1. 21 June 2015
To whom it may concern,
I met Chirene Jelbert four years ago when she was appointed as the Technical Manager for Stone
and Pome Fruit at Dole SA. After several resignations, management appointed Chirene as the
manager of the Tree Fruit Department. At the time I was a new addition to the team and fresh to
the industry, appointed as the Assistant Technical Manager.
I was one of Chirene’s direct reports for her full term at Dole South Africa. With me being new to
the export industry, Chirene made a big effort to provide guidance and mentorship for me to
navigate my way through the company as well as the export industry. She has an amazing capacity
to mentor and grow employees reporting to her.
Chirene has a firm, but fair way of treating people. She has exceptional conflict resolution skills and
has the ability to function very well in difficult situations.
She has the ability to thrive in an environment where there is uncertainty. Her natural ability to
think and plan strategically has proven very useful to guide the team in times of uncertainty. She
creates order in the chaos and directs the team in a meaningful way to achieve their goals. Chirene
is extremely organised; under her guidance weekly meetings and accountability managed by action
item lists were implemented.
Communication is a big virtue in Chirene’s arsenal. She has a very diplomatic way of handling
people; the producers as well as the overseas clients are very fond of her.
I highly recommend Chirene Jelbert for any future leadership positions.
Regards
Heleen van Zyl
Product Specialist: Stone Fruit
Capespan