Working with Ngao.

Workplace bullying is one of those phenomena that leaders often sense but struggle to name, and that ambiguity is precisely where it thrives. Building Psychologically Safe Spaces closes that gap with rare clarity and courage. When I led Organisational Effectiveness at Sanlam, I invited the author to speak to our Human Capital community. What struck me then, and stays with me now, is how the book refuses to let anyone off the hook. Leaders, bystanders, targets, even those who bully: each is given a mirror, and each is given a path forward. That's not a common combination. Culture is built in the moments we choose to name what we see. This book gives HR professionals, people leaders, and executives the language and the framework to do exactly that, not as a compliance exercise, but as a genuine act of organisational care. If you are serious about psychological safety, this is not optional reading. It is foundational.

I had the privilege and pleasure to meet and connect with Professor Ngao both informally and professionally. I was struck by her humility and grounded nature. Professor Ngao is passionate about bringing positive transformation and healing in workplaces. She is not afraid to speak truth to power and is not intimidated by it. I highly recommend her work to individuals and organisations that seek to achieve psychologically safe spaces in a practical and effective manner. Her formidable accomplishments precede her and we need leaders of her caliber.

Dr Ngao Motsei is a rare and powerful partner to leaders and organisations. She brings depth, courage, and humanity to some of the most complex leadership and culture challenges—without ever losing rigor or accountability. Her ability to hold leaders with compassion while confronting difficult truths creates real, lasting transformation. Whilst always operating with professionalism, discretion, and deep respect for organisational context, Ngao does not offer cosmetic solutions. Her work shifts mindsets, behaviours, and culture in meaningful and sustainable ways. I regard her as a trusted thinking partner and would recommend her to any organisation serious about conscious, courageous, and human-centred leadership.

Dr Ngao Motsei was appointed by the University of Pretoria to facilitate the Workplace Bullying workshop for Management and Staff. Attendees found the sessions highly impactful, offering valuable insights. It was particularly meaningful for the Transformation Office to observe how participants engaged with the content, with some recognising and articulating their own experiences as forms of bullying. The sessions not only benefited attendees by raising awareness and understanding but also provided the office with important insights into potential issues within the broader institutional environment. The Office looks forward to further engaging with Dr. Motsei to take this work forward as the University embarks on its journey to build a human-centric institutional culture.

Her rare combination of strategic thinking and execution abilities that has helped shape my ideas into action plans. From the time our paths crossed, Ngao has been a dependable and supportive thinking partner for me. Her strategic and creative mind has on many occasions distilled and stitched together nuggets from my tentative ideas. Her clarity of mind and disciplined approach to every task has cajoled me to follow through with my dreams. Many a time, it is her rare combination of strategic thinking and execution abilities that has helped shape my ideas into action plans.

My self-awareness journey would not have been possible. Dr. Coach, as we fondly call her, is a woman I did not know that I needed in my life until I had her in my life. My self-awareness journey would not have been possible if it weren't for her mentally and emotionally challenging questions. Dr. Coach will question your intention for everything no judgement, but in a way that will guide you to the things you want to do. After every session with Dr. Coach, I am content, I am overwhelmed (in a great way), and I am ready to take on the world. I could have honestly never asked for a better coach, who in her busy schedule, will ALWAYS make time for you.

Ngao facilitated the often highly charged and tough conversations in a way that ensured that each participant's voice was heard, and made it seem okay to try new things, including completely changing direction. This is testament to her paying attention to what matters in the moment and understanding that unless what's important in any given moment is not fully explored and attended to, moving on according to the 'script' would not yield the best results. Since then, she has been my go-to thinking partner and facilitator of choice.