Unlocking potential, transforming leadership
We are breaking barriers
of women occupy senior leadership positions
of women occupy leadership positions
of the workforce is accounted for by women
Although the number of women in leadership roles has grown exponentially in the past two decades, women still face an uphill battle in assuming these positions. According to statistics, women occupy 35% of senior leadership positions and 10% of leadership positions despite women accounting for approximately 52% of the workforce.
Due to a variety of conscious and subconscious biases and several other outdated views, women still struggle to find their foothold at the top of companies.
Unique style of mentorship & coaching
At The Glass Ceiling Consultancy, we assess a person’s ability to lead, help you build upon your own strengths, identify and improve on your weaknesses, and enhance the overall viability and quality of your leadership abilities in general. We offer a customised journey specifically to women in corporate and offer some insight into the principles and leadership skills that create an effective leader and provides an objective look at leadership styles and self-awareness, as well as leadership development and mentoring.
The Glass Ceiling Consultancy customizes your journey by helping you identify the general hurdles women face in your own organisation, and thereby create a holistic plan of support, that provides valuable insight and skills. Our unique style of mentorship and coaching for women addresses how women can deal with various challenges, but more importantly, it can provide insight into why women are a vital asset within any managerial hierarchy and how best to tap into your own unique strengths and skills.
Living towards your purpose
A customised journey for you
Mission
Our mission is to empower women to break through barriers in the corporate world by providing tailored mentorship, coaching, and support to enhance their leadership abilities and achieve their full potential.
Vision
Our vision is a world where women hold equal leadership positions, leveraging their unique strengths and insights to drive innovation and success in every organisation.
Catalysts of Leadership, Agents of Change
Asiya Swaleh
Founder & Consultant
Specialise in:
Coaching women in senior leadership to navigate the corporate world.
Providing one-on-one support to achieve professional and personal goals.
Empowering women to pursue their purpose with courage, compassion, and curiosity.
Michele Barclay
Consultant
Specialise in:
Managing health & fitness goals.
Creating and managing lifestyle changes.
Time management: Prioritising projects and timelines.
Guidance to achieve mid-level positioning in businesses
Gorie Swaleh
Psychology Consultant
Specialise in:
Emotional awareness and management skills development.
Enhanced personal clarity and direction.
Healthier, conflict-free relationships.
Effective coping with stressful life events.
We value our clients
“After a year’s mentorship with Asiya, I am a more confident, courageous & fulfilled individual today. Asiya exhibited an immense sense of interest in both my personal & professional life, she helped me formulate & clearly articulate my goals. Her supportive yet firm leadership style kept me accountable. I am grateful our paths crossed – she is exceptional!”
Elizabeth Ngaruwe
“Before working with Archie, I had reached a crossroads in my career. I was unsure if the hard work that I had put in was enough to help me take the next step. Archie reminded me of my worth and created a space that enabled me to be open about my goals and aspirations. My career has grown in ways that I never thought was possible for a woman like me and I am truly grateful that our paths crossed.”
Molebatsi Langa
“Working with Asiya as my mentor has been a truly transformative experience. Her wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support helped me navigate some of the most challenging changes in my personal and professional life. Asiya has a unique ability to listen deeply and offer insights that are both practical and profound. Her mentorship empowered me to embrace change with confidence and clarity, and I am incredibly grateful for the growth I’ve achieved under her guidance. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor to help me through such pivotal moments in my life.”
Shannon-Lee Caires
It is difficult to articulate precisely what the past two years have been, from our mentoring days to now coaching. The last two years hold many dear memories and lessons. I had my own expectation and goals to meet. I am in awe of what one can achieve through mentoring and coaching. Three main things that I am taking away with me from the coaching sessions with Michele Barclay are: consistency, living intentionally and resilience. One of the sessions I really enjoyed and am still practicing to date is “Just for Today”.
Sarafina Sibiya
Founder & Consultant
Asiya Swaleh
Asiya is currently the GM of Sales & New Business Development at the Fulcrum Group. I began my professional career in London, UK as an Account Manager for Hugo Boss in 2001, then returned to SA in 2006 where she served as a Financial Advisor at Liberty Life while obtaining a diploma in Risk Management & Financial Planning from Stellenbosch Business School (USB). She then moved into short term insurance serving as a Portfolio Manager at New National Assurance, Commercial Sales Manager at Lion of Africa & Consumer Lines Manager at Chubb Insurance SA. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts with Hons. from the University of Durban-Westville & a diploma in Insurance from Milpark School of Financial Services. She also holds an Associateship with the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) and has served as a Council Member and Ambassador on the Education Portfolio at the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) & was the author of many Insights articles in their digital news bulletin, The IIG Informer. She have mentored many internal & external candidates as part of a professional mentorship program. Asiya has always held a fascination with the cosmos and holds a foundation qualification in Astronomy & Astrophysics from the University of Oxford. Being naturally drawn to mindfulness and healing, she is a pescetarian, qualified reflexologist and an Advanced Reiki Practitioner.
Consultant
Michele Barclay
Michele is currently the Senior Manager at Constantia Life Limited. Her professional career started in the Hospitality Industry where she fulfilled a variety of roles Operations, Business Development and Sales Management.
Michele joined the Life Insurance sector in 2010 as a National Sales Manager (Brokers) at Union Life. Thereafter Michele assumed executive management positions at Numsa Financial Services and 3Sixty Client Solutions before moving to the Life Division of Constantia Insurance Company in 2018. Michele has a diploma in Catering Management and has completed a variety of supplementary courses over the years from institutions including Unisa and Wits Business School.
Michele is enthusiastic about being a catalyst for another person’s growth and personal development, particularly in young people. Michele participated in a mentorship program with Grade 6 learners at Iphuteng Primary School in Alexandra for 12 months and has served as a mentor on the IIG Roots and Wings professional mentorship program for the last 3 years. Michele recently completed a course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a Certificate Course as a Life Coach Practitioner through a COMESA accredited training provider. Michele is a member of COMESA.
Michele is an avid runner and has completed her back-to-back Comrades Marathons in 2024.
Consultant
Gorie Swaleh
Haffiza-Bibi Swaleh (fondly known as Gorie by all) began her tertiary education much later in life. She qualified as a Psychologist from UKZN and has two decades of experience under her belt. Gorie is no stranger to hardened environments and counselled incarcerated members of the community as a regular therapist at the Westville Prison-Correctional facility in KwaZulu Natal. Her areas of expertise include: mental health; substance abuse; rehabilitation; marriage & family as well as grief counselling.
Gorie currently resides in Gauteng with her husband and is a proud mum and grandmother. She enjoys cooking & baking especially traditional foods & sweet treats as well as international travel. Gorie is a natural counsellor as her compassion & empathy allow for deep connectivity with her clients.