Dawie

Share a few sentences about your professional background and what drew you to GeniusVets. 

I come from a background in hospitality and operations, with a strong focus on service, organization, and creating great customer experiences. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for helping businesses run more smoothly behind the scenes. What drew me to GeniusVets is the positive energy, the clear purpose, and the chance to be part of a team that’s genuinely making a difference in the veterinary space. I love being part of something that supports both professionals and pet owners in meaningful ways.

What do you love about your role? If you're new to the team, what drew you to this specific role?

What I love most about the QA role is the mix of detail and impact — getting to dig into the small things that others might miss, and knowing that catching those details helps deliver a smoother, better experience for users. There’s something really satisfying about spotting issues early and being part of making the final product stronger. I also enjoy the problem-solving side of it — it keeps me curious and constantly learning.

 

Family Info

I don’t have a pet at the moment because I used to work long hours in hospitality, and I didn’t think it was fair to have a fur baby sitting at home alone — but that’s going to change soon! In the meantime, I do have a chameleon who lives in my garden; I’ve named him Steven.

Passions or hobbies outside of work

Outside of work, I’m passionate about cooking — I love trying out new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, especially with bold flavors and comfort food. I’m also a big podcast listener; I enjoy anything from true crime to personal development and behind-the-scenes business stories. When I’m not cooking or listening to something interesting, I like spending time in the garden or going for slow walks to reset and recharge.

What's the best advice you've ever gotten?

The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Trust the timing of your life.” It’s a simple reminder that even when things don’t happen exactly when or how you expected, they often unfold just the way they’re meant to. It’s helped me stay grounded, patient, and open to new opportunities — even the unexpected ones

What is one thing you've done that most people have likely never experienced?

One thing I’ve done that most people probably haven’t is spend a day volunteering on a conservation project in a remote wildlife reserve. It was a hands-on experience, helping with everything from animal tracking to habitat restoration. It was both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding — I felt a real connection to the land and the animals, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation efforts.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills?

Apparently, I’m a funny person — I don’t always see it myself, but I’ve been told more than once that I should try stand-up comedy. The catch? I have serious stage fright! So for now, I stick to making people laugh in one-on-one conversations or group chats… way less pressure!

What's a personal or professional accomplishment that you're really proud of?

A personal and professional accomplishment I’m really proud of is owning and running my own restaurant. It’s been an incredible journey of learning, growing, and overcoming challenges. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing every detail behind the scenes, I’ve poured a lot of heart and hard work into it. Seeing the positive impact it has on customers and staff makes all the effort worthwhile.

Have you had any funny animal encounters?

Steven - My garden Chameleon. He's just a weirdo.

On a Sunday morning, you'll find me…

Either relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, or curled up with a good movie — it all depends on the weather.