Olga Hood-Eades, CPM’s resident intellectual, joined us as an advisor to CEO Sharon after many years in education and academics. Olga holds 5 degrees (2 of which she achieved cum laude) and a Doctorate in Psychology of Education. Before joining CPM, she taught and lectured for 14 years, and ran a private practice specialising in child psychology. She also headed up the Human Resources division of a company she co-owned.
Her forte is decision making and people skills. Olga ensures that all aspects of our Human Resources and training are managed, as well as procurement and maintenance of all CPM assets, including security. She continued to study while at CPM, first qualifying as a Polygraphist and then in 2009 realised one of her life goals by obtaining her pilot’s licence for small aircraft. Olga’s passion for continuous learning has been an asset to CPM, and also kept her challenged after-hours, where she enjoys making wine, craft beer and gin.
Sharon & Olga’s homestead has been dubbed “Old McDonald”, as any animal in need finds a home there, and in Olga’s heart. Her passion to achieve and explore life is endless and she enjoys wine, food and cultural festivals around South Africa, as well as travelling abroad to soak up different cultures and experiences. Exercise is a daily part of her life, including Golf, Padel, and Badminton.
We asked Olga to share a few words of wisdom, and a little more about herself:
Q: What’s the number one tip you’d give jewellers, based on your vast experience serving this industry?
“Share your experience and knowledge with others.”
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you ever received, or the one thing you wish you’d known or implemented earlier in your life?
“The best advice I ever received is to base life on being honest and be kind to people.”
Q: Tell us one interesting thing that most people probably don’t know about you
“My determination to succeed. I’ve tested this characteristic by running many half marathons and completing 4 Argus Cycle Tours, as well as the Duzi Canoe Marathon. The onething that most people do actually know about was my dream to achieve my PPL airplane licence, which I accomplished in 2010.”
