What’s in a name?

To understand why I named my business ‘Invictus HR’, you have to understand a bit about me. It was important that my company name resonated with me, so here is my story.

I was born in Brighton, England, but moved to South Africa as a young child, where I lived for 30 years before returning to the UK. I was a naïve child, lacking an understanding of apartheid. It was only when I was older and started working that I realised the awful impact it had on so many people. By accident, I ended up as a 17-year-old typist working in a ‘Personnel Department’.

My eyes were opened, and what I learned led to a decision to spend my career in Human Resources. I am against racism and any other form of discrimination. I saw first-hand the damage it did and continues to do. I am not political, but I do have a strong sense of right from wrong, and apartheid was wrong. I did not vote until it was a free and fair election.

On that election day, I was accompanied to the polling station by Lydia, an elderly black woman. As I was pregnant at the time and due to Lydia’s age and the fact it was boiling hot, we were asked to go to the front of the queue. This was the first time in her life that she had been treated as an equal. I was privileged to experience how Mandela managed to unite a country at a time when so many did not think it was possible. It was these experiences that have helped to shape the person I am today.

Invictus - The Film

‘Invictus’ portrays an important historical moment. Nelson Mandela, in his own unique way of binding the nation, wore the South African Rugby Captain Francois Pienaar’s green and gold shirt when they won the World Cup. This depicted the Springbok emblem - watch the film and you will understand why this was so significant.
The Springbok emblem has a personal meaning for me; had it not been for apartheid, I would have had my junior Springbok colours in squash. I love rugby - my eldest son plays, and I love watching him play, as well as England and South Africa. Although I have a bit of an internal conflict when these nations play each other! 

The Invictus Games

Set up by Prince Harry, ‘The Invictus Games’ recognises sport as part of the rehabilitation process for those injured in service. I am passionate about recognising the ability in disability both in and out of the workplace. My Mum was disabled from age 50. I support voluntary organisations like Ride to the Wall, who raise funds for the National Memorial Arboretum. I have been to Delville Woods, where my husband’s grandfather went missing in action.

 Invictus - The Poem

In the 1800s, a Scottish poet wrote a poem called ‘Invictus’, which is about having an ‘unconquerable soul’. It ends with:

I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul.

I believe strongly in the power of positive thinking and of being true to yourself. We make choices every day; I choose to control my fate and not to bow to pressure from others.

If you would like advice on a HR issue, please call Tarnya on 07986 544 694.