Leanne Benade

People & Growth Strategist | Leadership & Development | Problem Solver| Educator

Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands

About

I thrive in roles that involve problem-solving, strategic thinking, and building strong foundations that enable teams to succeed. With experience across international education and team development, I bring a future-focused mindset, adaptability, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. I specialize in collaborative strategy, process improvement, and creative problem-solving—helping teams develop efficient, sustainable solutions. I excel at creating the structures, ideas, and strategies that drive long-term success. My background spans education, mentoring, and team management, equipping me with strong communication skills and the ability to support diverse environments. Whether it’s streamlining processes, optimizing team workflows, or driving meaningful change, I thrive in roles where I can build, refine, and strengthen. Always open to new challenges, new conversations, and new ways to make an impact.

Experience

  • Teaching Assistant at NLtraining
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    Als assistent in de Nederlandse taalklas ondersteun ik de docent en de cursisten waar mogelijk. Ik help met opdrachten, begeleid deelnemers en draag bij aan een positieve leeromgeving. Zelf ben ik ook nog bezig met het leren van Nederlands, maar ik steek graag alvast mijn handen uit de mouwen en maak van deze gelegenheid gebruik om samen met de cursisten verder te groeien.

  • Relocation at Career Break
    Apr 2025 - Sep 2025 · 6 mos

    In April 2025, our family relocated to the Netherlands full-time to support an exciting career growth opportunity for my husband following his master’s degree completion. Since then, I have been actively improving my Dutch language skills, ensuring my digital skills for the classroom are up to date, and exploring how AI can be used to empower learners as a powerful educational tool. I’m also getting involved in the local community by joining language groups and participating in reading cafés, which helps me connect with others while continuing my personal and professional growth. This time has been valuable for reflection, learning, and preparing for the next meaningful chapter in my career.

  • English Language Coach for Korean-Speaking Students at Self-employed
    Sep 2024 - Mar 2025 · 7 mos

    I worked as an English language coach for Korean speakers, creating lessons that focused on the specific challenges they faced with the language. Using my knowledge of Korean, I was able to explain tricky English concepts in a way that made sense to them. I made the lessons fun and interactive to help improve their speaking, listening, and overall communication skills. Since all my students had moved to Portugal, the lessons also helped them adjust and feel more comfortable in their new surroundings. I tailored my teaching approach to each student’s progress and feedback, ensuring they were learning effectively.

  • Student Teaching at Cornerstone Institute
    Jul 2024 - Sep 2024 · 3 mos

    Completed a three-month teaching practicum at two diverse South African schools as part of my PGCE. This experience involved designing and delivering engaging, student-centered lessons, supporting classroom management, collaborating with teachers to enhance learning outcomes, and mentoring students to build confidence and academic skills. It also developed my adaptability, communication, and teamwork abilities in dynamic educational environments.

  • Brave Generation Academy (Porto, Portugal · Hybrid)
    • Course Manager Afrikaans
      Oct 2022 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Developed, enhanced, and managed the full IGCSE Afrikaans curriculum, including designing assignments, quizzes, and assessments for global learners. Delivered engaging live lessons and provided personalized one-on-one academic support to learners, ensuring understanding and progress. Created a comprehensive online curriculum tailored for virtual learning environments, continuously improving engagement and interactivity. Provided timely, constructive academic feedback by grading assignments and guiding learners through their learning journeys. Innovated methods to make online Afrikaans learning enjoyable and effective, boosting learner motivation and participation.

    • Development Coach/Regional Manager
      Oct 2022 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 10 mos

      Oversaw operations across 7 countries: Spain, Thailand, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Kenya, USA Led a team of Learning Coaches across 12 hubs, managing recruitment, onboarding, training, and learner support to ensure high educational standards. Inspired the team to lead by example, make informed decisions, and take impactful actions, fostering professional growth through clear feedback and performance guidance. Cultivated a culture of excellence by setting clear expectations, promoting accountability, and maintaining high performance across hubs. Monitored hub performance against key metrics, ensuring all locations met organizational goals. Supported alignment with Brave Generation Academy’s culture, values, and processes to strengthen team cohesion. Collaborated on performance evaluations to uphold consistent standards and drive continuous improvement. Managed hub logistics and resources to ensure smooth operations across diverse international contexts. Tracked learner progress using data-driven insights, implementing personalized strategies to optimize outcomes. Maintained strong parent relationships to promote transparent communication and collaboration. Partnered with country representatives to align regional strategies, support growth, and build sustainable partnerships. Contributed to vision and expansion planning, driving innovation and adaptability across multiple cultures.