Cherie Topfer

I’ve been fortunate to build a career around creating opportunities for people to thrive—whether that’s within businesses, schools, or communities. My leadership journey spans over two decades across sectors such as real estate, education, human resources, and social enterprise. From managing national HR teams and training programs, to founding and scaling businesses like HR Werx and YEP Careers, I have led teams, influenced strategy, and implemented initiatives that have made measurable social and economic impact. My work has always centred around bridging the gap between people and purpose. Whether supporting young people through vocational programs, helping organisations transform through leadership coaching, or serving on boards and community committees, I bring strategic vision, a strong operational mindset, and a deeply human approach. I have partnered with government, corporates, not-for-profits and educational institutions to drive systemic change and support sustainable growth.

I absolutely love helping people unlock their potential, especially when I’m working with emerging leaders, first-time managers, and dynamic teams. There's something powerful about watching the moment a person shifts from self-doubt to confidence. I enjoy facilitating that transformation by providing practical tools, fresh perspectives, and a space where people feel heard and empowered. My strengths lie in building strong relationships, simplifying the complex, and creating high-energy environments that motivate and inspire. I bring authenticity, deep listening, and a commitment to outcomes into every session whether I am coaching individuals or facilitating large teams. I am also highly strategic, so I naturally align development work with the broader goals of the business or organisation.

My work is grounded in adult learning principles, strengths-based coaching, and practical leadership theory. I draw from evidence-based frameworks such as DiSC, behavioural science, and experiential learning to design development pathways that are engaging and immediately actionable. I believe in co-creating the journey with clients, focusing on relevance, reflection, and results.  At the core, my philosophy is people-first leadership. I work from the premise that leadership is relational, not positional, and that culture is shaped by everyday behaviours and conversations. My approach is structured yet flexible, with an emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact.

I choose to work with LIW because their values align closely with mine – practical, people-focused leadership that creates meaningful and measurable change. LIW’s commitment to building capability in real-world contexts resonates with my belief that leadership isn’t about titles – it’s about mindset, impact, and intentional action. I appreciate the collaborative spirit of the team, the innovative methodologies, and the opportunity to work with a diverse client base across industries. It is a partnership that allows me to do my best work while continuing to learn and grow.

Participants often describe me as energising, engaging, and deeply supportive. I have been told that I bring both warmth and clarity to every interaction, making people feel comfortable while also challenging them to think differently. With a delivery style that is both interactive and practical; I ensure people at completion, not only feel inspired but also equipped with strategies they can use straight away. I use storytelling, and real-world examples, to create a relatable and inclusive learning environment. Whether it is a room full of senior leaders or a group of young professionals, I meet people where they are at and tailor my approach to their needs and goals.

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