John Gatherer, Group Manager – Leadership Development De Beers

’Icebergs in Africa’ is a truly original book. It broadens the concept of wellness from the narrow physical definition put forward by many members of the medical and HR fraternity to the idea of all-round psychological and physical wellbeing (with an interplay between the two). Simply put, people with a sense of power and purpose, a passion to make a difference, a positive attitude to life, and self-insight combined with an empathy for other people, are better equipped for sustainable performance, longevity and quality of life than people who lack these qualities. Julie Shaw is to be congratulated – as is De Beers, who helped make the great journey of revelation possible.

Clem Sunter

Icebergs in Africa talks about the interconnectedness between worlds which we used to believe were separate; Wellness and the Workplace. Backed by research and using her personal insight Julie Shaw reminds us of how fundamental ‘non-core’ business issues really are. As more and more individuals take responsibility for their own wellness journeys, it becomes increasingly important for socially responsible organisations to do the same: to commit to the changes which allow individual employees to be the best they can possibly be in mind, body and spirit. But its greatest gift is how her experience at De Beers provides anyone committed to bringing wellness alive at work with some accessible and valuable guidelines on how to get there.

Debby Edelstein, Editor and Co-Founder of QualityLife Company

This book begins with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Who you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say". And that says it all. This is a book whose time as come. Its central thesis is that wellness is no longer an idea to be indulged in by the wealthy, bored or spiritual window-shoppers. Wellness, as some of the more progressive corporations and business leaders are beginning to discover, is critical to the bottom line and to the very point of life. It takes a macro perspective on wellness, redefining the term in ways that every South African would recognise as personally relevant, and moves through how wellness is a necessary counterpoint to our ever more stressful, rushed lives. There is a critique of how wellness has been dealt with as a concept and how it has been applied and mis-applied, especially in the corporate context, and there is analysis on how things could
change for the better. This book has many virtues, not least that it is simple, straightforward, to the point and clear. And above all, it is highly relevant. Indispensable.

Odyssey Magazine Dec/ 2004

In a bold move to transcend the euro-centricity that still prevails, this exceptional book speaks of personal wellness in organizations in brave new ways, yet also positions a communal context whose time has come. Not only that; it’s a fascinating read, and the underlying sincerity and struggle it portrays will touch many hearts.

Joe Sekoati (MBA (Potchefstroom), BBA (UNB-Canada), Management Development Programme (IMI Ireland)