Tracey McLennan

Tracey McLennan is the founder and CEO of Bconsult, Rightside Media and LookupSA. These entities form a purpose driven business ecosystem that sits at the intersection of skills development, digital learning and social upliftment.

Tracey has built organisations that do more than deliver services. They create opportunity, unlock potential and build sustainable pathways for people and businesses alike.

Her leadership journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of people, an instinct for growth and a firm belief that economic mobility begins with access to skills and support. Today, her work continues to influence how organisations approach transformation, learning and impact in South Africa.

FINDING HER CALLING
Although Tracey’s career began in the banking sector, she is quick to point out that it was not where she
found her calling. Her first role was in the bonds department of a bank, an experience that offered
structure, discipline and a strong grounding in customer service, while also delivering an important
personal insight.

“It was an admin heavy role,” says Tracey. “If it taught me anything, it was that I am definitely not an admin
person and in hindsight, that lesson was invaluable. Sometimes it is just as important to discover what you
do not want as it is to discover what you do want.”

Tracey’s professional direction became clearer when she moved into sales. Stepping into the role of sales
co-ordinator for an international television brand proved to be a turning point.“That role was my introduction to the world of sales, marketing and customer experience and from that moment, I never looked back,” she explains. “It ignited a passion for understanding people, solving problems creatively and driving results, which has shaped every step of my entrepreneurial journey since.”

This early exposure to the power of connection and communication laid the foundation for her future
businesses and leadership style.

BUILDING WITH PURPOSE
Today, the three interconnected organisations Traceyhas founded, each play a distinct role in a broader
vision for social and economic upliftment. Bconsult is an accredited training provider, specialists in learning and development and long standing skills development consultancy that supports organisations in building compliant, capable and future ready workforces. Rightside Media is a digital learning and explainer video agency that simplifies complex information and makes learning accessible and engaging. LookupSA is a nonprofit organisation focused on developing unemployed youth into future fit talent.

Together, the three businesses form what Tracey describes as an ecosystem rather than a collection of
separate entities. “My purpose is to create opportunity, unlock potential and build pathways that change
lives,” she says. “Across all three organisations, my mission is to uplift people, empower organisations
and stimulate economic mobility.”

This integrated approach has allowed her to align commercial success with meaningful impact. For Tracey, that alignment is non-negotiable.Building this ecosystem stands as her proudest accomplishment. “Creating three businesses that generate employment, develop skills and uplift communities is what I am most proud of,” she says. “It proves that business can be both sustainable and socially transformative.”

The journey, however, has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant was navigating
rapid growth while maintaining quality and consistency across all operations. “Growth is exciting, but it
can also expose weaknesses very quickly,” she reflects. “I overcame it by building stronger systems, clearly
defining roles and creating accountability structures that professionalised the organisation.”This focus on structure and clarity has since become a hallmark of her leadership.

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Tracey leads with intention, clarity and an unwavering belief in people. The best advice she has received
continues to shape how she approaches pressure and decision making.“I don’t do overwhelm,” she says. “That phrase has reprogrammed the way I lead by choosing clarity and solutions over chaos.” Within her organisations, she prioritises clear expectations, open communication and a strong sense of ownership. Motivation, she believes, comes from understanding both responsibility and purpose.

“We focus on regular feedback, honest conversations and keeping the team connected to the real-world
impact of our work,” she explains. “When people see that what they do changes lives, motivation becomes intrinsic.”Inspiration, for Tracey, comes from those who choose courage even when the road is uncertain. “I am inspired by people who follow their heart even when it is hard, even when others doubt them and even
when the path is not clear,” she says. “They choose courage over comfort and stay true to their calling.
They make it possible for the rest of us to walk further and dream bigger.”

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Looking ahead, Tracey is optimistic about the future of business in KwaZulu-Natal, provided the right
focus is maintained. Her vision for the province is ambitious but grounded in practical solutions.“I want KZN to become a skills driven, digitally empowered and economically inclusive province where unemployment is dramatically reduced through sustainable economic growth,” she says. Tracey is particularly passionate about the recovery of the hospitality and tourism sector, which was severely impacted by Covid 19 and has yet to fully rebound.“Once unemployment is meaningfully addressed, I believe the province will experience a complete turnaround,” she adds.

Through all the complexity of entrepreneurship, transformation and leadership, Tracey holds onto a simple personal motto that reflects both optimism and resilience. “It will all work out in the end and if it
has not worked out, it is not the end.”This sentiment captures her approach to business and life. Grounded in purpose, guided by clarity and driven by a belief in people, Tracey continues to build pathways that extend far beyond her own success.