My skills
Background
I was born in Germany, where I also gained most of my diverse academic and working experience. I hold Master’s degrees in Economics, as well as in Childhood Studies and Children’s’ Rights. I worked as a project manager in full-service advertising agencies before rescheduling to become a qualified consultant for systemic organisational development.
During a voluntary year in a shelter for street children in South Africa, I discovered my love and passion for this amazing country. A couple of years later, I decided to relocate to Johannesburg. Since then, I have been working as a self-employed consultant for organisational development and am now CEO of Ilka Stein Consulting.
I am based in Johannesburg with regular representation in Cape Town, enjoying the unbelievable variety that this country has to offer.
Motivation
Why South Africa?
I hear this question quite often and after more than seven years in this country, I am now able to give some kind of an answer. First of all, South Africa is an unbelievably beautiful and interesting country. I admire the people, the cultural variety and enjoy the natural environment. At the same time, South Africa is a constant challenge and a society that is trying to manage manifold transition processes simultaneously. My wish is to be a small part of this society, to try and contribute to the transformation processes on a personal and professional level.

CV elements
Training & Education
2019 Dare to Lead (Brene Brown 2 day training)
2017 The Art of Facilitation (yearly programme)
2015 -2016 Thinking partnership and Coaching training - Thinking Environment, South Africa
2016 The Creative Facilitator's Toolkit - Activation Hub, South Africa
2013 Transformative Scenario Planning - Reos Partners, South Africa
2012 Presencing Foundation Training Programme (Theory U Approach) - Presencing Institute, South Africa
2009 -2011 Post-degree training course in Systemic Organisational Development - denkmodell GmbH, Germany
2010 Visual Facilitation - kommunikationslotsen, Germany
2009 Training in Capacity WORKS, the management toolbox for sustainable development - GIZ, Germany
2008 -2010 Master’s Degree in Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights – Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
2001- 2005 Master’s Degree in Economics - Universiteit Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Employment
Since 2018 Founder and managing director of ForReal
Since 2012 Founder and managing director of IlkaSteinConsulting
2012 -2015 Founder and managing director - Younitiate NPC, South Africa
2008 -2012 Project manager - denkmodell GmbH, Germany
2008 Project initiator and coordinator - SOS Kinderdorf, Germany
2006 -2008 Account Executive - Saatchi&Saatchi, Germany