Tenley Voogt is a single mother who turned adversity into a passion dedicated to guiding teenagers towards purpose and confidence.
At 52, Tenley Voogt’s life has been a journey of balancing love, loss, and purpose. A devoted mother to Holly (23) and Nic (16), she has faced challenges many cannot imagine. When her husband, Grant, suddenly died in 2023, she found herself navigating how to create stability for her family.
“Watching Nic’s heartbreak over losing his father was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had to pick him up from camp to tell him. Nothing could have prepared me for that moment.”
Becoming the soul caregiver, Tenley had to re-evaluate her life. “Having children changes everything. They look to you for security and reassurance. You find strength you didn’t know you had,” she says.
Tenley’s passion for teenagers comes from her personal experiences as a mother and mentor. “I’ve been talking to Nic about his personal brand and values since he was eight. Teenagers have limitless opportunities, but without guidance, they can feel lost, confused or inadequate. Helping them find their voice and purpose is deeply rewarding,” she explains.
Her commitment to community and youth has been a constant throughout her life, as she has worked extensively with charities and NPOs, most notably The Sunflower Fund, where she spent six years collaborating with corporate donors, creative talent, and passionate volunteers.
“It was the hardest and most rewarding job I’ve ever done,” she says.
Today, she continues to support organisations such as Community Chest Durban, People Planet and Siyajabula Children’s Trust.
“Durban is such a generous and supportive community,” she adds. “I’ve witnessed countless times how people step up to support others – it’s incredible.”
Alongside her charitable work, Tenley is a specialist consultant with over 30 years’ experience. She runs a consultancy she founded in 2020 that focuses on strategic brand guidance, workshops, and mentoring. Her primary motivation is helping businesses and individuals grow authentically.
“I don’t just hand over a strategy and walk away. I partner with my clients, whether businesses, schools or teenagers, to provide guidance, clarity and confidence,” she says.
A typical day for Tenley blends business consultations, strategy sessions with teenagers and young adults, and physical activity such as walking or weight training. Yet, even in a busy schedule, her children remain central. “Weekends are for Nic and me,” she says. “Holly is in Cape Town, so our time together is precious. I focus on creating joy, positivity and fun in our lives.”
As a single mother she is hands-on in every aspect of Nic’s life, from education and friendships to faith and extracurricular activities. “I want to make sure I haven’t dropped the ball on anything,” she says. Her advice to other parents who suddenly find themselves single is pragmatic and inspiring: “Once the initial shock passes, take full responsibility for your and your children’s lives. Get organised, empower yourself, and do it. Big, scary decisions can be broken into manageable steps – lists, spreadsheets, phone calls. It’s not fair, but it works.”
Tenley also channels her passion into helping teenagers define their purpose. This year, she is partnering with life coach and market researcher Claire Gatonby on workshops designed to equip Grade 11 and 12 learners with practical tools, self-awareness, and strategies for life after school. “I love watching a young adult realise their purpose. I once consulted to a 23-year-old who said his purpose was ‘to add value in every situation’. Seeing his face light up at this realisation was magical,” she says.
Outside work, Tenley prioritises connection and self-growth. She walks, engages in one-on-one conversations with friends, listens to podcasts, dances, plays the drums, reads, and watches sport. Every year she sets herself two ambitious personal goals: In 2024, she read and finished a non-fiction book every month while writing 90 LinkedIn blogs in 90 days; and in 2025, she completed a 12-week brand management course through a creative school of business, and began drums lessons. In 2026, she aims to finish the Bible (over 24 months) and play the drums publicly by year-end.
“Yikes!” she laughs nervously. “But, joy is essential – it keeps purpose warm and intelligence aglow.”
Tenley’s guidance extends beyond her workshops and consultancy. She shares her wisdom with parents, teenagers, and anyone searching for direction: “To parents, it goes quickly. Don’t miss out. See, hear, and engage with your child at every opportunity. Tell them how amazing they are and how much you love them every single day. To teenagers,
I say: The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways. If you feel stuck or unsure of your purpose, start small. Good habits compound, and writing is a brilliant way to clarify what’s important to you and the life you want to create. Remember, there is a whole world on the other side of cringe. Sometimes you just have to do it for the story.”
Tenley’s life, shaped by love and perseverance, is a testament to resilience and authenticity. Her story resonates because it reflects the real challenges of parenting and personal growth, while highlighting the extraordinary impact one committed person can have on a community.
“Purpose is cultivated through resilience, intentionality and love. When you lead with authenticity, joy, and passion, the ripple effects touch far more lives than you could ever imagine,” she says.
Details: You can find Tenley on LinkedIn: Tenley Voogt or visit tenandcompany.com
Wisdom for teens, schools & businesses
Tenley’s advice for teenagers:
- Work on your personal brand through consistent habits, not motivation.
- You can be authentic or universally liked. You cannot be both.
- Get clear on the life you want, then say no to everything that doesn’t lead you there.
- Accept short-term discomfort for long-term growth.
- When culture shifts you need to know who you are.
- You can’t heal what you don’t reveal. Talk to someone and ask for help when you need it.
- Be brave. Fail, stumble, be embarrassed, and then try again. It’s all part of your story.
- You are not defined by your past; each day is an opportunity to be better and braver.
Tenley’s tips for businesses, individuals, and schools:
- Clarify your identity: Understand who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to be experienced by your customers.
- Build trust and connection: A clearly defined brand creates recognition, loyalty, and meaningful relationships with your audience.
- Align intention with perception: When your brand reflects who you are and how others perceive you, it creates impact, credibility, and influence.
- Shape culture and values: For schools, a strong brand helps create a sense of belonging, communicates purpose, and reinforces core values.
- Be authentic and confident: Defining your personal brand requires understanding your strengths and values, allowing you to show up consistently and genuinely.
