Work with me...
I welcome the opportunity to partner with companies, organisations, and creative collaborators from all over the world… and I especially love diving into fresh projects in far-flung places.
Depending on the project, I might pop in for a few days to speak at an event, host a storytelling evening, or do a creative consultation.
Other times, I might be packing up the whole family for a longer immersive adventure – like working on a theatre production, shooting a film, or helping a tourism board bring their island, game reserve, or seaside town to life through illustrated maps and story-rich guidebooks.
If you’re curious about the practical stuff (like travel, timelines, or whether I bring my own snacks), have a scroll through the logistics stuff below.
And – as always – if you have any questions my homing-pigeon awaits…
Talks & Keynotes
Talks & Keynotes
Workshops & Camps
Creative in Residence
Borrow my Brain
Creative Co-Labs
Courses & Resources
Short Stays (10 days or less)
Usually for: speaking engagements, workshops, panels, creative consultations, etc.
For short solo trips (like when I’m invited to speak, teach, or collaborate on a time-limited event), I usually travel alone.
What I typically expect:
- A fair speaker or creative fee (aligned with industry standards in your country).
- Travel costs covered (see details below).
- Ground transport or airport transfers, if needed.
- Comfortable accommodation that allows me to rest well and show up fully for the work. I’m not demanding five-star luxury – but if you were planning something a little fancy, I’ll try very hard not to act too surprised. 😉
- A food stipend or covered meals is always appreciated – especially on work days.
Travel & Other Booking Logistics:
AIR TRAVEL(for long-distance or international events):
- Short flights: I’m happy to fly economy class.
- Long-haul international flights: Business class is a delightful (and deeply appreciated luxury) – especially if I’m expected to hit the ground running upon arrival. I can’t sleep sitting upright in cramped seats, no matter how many sleeping pills I chug, so long-haul economy tends to render me zombie-like.
That said, I fully understand that not all budgets stretch to business class! I’m absolutely willing to endure long-haul economy if needed, but if that’s the case, please expect a slower start and allow a day or two for me to recover and adjust (especially if I’m crossing time-zones).
Travel Times:
The closest international airport to my home is Durban’s King Shaka Airport – about a 2-hour drive away. I can also travel via OR Tambo in Johannesburg, though that’s a 6-hour drive from my woodland nest.
So, when you add in the car travel, airport faffing (check-in, security, customs, layovers, baggage claim… the usual blah-blah), as well as the flights themselves – here’s how long it actually takes me to reach major cities around the world:
- London: at least 20 hours (via Johannesburg)
- New York: at least 30 hours (via Johannesburg + major European hub)… (or a bit shorter if flying directly to USA).
- Los Angeles: at least 32 hours (via Johannesburg + major hub).
- Sydney: at least 22 hours (via Johannesburg)
By the way, I’m not mentioning these long travel times to have a poor-me whinge! I love the opportunity to travel (as does my family), and I’m incredibly grateful to do the kind of work that flings me across continents. But when you live in a rural-ish corner on the southern tip of Africa, getting anywhere is always gonna be… a bit of a mission.
That’s also why I prefer longer, immersive trips (where I bring my family along) – it just makes more sense after that much effort.
I share this so international hosts have a clear picture of what’s involved – and why I might need a recovery day (or two) on arrival, especially if I’ve had to cross multiple time zones. Jet lag and overtired’ness turn me into a ratty curmudgeon (ask my threeples)… but I promise I’ll be far more charming and me‘ish after a hot shower, a (very) long nap, and a sufficient amount of caffeine.
ROAD TRAVEL(South Africa):
If the event is local or within reasonable driving distance, I’m happy to drive myself. In that case, I ask that the following be covered:
- Petrol costs
- Toll fees (where applicable)
- Secure parking (if I’m driving to a venue or hotel).
ROAD TRAVEL (International):
For international projects, I’m very comfortable driving in foreign countries — whether it’s the left or right side of the road. I can drive both manual (stick-shift) and automatic vehicles, and I always travel with a valid international driver’s licence, just in case it’s needed.
- I’m a dual citizen (South African & British), so international travel is beautifully uncomplicated.
- I can enter the UK, EU, Canada and USA without lengthy visa applications or paperwork delays.
- My passports are up to date and ready-to-go.
- My husband and kids are also dual citizens (South Africa & EU/Greek), so international travel is beautifully uncomplicated for them too.
I’m happy to provide any supporting materials you need – including speaker bios, headshots, blurbs, social media content, or other documentation. Just send me your checklist, and I’ll get everything to you in good time.
Longer immersive stays (3 weeks or more)
Do I expect clients to cover travel / accommodation / food costs for my family too!??
Short answer:
Nope! I don’t expect clients to foot the bill for my family’s travel, food, or day-to-day costs.
Longer (and slightly more nuanced) answer:
For short-term projects (under 10 days), I often travel solo. That said, I do love travelling with my husband and two teens whenever possible. We’ve designed our lives to be semi-nomadic – all of us are location-independent and can work and learn from just about anywhere (as long as there’s Wi-Fi!).
So yes — it’s always going to be my preference to travel with my threeples. But no – I don’t expect you to pay for them.
However… for longer, immersive projects, my family comes with.
This is non-negotiable for me. It allows me to stay fully present, creative, and energised for the entire project – without constantly pining for home or juggling logistics from afar.
I still don’t expect you to cover food costs for my family, and I’m always happy to find creative ways to work around travel expenses. On a recent 3-month project in Los Angeles, for example, we swapped one business class ticket (covered by the client) for four economy class tickets – and it actually ended up being cheaper overall.
For long-term trips, my family is simply part of the package (which is also why I reduce my daily or weekly fee accordingly).
Here’s what we typically need for long-term stays:
Self-catering accommodation with 3 bedrooms (or 2 + a separate loft/den — ’cause teens need their own space)
Solid, uncapped Wi-Fi (the only not-negotiable-thing on our list of ‘things’)
A workspace (desk or big table)
Washing machine (bonus points for a dishwasher or cleaning service)
We’re a very easy-going, low-fuss family – more forest-hermit than all-inclusive-resort-divas. We love peace and quiet, keep to ourselves, and are more likely to be curled up with books or iPads than filming loud, dramatic TikToks in shared spaces, blasting music at odd hours or whingeing about the thread count. (Though – speaking of noise – my husband and son may emit the occasional victory roar during a competitive Xbox round.)
We’re not luxury-seekers – after all, we live in a crooked little cottage in the depths of an indigenous forest! So no, we’re not expecting 5-star villas. (Although… if you happen to want to put us up in a 5-star villa… none of us are gonna argue! 😉)
