Ciska is a passionate business coach who thrives on helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs turn vision into action.
With a strong background in strategic planning and a love for digital automation, she specializes in guiding small business owners to simplify their systems, amplify their digital footprint, and scale sustainably.
As a certified Van Studios Business Coach, Ciska brings a structured yet creative approach to business growth. Her coaching style is deeply customer-focused — blending strategic clarity, NLP-based mindset shifts, and step-by-step implementation.
Even in a single session, Ciska helps business owners gain clarity on their next business goal — and walk away with five focused action steps they can take immediately.
Mellisa Workel is more than just a business coach—she’s a strategist, mentor, and transformation catalyst who helps individuals unlock their full potential.
With years of experience as a successful entrepreneur and marketing expert, Mellisa understands the challenges of self-doubt, and business uncertainty first hand.
After spending seven years on a journey of self-discovery, working with business coaches, and mindset experts, Mellisa found her true calling: helping others break through their own limitations and step into their success.
Mellisa’s Mission
"I believe that everyone has infinite potential, but too often, self-doubt and fear hold us back. My mission is to help you unlock your true worth, break free from limitations, and create a life and business you love."
With over 35 years of experience in business management, including roles as a manager, executive, director, and business owner, Janine offers a wealth of practical knowledge to help small and medium-sized business owners grow and succeed. She’s passionate about guiding entrepreneurs through every stage of their business journey—from getting started to scaling effectively and, if desired, planning for an exit.
Janine’s mentoring approach is hands-on and customer-focused, helping you streamline your operations, automate tasks, and build systems that create long-term stability. As a Certified Van X Business Mentor, she works with you to set clear goals, map out actionable steps, and ensure that your business is on a path to success that works for you.
Janine meets you where you are and provides the guidance and tools you need to take your business to the next level.
Business Consultant
Nico is a seasoned engineering executive with 35 years extensive experience in the mining industry, now a Van X business consultant and Van X Certified Mentor, providing executive mentoring and leadership development for engineers in the mining industry. Empowering engineers to enhance their leadership capabilities and effectiveness as engineers / entrepreneurs.
Core Competencies:
• Consulting, Executive Coaching & Leadership Development
• Business Strategy & Organizational Change
• Business Performance Optimization
• Technical & Business Process Integration
Helping entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders unlock peak performance and drive business growth.
Shaun is a dynamic Cognitive Performance Coach who helps entrepreneurs remove the internal roadblocks that limit business growth. With more than 10,000 mentoring hours and nearly two decades of experience in transformation, mindset development, and behavioural change, Shaun brings deep emotional intelligence to the world of business coaching.
With advanced training in NLP, Neuroscience and a results-driven approach, Shaun blends deep mindset work with practical tools that business owners can immediately apply to improve their decision-making, leadership, productivity, and customer relationships.
Gideon is the kind of mentor who brings both brains and brilliance to the table.
Known for his sharp intellect, friendly nature, and just the right amount of sass, he has a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and energized.
Whether he's cracking a clever joke or dropping a gem of wisdom, Gideon lights up every room he walks into. At Van X, he's not just a guide—he's the spark that turns potential into power.
Eugene van Der Merwe is an elite certified business mentor with a proven track record of empowering entrepreneurs and organizations to achieve exceptional success.
With years of experience and a deep understanding of business dynamics, Eugene specializes in guiding leaders through strategic growth, leadership development, and operational optimization.
His mentorship is rooted in a personalized approach, tailoring solutions to each client’s unique needs. Eugene combines industry insights with practical strategies, helping businesses scale efficiently, increase profitability, and overcome challenges with confidence. Eugene has earned a reputation for transforming vision into measurable results.
Minette Whelpton is a highly respected and certified business mentor with a passion for helping entrepreneurs and organizations unlock their full potential.
With extensive experience in business strategy, leadership development, and organizational growth, Minette offers tailored mentorship that drives real, sustainable success.
Her approach is centered around understanding the unique challenges of each business, providing actionable insights, and empowering clients to implement effective strategies. Minette’s commitment to nurturing growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and building strong leadership has made her a trusted guide for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive market.
A Certified Business Mentor is a highly skilled and experienced professional who has earned formal certification through rigorous training and assessment. They are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and expertise to guide business owners and leaders through challenges, helping them achieve strategic goals and long-term success.
Choosing the right mentor depends on your specific needs and goals. A certified business mentor will work with you to understand your unique challenges and provide tailored strategies. It’s essential to align with a mentor who has experience in your industry and understands your business objectives.
Any business, whether it's a startup, small business, or established company, can benefit from mentorship. A certified mentor can help with various aspects such as scaling, leadership development, financial management, marketing strategies, and improving overall business performance.
How long does mentoring typically last?
The duration of mentoring depends on the goals you wish to achieve. It can range from a few weeks to several months, with regular check-ins and progress reviews. A certified mentor will work with you to set a timeline that aligns with your business objectives and desired outcomes.
To get started, simply reach out to the certified mentor you’re interested in working with. You’ll typically begin with a consultation to discuss your business needs, goals, and challenges. From there, the mentor will create a tailored plan to guide you through the mentoring process and help you achieve success.