About
Gretel Uys
As a dedicated Pharmacist for over 20 years, there are few things in life I find as rewarding as my work: marriage to my high school sweetheart for over three decades, my three amazing daughters, three beautiful granddaughters, my adorable miniature dachshund, and my work as a life and leadership coach.
Why I Coach
My coaching program helps my clients gain clarity, unlock resilience, and cultivate confidence––even on the grounds of personal or professional change.
If you are experiencing a life transition and need someone to help you get unstuck––to push through the obstacles holding you back on your path to success––I’d love to be your coach.
Certified Coach Since 2017
Maxwell Leadership Coaching Certification Program
As an Executive Director of Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, I am certified to facilitate, speak, train and coach individuals and groups in the areas of leadership development, professional skills and personal growth.
Whether you are looking for a personal coach, facilitator for group workshops, or a speaker for your next event, I have access to exclusive content that is only available through the Maxwell Leadership Coaching Certification Program to help you reach your goals and objectives.
Background Before Coaching
In 2002, I was recruited from South Africa to work in the retail pharmaceutical industry. In 2016, I attained my Doctor of Pharmacy degree, was awarded US citizenship, and took on a position with Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital as Clinical Pharmacist while also working as a pharmacy manager in a retail setting. Recently, I started working as a Consultant Pharmacist for Omnicare, a CVS Health Company, which is truly my dream job! I love having the opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of patients.
Amy R.
Owner, CEO, Career Coach, Engineering & Supply Chain Consultant, International Speaker at M&B Rossi Consulting LLC
“Gretel Uys has an innate ability to connect quickly with those she works with which creates an engagement rooted in self-awareness, intentional action, motivation, problem solving, and relief! Her style of coaching is refreshing and powerful, I am very appreciative of Gretel!“
Karen G.
“Before working with Gretel I struggled with clarifying my goals and developing an action plan. Gretel is supportive, empathetic, and visionary and helped me develop a contact plan and connecting with several potential clients, and now I have been asked to present at a state conference and a leadership conference! I will begin a 9 month group coaching with a group of executives this month. Thanks, Gretel, for encouraging me to follow through on my goals.”
Christine U.
“My life and business were chaotic before working with Gretel. She helped me identify my top priorities and coached me through my task list to ultimately quit my corporate job and take my business full time!”
Ed D.
Executive Coach
“Gretel possesses an uncommon combination of skills and talents. As a pharmacist, she takes a scientific approach to problem solving – looking at data and relationships. As a coach and parent, Gretel also looks at the qualitative aspects of the situation. We delivered training together in South America – Gretel was outstanding to work with.”
Jordan R.
“Before working with Gretel I did not have a clear path of my next steps and where I wanted to take my business. I was getting ready to make some key business decisions and I wanted to transition after 6 years to a new location to help my business grow. This caused me to feel overwhelmed and unstructured. Gretel and I once a week would meet to really focus on the most important goals I needed to complete for the week. Gretel and I worked to help me take a deeper dive into my workload and what I wanted to accomplish helped me complete my most important tasks. My business is now relocated and re-opened for business within a matter of weeks! I was surprised how quick I started seeing results, but Gretel helped me gain the confidence and make the best decisions and led me to a quick but effective game plan. I have always needed a business coach and when Gretel and I started working together she knew right away how to help me.
I have seen results not only in my business but within my work ethic. My business has moved to a new location, set up for business within a matter of weeks and all my business decisions that I was unsure of have guided me to a clear path. My work ethic has kept me grounded and not bothered by the little “fires” that come up during the day and to focus on the most important goals and task. Thank you, Gretel!”
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Meaning Behind The Elements
The King Protea FLower
“Proteas are named for the Greek god Proteus, who was known for his ability to change into many forms; a fitting name for a flower that comes in a plethora of colors and shapes.” (All About King Protea)
The Protea is native to the South African coast. Not only is it near and dear to my own heart, it is an illustrious symbol for transformation, change, and resilience. These are all qualities I believe one must have in order to face trials in life and come out victorious. And qualities I believe you already possess. Coaching helps to draw them out, refine them, and apply them to each transformative season of life.
The MOUNTAIN
It’s the edge: standing in front of the gap between where you are and where you dream of being. It’s the challenges and fears holding you back from being and doing all that you were created to. And I coach to help you close that gap.
When you find yourself on life’s cliffs, standing on that rocky ledge and feeling the fear paralyze you from knowing what to do next, I am here to help you bloom….
Bonus:
Get to Know Me
MY PERSONAL TIMELINE
Travel through the monumental moments of my life with me and get to know some of the experiences, highlights, and changes that have shaped my perspective. It’s like a digital photo album with snippets of memories, accomplishments, and transitions I hold dearly. I invite you: pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and get to know me as a person, not just as your coach.
Where It All Began
Born in Sabie, a small country town nestled in the majestic Drakensberg escarpment mountains of the Mpumalanga province, South Africa.
It is known for its scenery and beautiful waterfalls. Its main industry is forestry.
My most favorite memory growing up on a plantation was going into the forest with my brother to select a Christmas tree every year
Broke the track record
Elementary school was dual medium. In 1st grade I was in an Afrikaans class. I continued in the English classes up to 7th grade. We don’t have a middle school in South Africa. I was fluent in both English and Afrikaans. My mother was Afrikaans, and my dad was British. We spoke both languages at home. I was good in track and broke a track record in 1st and 2nd grade. My fondest memories were making lunch in my mother’s classroom after school. My mom was a teacher. So, we would stay at school for extramural activities as we lived about an hour away from school.
Big Into Athletics
Team captain/track; Korfball/won the league; Tennis/won the Lowveld ChampionshipMy highlights during elementary school were playing sports. I loved playing tennis, track, and Korfball. Korf is the Dutch word for “basket”. Also known as Ringball. It is described as a hybrid between netball and rugby.
A Pivot to Music
In 9th grade, my second year of Highschool, I went to a boarding school at Ermelo Highschool to pursue music. At the time it was one of the best music schools. It was three hours’ drive away from home. I got to go home once a semester. I loved the opportunity to participate in several extramural activities such as, sing in the choir, play flute in the marching band and orchestra, perform in the annual plays, and play tennis.
I really struggled with math. Thankfully I got the good math teacher. She invited me to stay at her house on weekends to work on practice exam papers. This helped me to graduate high school with an A in math. This was a gamechanger for me to pursue a medical career. Not only did she provide me with free tutoring but also accommodated me and fed me in her home.
Team Spirit and Love
12th grade/cheerleader/track and field/as a spirit raiser/supporting the team.One of my highlights from the 12th grade was being a track and field cheerleader to raise the spirit of the team at our annual track and field event. I ended up meeting my husband at this event. He happened to be a brother of one of my classmates. I new his family very well and dated his younger brother earlier on in high school, who sadly passed away serving in the special forces.
Beginnings in Pharmaceuticals
4yo-University/Pharmacy School/choir/tours to Cape, SWA/Served on the committee as secretaryI was thrilled to be accepted to Pharmacy School at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (abbreviated as PU for CHE) known today as North-West University (NWU) after graduating high school at the age of 18. Even though I went to a music school I ended up pursuing a medical career. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after graduating from high school, but recruiters from the university visiting the school offered me a bursary. This would be like a scholarship at an American University. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. My career as a pharmacist has served me well. Some of my fondest memories was singing in the University choir. We had one tour during the winter break in June/July. My fondest memories were touring the Cape and South West Africa known today as Namibia. It Borders South Africa, Angola, Zambia, and Botswana.
Getting Engaged While In School
I got engaged to my high school sweetheart on Christmas day with my family at the end of my third year of Pharmacy school. Amazingly we managed to keep it together even though we only got to see each other about once a semester. We had no cellphones back then. I can still remember being called by the front desk phone operator in my woman’s student dormitory on campus when he would call. We had 5 phone booths for the whole residence of 251 ladies. You ran as fast as you could to get to the phone. During your first year, one of your duties was to man the front desk and do phone duty. I served on the house committee as the Deputy Head Student. This gave me the privilege of having my own room in my final year.
Graduating Pharmacy School
21 Years OldAfter 4 years of grueling pharmacy school, it was such a relief when I passed my final oral exam. This was nerve recking. There were three professors who did the final oral exam. There was one professor who was brutal. You just hoped and prayed that you wouldn’t have to do your final exam with him. Sure enough, I had him, but I made it. This exam covered 3 years of pharmacology. The next step was to do a one-year internship to become licensed.
Our Wedding
We got married a couple of days after finishing my final exam. The South African school year runs from January to December. This was a good time to get away as December is summertime and typically when you would plan on taking a vacation. As a couple we started off with humble beginnings. We didn’t have much, but we were young and in love for sure.
Our First Daughter
We became parents to a healthy, beautiful little girl. As a young mother I had a lot to learn. I read every book I could lay my hands on, but knowledge is only knowledge until it is applied. There is nothing like experience. I desperately wanted to breast feed and failed miserably, but I learned from my mistakes and got to help many other mommies in the pharmacy with breastfeeding.
Our Second Daughter
We became parents to our 2nd daughter. This time I was better prepared and was much more at ease. Breastfeeding was a breeze. I can remember how they asked in the hospital if they could use my baby as a model to teach the new mommies how to bathe their babies. Its amazing how doing anything the second time is easier than the first time.
Career Building
I worked in the pharmacy during the week. It was a half day job which suited me with two little ones at the time. I tagged them along wherever I went and built a very successful business with the network marketing company GNLD on the weekends.
Our Third Daughter
We were truly blessed with our 3rd daughter. After our 2nd daughter we thought our family was complete, but surprises happen. We couldn’t imagine our lives today without her.
The End of an Era
Farming Didn't Work OutAfter 10 years we gave up farming and moved to town. Our first year on the farm we had snow and sure enough we had snow again in our first year in town. It was rare for us to have snow. Thankfully my network marketing side hustle was doing so well that I really needed some help. My husband became a great help and expanded our business internationally. He did the traveling to other countries in Africa to build and support our business there.
USA
Our First TripWe qualified for a trip to the USA with our network marketing business. This was my 1st visit to the USA. It was amazing. We arrived in Orlando Florida. We were picked up by a limo at the airport and stayed at the Renaissance Hotel. I got to experience Epcot Theme Park at Disney World for the first time. It was a dream for us to one day bring our children to Disney World.
Coming from a small farming community, this was an amazing experience.
We worked hard in the business and qualified for many more trips all over the world.
Moving to America
I was recruited by Albertsons to come and work for them as a pharmacist. At the time there was a tremendous shortage, and this offered us as a family the opportunity to immigrate. A lot of South Africans who had the opportunity to move to safer and economically more stable countries did what we did.
Relocation to the USA was exciting, but very challenging. As my mentor John Maxwell says, everything worthwhile is uphill, all the way!
Looking back, we are so grateful that we made the decision. It makes all the sacrifices such as giving up everything, but what we could fit into two suitcases per person, studying and writing multiple exams to become a licensed pharmacist in the USA, adapting to a new culture, all worthwhile.
Our First Home
Moving into our own home after two years of apartment living was a huge improvement. The girls got to have their own bedrooms again for the first time since leaving our four-bedroom home in South Africa. They also got to have their own little weaner doggie. We had many happy birthday parties, graduations, a bridal shower, and family gatherings. We enjoy making traditional foods such as biltong, boerewors, koeksisters, and rusks.
I remember how all 5 of us, our 1st weaner doggy, and Christmas gifts, all managed to fit into our little Toyota Carola, super excited to go on our first beach vacation.
Our Eldest's Wedding
Wedding of our oldest daughter. Blessed with an amazing son in law. Couldn’t have asked for more. One of many answered prayers.
Becoming Grandparents
Twin GranddaughtersBecame grandparents to twin girls. Surprised beyond words. I can still remember the video our son in law shared with us of the first ultrasound. Totally chocked, happy, crying with the unexpected news of becoming parents to twins. We absolutely adore them.
Facing Changes
Visited family and friends in South Africa for the first time after 10 years. It was great to be with family and friends after such a long time. I was culture shocked at the rapid decline of the country. When you are in an environment you adapt to it. Only when you are exposed to a different environment it opens your eyes and stretches your mind.
I visited my alma mater to inquire about pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy as it would be more affordable, but it was not an option. I had been contemplating the idea for 3 years. My biggest obstacle was financially. I knew it was necessary for my career. PharmD became the new entry-level degree for all practicing pharmacists in the United States in 2004. The writing was on the wall for me. If something would happen with my current employer, I would need a PharmD to be considered for a position.
As soon as I made the decision, one door after the next miraculously opened for me.
Back to School
Accepted to Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Florida. Go Gators!!!
During my 1st semester I doubted if I would be able to get through it. It required 20 hours a week. I was challenged with technology slowing me down to investing 40 hours a week in the program on top of a fulltime job as a pharmacy manager at the time. But I developed the necessary skills and got up to speed navigating school online for the first time. I can still remember getting a tutor to help me put together my 1st power point presentation ever.
My Girls' Successes
Our youngest graduated from high school, on her way to USF business school and our 2nd oldest graduated with a bachelor’s in fine arts with acting for film as her major. So proud of my girls. They are hard workers. We love them dearly.
Another Granddaughter
We became grandparents to another precious little girl. Our 3rd grandchild.
Gretel Uys, PharmD
This was a big year.I graduated with my PharmD.
We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary on a cruise despite an unfortunate accident of my husband crushing his elbow after a ladder collapsed.
I became a citizen of the USA. I was fortunate to have my mother visiting from South Africa and took her with to my inauguration as my one guest that I was allowed.
JMT Certification
I became John Maxwell certified as a coach, trainer, and speaker.
John Maxwell has been one of my mentors since 1991 when I started my network marketing business. I have been passionate about personal growth for myself and others ever since. Became a small group leader at church teaching the “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell.
Costa Rica as a JMT Coach
A life-changing trip.Going to Costa Rica as a John Maxwell certified coach was a dream come true for me. I am passionate about adding value to others in a meaningful way. As one of 250 Coaches from all parts of the world we trained 15,000 facilitators in Costa Rico who now facilitate transformation. I experienced transformation as well. This experience inspired me to do more with my coaching reaching out to the business world.
I learned two Spanish words that you can use as a response to anything in Costa Rica “PURA VIDA”. It means, pure life.
A Door Closes
At arrival back from Costa Rica I was informed to close the pharmacy the next day as the company had made an announcement in my absence that it was closing 90 stores in the state of Florida. I was shocked.
Since graduating with my doctorate I had stayed on part time at the hospital to gain clinical experience in addition to my fulltime position as pharmacy manager in a retail setting. I was offered a full-time opportunity by a competitor with reduced hours and entry level compensation. This was not ideal, but I took it and made the most of it in addition to my part time as needed clinical position at the hospital. I had to hold onto my clinical position to be considered for a full-time clinical position. I desperately wanted to get out of retail.
As a person of faith, I knew the right door would open for me at the right time. I worked on having a positive attitude daily.
New Seasons
Landed my dream job as a consultant pharmacist. All the hard work going back to school at 50 started making a whole lot of sense. The door that I was believing would open, opened for me three years after graduating. With this financial stability we sold our house to downsize by building in a 55+ community on a golf course. No more yard work and easier to maintain with my husbands disabled arm.
We also celebrated our 2nd oldest daughter’s engagement. So blessed with the amazing men that God has brought into the lives of our girls.
2020
Moved into our new home in January with minimal furniture that we decided to keep. March everything shut down due to COVID. This delayed furniture delivery for almost a year. We were content and made the most of it enjoying our beautiful new home.
In September the company laid off 60 consultants nationwide based on last hired, first to go, including myself. This was devastating.
I knew deep down that God would take care of me. Sure enough, I was miraculously rehired in October.
God’s hand has been on my life many times. There have been countless things He had made happen, that I could not make happen. I stand in awe of His goodness and will never forget it.
Celebrated our youngest daughter’s engagement to a man we love dearly and appreciate coming into her life.
A Year of Courage
My word for the year is Courage. At the end of the year, I reflect and intuitively what comes to mind becomes my word for the year. This is the lens through which I create my personal growth plan for the year. It is personal growth that will empower you to go to the next level in your work, relationships, health, finances, and spiritual life. You need a personal growth plan to support your biggest goals and aspirations.
Having coached 1:1 and groups as a side hustle since 2017. I love my consulting pharmacist job, but I want to help more individuals who have the desire to step into their emerging future but feel stuck.
I have made many transitions in my own life and realize how having a coach would have helped me overcome the fears, habits, and distractions that kept me from getting there sooner.
