..
I have been privileged to learn how to dance on my toes!
How did you build your audience on social media?
My social media presence started very small. I had no idea what I was doing. Thank goodness my office manager is smart, innovative, and a techie. With her help and Shifaan Ryklief , we started producing short video clips. It helped that I was used to the camera, as I have done a lot of online training recordings.
Now I have a presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pro-activecommunications.com
- Instagram: Hanrie Fridjhon
- Facebook: Pro-Active Communications
- Linkedin: Hanrie Fridjhon
- Youtube: Hanrie Fridjhon
- Other: Tiktok: hanriefridjhon_pac
