aand two toddlers, Christopher (4) and 18-month-old Ené, who was named after Elana’s mother.

energy went into that. Now my family is really important, the work that I do is really important. I really find it challenging but it’s about prioritising and being realistic. I am more motivated to have great experiences now, having the children around.’ Meyer, who relaxes by spending time with her children at home or in the mountains around Stellenbosch, says: ‘The greatest gift you can give your children is strong anchors, a stable

‘When I was a runner all my

family life and the gift of love. If you grow up without that, you grow up insecure.’ Meyer, who says she is

inspired by nature, still has climbing Mount Everest on her to-do list. She has already climbed Kilimanjaro and gone as far as base camp on Everest. ‘When I was there I was inspired by the mountains. I was inspired by people climbing the mountain and I thought it would be an unbelievable experience.’ With her impressive list of achievements, we leave the interview knowing that, when the time is right, Meyer will fulfil a long-held dream and plant the South African flag at the summit of Everest.

Elana’s Rules for Success

Be yourself. Know what’s important to you. Stick with your passion. Believe in yourself. Have a plan. Know that it’s going to take long. Work hard.

We work with children under 12, who can be positively influenced to make healthy lifestyle choices. After 12, it’s very difficult. Through our mentoring, coaching, learning and play programmes we teach good values and enhance self-esteem, self discipline, focus and sportsman. We aim to create an environment for South Africa’s children to have dreams – work towards achieving it and thereby rebuild communities.

August 2011 | Management Today 21

Photograph credit www.oakpics.com