Aruka Coaching

Supporting

Successful men reclaim purpose, confidence, & clarity in midlife
And SME's & teams restore what matters – connection, purpose, & performance

Why Restoration?

Aruka  is a Hebrew word meaning restoration  – a return to healing, purpose, and renewal.
When I began my coaching journey, I imagined my work would be about helping people become whole. But early on, I was invited to consider a deeper truth: we are already whole. We may be wounded, disconnected, or misaligned
– but we are not permanently broken. We may feel fractured or lost, but restoration reminds us that healing is always possible.

This was the seed from which Aruka was born.
Throughout life, parts of ourselves can become buried or forgotten – shaped by social expectations, family roles, professional pressures, or painful experiences. In pursuit of belonging or success, many of us trade authenticity
for acceptance. We suppress the parts that don’t fit. Over time, the life we build may look impressive from the outside – but it may no longer feel true on the inside.

Restoration is the journey of returning to who you were created to be.

My work focuses especially on men in midlife leadership – men who have reached success but now feel a quiet disconnection, a loss of identity, or a longing to rediscover purpose. I support them to realign with their values,
reclaim their voice, and remember what really matters. This is not reinvention for the sake of change – it is a return to authenticity.

While my focus is on men in midlife leadership, this work is for anyone who feels the quiet ache of disconnection – who senses they’ve drifted from who they truly are and longs to find their way back. If that’s you, you’re welcome here.

Teams Drift Too – and They Can Be Brought Back.

By the time I’m invited in, most teams I work with have already been successful. Something has simply shifted – internal dynamics, leadership clarity, strategic direction, or relational trust. The result? A team that once thrived is now fragmented, disillusioned, or underperforming.

My role is to guide teams through the process of restoring unity, clarity and purpose – reconnecting individuals to one another, the team to its shared goals, and the team as a whole to the wider organisation. It’s a journey of rekindling trust, co-creating new standards, and building a rhythm that leads not only to performance improvement but cultural renewal. This too is restoration.

Whether in an individual or a team, restoration begins with awareness – a quiet knowing that things are not as they could be. This is followed by courageous intentionality – choosing to begin the work. From there comes the uncomfortable process of truth-telling, letting go, and rebuilding. But the reward is a profound alignment – one that honours who we were, while making us ready for what’s next. Restoration is not a one-time fix. It’s a posture – a way of engaging with the world
I’ve always loved restoring things – homes, furniture, classic cars. But the greatest restoration has been in my own life. Midlife invited me into a deeper internal journey – not to become someone new, but to return to the man I was always meant to be.
That’s why I do this work.

Because restoration matters. And it’s never too late to begin again.

Client Stories of Restoration

“Over the years I’ve collaborated and worked with Pat in several projects, teams and business units. He brings a calmness and voice of reason to the table. He thinks clearly, helps you to unpack the task and challenge with clear focus and to put structure to the outcome that solves Matters for the future not only the now. As a business coach he has years of corporate experience and understands the business world intimately. Definitely hight recommend any business, big or small to engage with him to assist in crafting Business plans and change management.”
Leonard
Operations Executive
“Working with Patrick as our Team Change Coach was truly transformative. He helped us rebuild from the ground up—putting clear systems and structures in place that strengthened our foundation. His thoughtful approach and fresh perspective on key topics allowed me, as a leader, to gain clarity and a deeper understanding of my team. Most importantly, Patrick created an environment where trust could grow. He shifted mindsets, encouraged inclusivity, and reminded us that everyone has a seat at the table. Our team has flourished since, and it all began with Patrick’s impactful guidance.”
Emsie
Head of Department
“I started this journey curious and eager for guidance to help me grow in my role. I expected direction from the outside, but quickly discovered the answers were within me—Patrick simply helped me uncover them. What I thought would be professional development became deeply personal. The process was humbling, empowering, and transformative. With a supportive yet challenging approach, Patrick helped me confront what was holding me back and connect more honestly with myself. I’ve come away with a renewed commitment to self-growth and a clearer awareness of my impact on others. Patrick’s coaching has helped me uncover a sense of purpose that will shape how I move forward—in work and in life”
Lauren
Marketing Proffessional
“Patrick brings a calmness and serenity to my day; creating a calm and safe space within the madness that seems to be all-encompassing these days. Insightful, experienced, completely professional, rational, calm and spiritual; a tremendously balanced and caring individual who greatly assisted me with a key decision point in my career. The results of which have been life-altering. I remain humbled and appreciative of the times we spend together; and for the understanding, humility and ‘humanness’ that Patrick has always exhibited. Business is so much more than just the numbers; and Patrick always brings a balanced viewpoint incorporating all the other key tenets: familial, spiritual, physical. It’s a pleasure to be able to engage with him across this broad spectrum.”
Craig
VP Sales
“I had the privilege of working with Pat, my life coach, during a challenging period in my life. As my marriage and career were on a downward spiral, I realised I had isolated myself from people, friends, a healthy lifestyle, and personal growth. This approach wasn't working for me, and I needed a change. Pat's calm, caring, and genuine approach awakened a voice within me that had long been silent. His guidance helped me gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and find direction. Through our coaching sessions, I learned to trust my instincts and tap into my inner strength. Pat's compassionate yet direct style allowed me to explore my emotions and beliefs, leading to profound self-discovery and change. Today, I walk as a more confident and empowered individual. Pat's coaching has transformed not only my personal life but also positively impacted my relationships and overall well-being. I highly recommend Pat to anyone seeking meaningful change and growth.”
DT
Global Strategist
“Pat is a massive asset to me with his coaching. He is always picking up on things that I say which I generally do not pay much attention to but are very important in the greater context of the coaching discussion. His wealth of knowledge in a large corporate has been hugely beneficial to my small business as he asks me to think bigger and how to apply the big business to my small business and to break it down into parts we can use and afford. He has made me face my fears and also answer a lot of personal questions that I had not faced up to so that I could move forward as a person. I look forward to working with Pat as his calm and caring nature shines through which makes sharing so much easier”
Gareth
Business Owner
“Patrick has been my life coach for nearly 6 months now, and I can confidently say that he is trustworthy, kind, and caring. Throughout our time together, he has guided me with unwavering support and encouragement, helping me gain clarity about my goals and breaking them down into achievable steps. His approach to coaching has made challenges feel manageable, and he has equipped me with useful tools to help me deal with them. I am grateful for Patrick's guidance and wholeheartedly recommend him as a life coach to anyone seeking positive change and personal growth.”
Lucelle
Missionary
“Working with Patrick has been a life-changing experience for me. He created a space in which I felt ready and open to unpack themes from my personal and work life so as to unlock greater growth for my next decade of output. He is insightful, calm and steadfast in his belief that no stone is too small to turn over in the quest to find meaning for how we behave and show up. His many years of corporate experience give him an authentic edge. He has helped me learn and put into practice tools in the workplace that will make me a better leader. I can highly recommend Patrick as a coach for a purpose driven work life.”
Matt
Retail - Head: Product and Design
“Three months with Aruka shifted me from burned-out IT exec to energized founder planning a purpose-driven startup.” — Pieter E.

“Our leadership team cut decision time by 30 % after the Conflict & Cohesion sprint.” — Ntombi K., COO

Companies we have helped

At Aruka, we are business turnaround catalysts, restoring clarity, unity, and performance for SMEs. 
I coach leaders at all levels toward renewed purpose, confidence, and direction — with a primary calling to men in midlife.

How Can I Help You

💬 I Thought AI Was the Solution. Maybe We’re the Bottleneck.
Richard Blake found himself reflecting on the quiet pride he felt in his team.They weren’t lagging behind on AI like so many others.They had access to the tools. They had the budget. They had his full support — even active encouragement — to explore, test, implement. So when the in...
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Micro-Practices for Macro Breakthroughs
Richard Blake thought he needed a dramatic shift. When the restlessness crept in — the sleepless nights, the quiet resentment toward always being the provider, the distance in his marriage — he assumed he was on the brink of something big. Something had to change. He just didn’t kn...
Read More
Only 6% Are Ready: Why Reinvention Is No Longer Optional
A 2023 study by IBM Institute for Business Value should stop every business leader in their tracks: Only 6% of leaders feel “very prepared” for the pace of change. Let that land. This isn't an opinion or a passing trend. It's data – hard, recent, and global. Which means 94% of exec...
Read More
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Individual Coaching

Micro-Practices for Macro Breakthroughs
Richard Blake thought he needed a dramatic shift. When the restlessness crept in — the sleepless nights, the quiet resentment toward always being the provider, the distance in his marriage — he assumed he was on the brink of something big. Something had to change. He just didn’t kn...
Read More
When the Hustle Becomes a Haunting
Richard Blake lies wide awake.It’s 3:17am. He turns over carefully so he doesn’t wake Mariska. Her steady breathing is a kind of reassurance – but also a reminder. Of how far apart they’ve drifted. Of how alone he feels even when she’s lying beside him. He exhales.But t...
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From Salary to Soul Work: Reflections on My First Six Months After Corporate
It’s been just over six months since I left corporate life behind. After more than two decades—26 years, in fact—inside large organisations, I took the leap into solopreneurship. I knew the move would be significant, but I hadn’t fully appreciated how deep the shift would run. Leaving corpor...
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📝 Coaching That Pays Off: Why Executive Coaching Is a Strategic Investment — Especially for Men in Midlife
In today’s volatile business world, leadership is not just a role — it’s a pressure cooker. And for many male executives in midlife, the pressure is not only external. It’s internal. You’re carrying the weight of business responsibility, family obligations, ageing paren...
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♻️ Realign, Reclaim, Reinvent – A Midlife Transition for Men in Leadership
For years, I lived by "the rules": high-powered job, luxurious lifestyle, upmarket family neighbourhood. But as I hit midlife, I began to feel a nagging emptiness, like something was missing. For many men in leadership, midlife prompts unsettling questions. Renowned psychologist Erik Erikson identif...
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💸 Reclaiming Your Identity: The Hidden Cost of Conforming 💸
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson 🥇 For many men in leadership, midlife comes with a reckoning. You’ve followed the script - built a successful career, raised a family...
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Breaking Free from the Holiday Cycle: A Leader’s Guide to Everyday Fulfilment ⛺
As the year draws to a close, I’m reminded of the excitement I used to feel - leaving the pressures of work behind. Disconnecting from projects, budgets and deliverables, even for a few short weeks, felt like a rare gift 🎁 . It was a time to mend family relationships strained by life&#...
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🔥 The Man in the Arena 🔥
Some words have a way of sticking with us. Over the past two weeks, I’ve felt this passage echo through my own thoughts, and I’ve even had the privilege of sharing it with clients. Maybe this is exactly what needs to be heard right now? 💡 The Man in the Arena – Theodore Roo...
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🏔 Why Many Men Fear Coaching – and Why They’re Exactly the Ones Who Need It
There’s a moment every serious mountaineer knows – not when you’re lacing your boots, or plotting your route, but when you pause halfway up, heart pounding, and look back. The distance below is staggering. The summit is still far. You’re suspended between who you were and who...
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The Andropause Effect: Why Purpose, Performance, and Passion Take a Hit in Midlife
Something’s changed. You used to wake up with drive. Purpose. Clarity. Now? It’s harder to concentrate. Your fuse is shorter. Your confidence wobbles in ways it never used to. Even the gym sessions you used to rely on to keep you sharp leave you feeling flat. You’re not broken. And you’re no...
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Only 6% Are Ready: Why Reinvention Is No Longer Optional
A 2023 study by IBM Institute for Business Value should stop every business leader in their tracks: Only 6% of leaders feel “very prepared” for the pace of change. Let that land. This isn't an opinion or a passing trend. It's data – hard, recent, and global. Which means 94% of exec...
Read More
We’re Doing Fine… But for How Long?
Author’s NoteRichard Blake isn’t real — but his story is.He’s a composite of the founders, managing directors, and CEOs I’ve worked with over the years — including leaders of teams I’ve engaged with through team coaching. Some of his doubts are also drawn fr...
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When Bureaucracy Supports… and When It Strangles
📌 The Good: Why Bureaucracy Matters Consistency & fairnessPolicies, roles and standards ensure equitable treatment—crucial in large or regulated organisations. A meta-analysis of 80 quantitative studies (648 effect sizes) concluded that representative bureaucracy generally improves...
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🎯 The Courage to Disagree: Unlocking Your Team’s Collaborative Potential
🔑 “I used to think our team was peaceful, but now I realise we were just avoiding the hard conversations.” Fear of conflict within teams manifests as a culture of avoidance. Teams reluctant to engage in tough conversations fail to address critical challenges, leading to subpar de...
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📢 "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place." – George Bernard Shaw
📢 "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place." – George Bernard Shaw I often hear leaders lament how their teams don’t listen, fail to act as expected, or struggle to stay aligned. George Bernard Shaw’s words couldn’t ring more tru...
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🚀 The Secret Fuel of High-Performing Teams: Why Purpose Outperforms Goals
High-performing teams need more than talent, resources, & strategy. What separates truly effective teams is a secret ingredient - shared purpose - the unifying force aligning individuals beyond annual targets. Yet, many teams overlook the power of purpose, mistakenly focusing on business goals, ...
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🚣‍♂️ Essential Alignment: What Rowing Teaches Us About Team Execution
In rowing, success isn’t just about stamina or strength - it’s about clarity, respect, and alignment. No role is greater or lesser; without each person contributing effectively, the boat doesn’t move forward. Synchronisation and mutual respect ensure energy isn’t wasted, and ...
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Technical Talent, Team Trouble: Why High Performers Don’t Always Deliver Results
📜 They have the credentials.💼 They have the experience.🚲 They have the technical skills to deliver. And yet, the team just isn’t performing. If you’re a CEO, business owner, or HR lead, this story might feel familiar. The culture survey flags poor engagement. Exit...
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Beyond the Headlines: What Uber’s South African Story Reveals About Team Resilience
When Uber launched in South Africa, it was seen as a game-changer—bringing innovation, convenience, and new economic opportunity. Over time, however, the narrative shifted. Headlines have highlighted system abuse, driver dissatisfaction, and eroding customer trust. Though not formal employees,...
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Conflict and Cohesion: The Surprising Duo in Thriving Teams
In many teams, conflict is viewed as threatening and destructive — something to be avoided, managed, or silenced. After all, “good” teams get along, right? Not quite. In truth, the absence of conflict often signals something far more dangerous than disagreement: conformity. When a team go...
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