Who we are…

TrainingWorks is a Leadership Training and Hospitality Consultancy specializing in the provision of bespoke, innovative Executive, Senior and Middle Management Skills Learning and Development, drawing on comprehensive Leadership and Team Training knowledge and experience within the Maldives, Central America, U.K. and the East and Southern African countries of: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland). TrainingWorks is registered in the Maldives and in South Africa.

Our Team-based, interactive, practical, workplace-aligned Leadership Training Programs utilise cutting edge learning materials and are tailor-made to suit Your Specific Brand, Learning Outcomes and Learner Requirements.

Our Outdoor Teambuilding integrates a diverse range of highly engaging, fun Team Learning Activities, placing participants within ever-changing Team combinations and requiring the completion of new and challenging but non-threatening Team Tasks. The Team Discussions, conducted directly after each Teambuilding Activity, ensure that Learning which has occurred is acknowledged, discussed, understood and aligned with the Training Outcomes and Your Brand.
 
Our Team Coaching includes empowering, thought-provoking, challenging, solution-orientated questions, to create in depth understanding of and alignment with Your Brand and Your specific Team and Leadership competency requirements. Team Coaching is concluded with a Team-agreed AIM SMART™ (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching) Action Plan, ensuring workplace roll-out. 
 
Our One on One Coaching involves our personal partnering with You, to assist in identifying and delving deeper into any mindset, emotion, behaviour blocks, which may be getting in the way of Your Self-Leadership and Your Team Leadership performance success. Our personalised Coaching enables the creation of realistic but challenging and growth-orientated Solutions, with the accompanying AIM SMART™ Personal Action Plans for practically achieving these. 

Some of our Clients

What our Clients have said…

Innovation is a strength of Helene!

Some twelve years ago we approached Helene to design an in-house Training Solution to completely change our operating system from a hierarchical top-down approach to an approach that pushes management to the edge. A culture within our organisation was born, where our employees and team leaders began to solve problems common to the construction industry, with limited top management input.

Through Helene’s specialised Training Programs our Team have been empowered to analyse the situations that they encounter on site and action the decisions that they make, within the design parameters unique to each site, without losing time waiting for top management approval.

As a result of the Training Courses developed, conducted and implemented by TrainingWorks we have seen an increase in productivity, quality of work and phenomenal improvement in human relations. Consequently, we have been able to virtually treble our work output. Employees have been able to advance at a far greater pace and have been given opportunities to lead Teams sooner than they would have under the previous top-down hierarchical system.

These results are applicable to all our regional operations irrespective of nationality, language or culture. Spring Water Engineering regularly operates in three Southern African Countries: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe – as well as many African countries from Mozambique, through to Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya, where we work from time to time.

There is no doubt that Helene and TrainingWorks is the difference which has allowed us to improve and expand.

Mike Dooge, Managing Director Springwater Engineering Services (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe)

I have participated in many training sessions throughout my career, but none quite like Helene’s. I can confidently say it was the best session I have ever attended. From start to finish, Helene was extraordinary in her teaching and crafted a unique experience for everyone involved.

The session was informative, engaging, and inspiring. We were encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, build relationships with others, and learn, unlearn, and relearn new skills. Helene’s passion was evident throughout the 3-day course; her positive energy was infectious, making the group feel comfortable, relaxed, and eager to participate.

It is clear to tell, the hours and dedication that Helene has put in to create an incredible program as it echoes throughout. Not only does Helene teach in an impeccable way, but she also listens and cares to each individual whilst showing respect and encouragement.

I couldn’t recommend Training Works enough if you’re looking to build your team in an impactful, creative, and positive way. This unique training session is filled with engagement, character building, and empowerment.

You’ll be sad when it’s over but excited to put your learnings into action.

Thank you once again for a wonderful experience!

Phoebe Dynan-Lewis, Executive Assistant to General Manager, Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives

Helene of TrainingWorks was engaged by Six Senses Laamu (Maldives), to conduct Leadership Training and Development with members of our Senior and Middle Management Teams as well as with selected Supervisors.

Helene provided thoroughly researched and innovatively designed training, using up to date learning materials and techniques, which were consistently aligned to our unique Brand, our specific operational requirements and our learner styles.

The Leadership Training was thought-provoking, workplace-relevant, interactive, team-based and fun. Participants were required to work individually, in learning partnerships, in both small and larger teams, all of which encouraged full involvement, clarification of understanding and learning assimilation.

Participant knowledge was assessed during the Training and at Training Course conclusion, both which contributed to the valuable Post-Training feedback which we received from Helene in her detailed Report.

Each participant was required to complete a Personal Performance Improvement Action Plan at the conclusion of each Training Workshop, to assist with workplace skills implementation going forward.

We have benefited from Helene’s Training and Development Services, which have added great value to our Management and Supervisory Teams, in the areas of knowledge, skill and attitude.

We would recommend Helene highly for any Leadership / Management or Teambuilding Training initiative within your organisation.

Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager Six Senses Hotels, Resorts, Spas Maldives

We had the privilege to attend the Management Course under the guidance and facilitation of Helene during the pre-opening stage of our property, Milaidhoo.

Helene is a true professional in her field and is very committed to produce high quality work. She is very passionate about what she does and possesses high level competency in handling the Training and Talent Development.

We wish to express our gratitude for the excellent Training Services she has provided us, bringing the Team to achieve greater heights. Her services were always perfectly reliable.

Shuhan Ahmed, Director of Operations Universal Enterprises Maldives
Martin van der Reijden, Managing Director Cora Cora Maldives & HMM Private Limited

Vaibhav Garg, Talent and Culture Accor Doha

Ahmed Faiz, Director of Human Resources at Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
 
 
Anita Joos Eyre, Transition & Leadership Coach
Dejan Chevreski, Client Advisor at Louis Vuitton

Steven Phillips, Former General Manager of Gili Lankanfushi and Joali Maldives
David Luis, Multi Store Deputy Manager at Bvlgari
Thank you for your dynamism and enthusiasm during the teambuilding and coaching sessions.

And, thank you for being our training partner for the past 6 years.

Angel Chuah, Assistant Director of Learning and Development at Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
We received an amazing support from Helene to develop our leaders and future leaders at the Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives. We received super positive feedback from the participants.


Helene was able to guide the leaders, answer questions and give real-life examples pertaining to leadership and communications skills that we all use everyday. Her engaging and positive vibes are very much alive until now. The participants just cannot stop talking about her and what they have learned from her.

Thank you, Helene! We definitely look forward to having more collaborations with you!

Meggy Banda, Director of Talent and Culture at Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives
I cannot recommend Helene enough as a coaching mentee. Her innate ability to listen deeply and show genuine empathy creates a space that allows clients to explore their core thoughts and emotions. What I appreciate most about her coaching style is her willingness to follow the client’s energy wherever it may lead, with an open mind and deep curiosity. She creates a space of non-judgement where clients can feel comfortable opening up and exploring their inner blocks, which can be a challenging but ultimately transformative experience.

Working with Helene will be one of the best decisions you make. She will empower you to tackle any obstacle in your path and support you every step of the way.
Jessica Rockson, PCC, Executive Coach, Mentor Coach, Speaker
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional Inspiring Leadership Training you conducted recently. Your training program was truly outstanding and left a lasting impact on all the participants, myself included.
 
Your passion, expertise, and ability to connect with the audience were evident throughout the training. Your delivery style was engaging, and you managed to create a positive and supportive learning environment. I was truly inspired by your insights and practical tips on becoming an effective leader.
 
Your training not only enhanced our understanding of leadership principles but also equipped us with practical tools and strategies to implement in our professional lives. I can already see how the concepts you covered are positively influencing my approach to leadership and team management.
 
Your dedication to ensuring that each participant grasped the concepts and felt empowered to grow as leaders was remarkable. Your willingness to answer questions and provide personalized guidance made the entire training experience even more valuable.
 
I have received positive feedback from other participants as well, and I can confidently say that your training has left a lasting impression on our team. Your efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the professional development of everyone present.
 
Once again, thank you for your dedication and passion in delivering such an inspiring and impactful training program. It has been an absolute pleasure to learn from you, and I look forward to any future opportunities to engage in your expertise.
Anand Goshwami, Executive Sous Chef Cora Cora Maldives

If I am asked to describe Mr. Brian Gardiner in three words I will fail dismally as I have a lot of words that come to my mind with just the mention of “King Brian”.

Our journey began May 2022, it was connection at first handshake, his handshake marked my professional and personal growth from a great and passionate leader and a great mentor, I have worked with many Managers, but this was the first time working with a leader, so passionate about people and getting the most out of people, a great Motivator from his daily messages.

Streamlining responsibilities and having a clear vision was the first step that got the team unified and effective which led to his day-to-day motto “DO YOUR JOBS WELL!” this motto became our daily bread and changed our challenges to service excellence across the board.

Clear Communication, Transparency and Integrity kept the whole team aligned and created a great accountable culture amongst the team members.

As I worked closely with Mr. Brian Gardiner I got to WALK THE LINE with him and it gave me massive exposure, he held my hand, keeping me involved in things that I thought were not important but he made me understand the importance of the behind the scenes operations that makes the resort run smoothly, with his guidance my position catapulted from Assistance Retreat Manager to a Resort Manager within a year. He said “BWANA, I’VE GOT YOUR BACK” (Bwana became my new name). I must say he had more than my back, I knew that my front was covered as well.

“YOUR TEAM SHOULD BE BETTER THAN YOU” and “YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR TEAM” are some of his wise words that have become my day-to-day mantra. I have learnt a lot from Mr. Brian, his passion and ongoing support has helped me gain so much confidence.

Hats off to Helene Gardiner; she voluntarily offered assistance in training and coaching our management team on soft skills and active engagement. I have never seen a couple that is so passionate about people; their endless enthusiasm to give back to the hospitality industry is rare and was my first time meeting true legends.

I can write a whole book about what team developers Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are. They put themselves last. I have never seen so much growth in a team within a year, took a lot of people out of their comfort zones and held their hands in the new positions, always with immense support and brought the best out of the new leaders who are shining and “Doing Their Jobs Well”.

Now, as I embark on my greatest and proudest achievement of being promoted to General Manager of Azura, I am forever Grateful.

Amos Chibi, General Manager Azura Benguerra Island Mozambique

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Brian for all that he has done for me, the Azura Team and would like to wish him every happiness in his future endeavour.

I started working under Mr. Brian when he joined us at Azura Retreats as Group General Manager when I was just a Front of House and Guest Relations Manager.

Mr. Brian developed me and I learned numerous strong leadership skills, abilities to motivate and inspire a Team. He uplifted me, passing his knowledge to us on our day-to-day work and special one-on-one coaching. Through my hard work, application of skills and attitude I was promoted to the excellent position of Operations Manager for Azura Retreats.

During the time I worked under Mr. Brian, he was strategic, efficient, organised, professional and a fantastic Team leader. He has my highest recommendation as a perfect manager, a perfect mentor and the perfect leader, outfitted with all the skills and experience needed to inspire and uplift someone to get from them the highest level of excellent service delivery.

I look forward to any opportunity to have Mr. Brian as my Manager, Leader, and Mentor again.

Nelson Vilanculos, Operations Manager Azura Benguerra Island Mozambique
Over the past two years, we have had the privilege of collaborating with Helene, and her delivery style and professionalism have consistently left us in awe. 
 
Her ability to connect with our team members and the impactful nature of her trainings have truly made a difference in our team. 
Kunsulu Baigozhina, Learning and Development and Quality Assurance Manager Cora Cora Maldives

Dear Helene,

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible training sessions you conducted over the past four days. Your expertise, dedication, and innovative approach have significantly impacted our team. The Success Roadmap training for our rank-and-file members and the supervisory training on communicating, motivating, and managing conflict for performance success have been nothing short of transformative.

Having worked with us for three years, your commitment and spirit in concocting out-of-the-box modules have always been evident. Your ability to engage and inspire our team is truly remarkable, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as our trainer.

Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions and unwavering support. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership and achieving even greater success together.

Justin Swart, General Manager Cora Cora Maldives