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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. \u201cWeekends are for Nic and me,\u201d she says. \u201cHolly is in Cape Town, so our time together is precious. I focus on creating joy, positivity and fun in our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a single mother she is hands-on in every aspect of Nic\u2019s life, from education and friendships to faith and extracurricular activities. \u201cI want to make sure I haven\u2019t dropped the ball on anything,\u201d she says. Her advice to other parents who suddenly find themselves single is pragmatic and inspiring: \u201cOnce the initial shock passes, take full responsibility for your and your children\u2019s lives. Get organised, empower yourself, and do it. Big, scary decisions can be broken into manageable steps – lists, spreadsheets, phone calls. It\u2019s not fair, but it works.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cI love watching a young adult realise their purpose. I once consulted to a 23-year-old who said his purpose was \u2018to add value in every situation\u2019. Seeing his face light up at this realisation was magical,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYikes!\u201d she laughs nervously. \u201cBut, joy is essential – it keeps purpose warm and intelligence aglow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tenley\u2019s guidance extends beyond her workshops and consultancy. She shares her wisdom with parents, teenagers, and anyone searching for direction: \u201cTo parents, it goes quickly. Don\u2019t 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,
\nI 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tenley\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPurpose 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,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Details: You can find Tenley on LinkedIn: Tenley Voogt or visit tenandcompany.com<\/em><\/p>\n Wisdom for teens, schools & businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n Tenley\u2019s advice for teenagers: <\/strong><\/p>\n Tenley\u2019s tips for businesses, individuals, and schools: <\/strong><\/p>\n Tenley Voogt is a single mother who turned adversity into a passion dedicated to guiding teenagers towards purpose and confidence. At 52, Tenley Voogt\u2019s 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, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":48299,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[12707],"class_list":{"0":"post-48290","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personalities","8":"tag-tenley-voogt"},"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/04\/Tenley14-400x267.jpg\")
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