JJ van de Vyver
Studied at Said Business School (Oxford)
Worked at Visual Meaning
Successful clients at
Available Tuesday at 1:00 PM UTC
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About JJ
Hi there! I help people find clarity and move deliberately: in their careers, their communication, and the bigger transitions of life. Along my journey I've qualified as a Chartered Accountant at a Big 4 firm, earned an MBA with distinction from the University of Oxford, grew a consultancy from 9 to over 24 people, trained as a Systems Thinking Practitioner, and built my own practice in a new country. I've also come through my own hard chapters — burnout, loss, and the slow work of rebuilding around what truly matters — and I bring both that lived perspective and a strategist's structure to our work together. Expect professional rigour, a wide-angle view, and a space that's honest, grounded and genuinely useful.
Why do I coach?
I've been shaped by many coaches and mentors, and I coach because that kind of support changed the course of my life. Early academic and professional success left me looking for deeper meaning, and three hard-won shifts brought me here. When I lost my mother, I woke up from autopilot and understood that life really does end — and that I want to use mine well. Later, I learned that my calling mattered more than my fears, and left a job that was burning me out to build my own path. And in time I came to feel that I'm not a separate self in an indifferent world, but deeply connected to other people and the living world around me. Those experiences are why I can hold a space that's both practically rigorous and genuinely human — helping you grow your outer impact and your inner clarity at once.
Work Experience
Engagement Manager
Visual Meaning
December 2022 - September 2025
Description: Visual Meaning is an Oxford-based systems thinking consultancy specialising in visual mapping and semantic data for complex organisational challenges. Experience: • Developed organisational strategy, organisation design and guided execution as part of Management Team from 2021; supported growth from 9 to over 20 staff • Led digital transformation initiative at largest client account (£1.5m per year); shaped senior client stakeholder relationships and programme outcomes • Led and grew Consulting Team to 11 staff, including OKR management, project resourcing, recruitment, training, coaching, and ISO 9001 compliance • Led bidding strategy to successfully partner with several major industry service providers and win tenders from a large UK public infrastructure organisation
Senior Consultant
Visual Meaning
October 2019 - December 2022
Description: Visual Meaning is an Oxford-based systems thinking consultancy specialising in visual mapping and semantic data for complex organisational challenges. Experience: • Led and delivered projects for clients across a variety of industries including specialist consultancies, public infrastructure, healthcare, fast-moving consumer goods and education • Practised and trained others in systems thinking, visual communication and design; story-telling and project management • Formed part of Visual Meaning Management Team to support strategy formulation, financial sustainability and execution of organisational priorities
Strategy Consultant
Monitor Deloitte
October 2017 - June 2018
Description: Monitor Deloitte is Deloitte's strategy consulting practice that combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge methodologies rooted in Michael Porter's competitive strategy frameworks. Experience: • Designed and iterated SME assessment tool to guide over R100m in Enterprise and Supplier Development investment at a major South African mine • Articulated strategic priorities for pharmaceutical manufacturer (servicing 6 continents); performed industry, competitor and internal strategic analysis • Researcher and writer for Deloitte 'Eminence' thought leadership piece distributed at 2018 Mining Indaba, focusing on shared value opportunities
Assurance Assistant Manager
Deloitte
January 2017 - March 2017
Description: Deloitte builds trust in capital markets through rigorous independent verification of financial information. Experience: • Led cross-border collaboration with international audit teams spanning the UK, USA and Europe • Developed novel analytical approaches for audits across 3 industries
Assurance Senior
Deloitte
January 2014 - December 2016
Description: Deloitte builds trust in capital markets through rigorous independent verification of financial information. Experience: • Supervised audit teams (of up to 10 people) on South African listed and international clients, including a major manufacturer (revenue in excess of R30bn) • Managed key internal and client stakeholder relationships; coordinated execution of audit milestones in high pressure environment • Coached fellow team members in technical, leadership and soft skills
JJ was also given offers to work at
BDO South Africa
Education
Said Business School (Oxford)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2018 - 2019
Description: A world class business school community, embedded in a world-class University, tackling world-scale problems. Grade: Distinction Notable activities: • Winner of the Saïd Prize for outstanding academic achievement and contribution to the MBA class and wider school community; • ESADE Creativity for Business Innovation Challenge winner • Elected Class Representative
University of Stellenbosch
Bachelors of Accounting (with Honours), Finance
2009 - 2012
Description: Theoretical underpinnings of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing in preparation for qualification as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa). Notable activities: • Winner of Stellenbosch University Rector’s Award for Leadership • Elected Head of the House Committee of one of Stellenbosch's most revered student residences • PWC Business Ethics Case Study winner • Golden Key society for academic excellence member
JJ was also personally admitted to
INSEAD
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
JJ has helped clients get into these companies: