Silja Eatock is the founder of Allium, with over 25 years of experience supporting businesses and professionals across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. She has worked in a wide range of sectors and co-founded the Topsy Foundation in South Africa, which continues to shape how she thinks about purpose and impact. Today, her focus is on helping people work with more clarity, ease, and intention. She is naturally organised, drawn to thoughtful problem-solving, and believes that steady, behind-the-scenes support can make all the difference. When not working, she is likely reading, gardening, or exploring somewhere off the beaten path.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
Allium exists to make the lives of busy professionals and business owners easier. We provide hands-on operational and administrative support that’s thoughtful, strategic, and completely tailored to each client. Whether it’s streamlining processes, managing day-to-day operations, or simply creating breathing room so people can focus on what they do best, our goal is to be the steady hand behind the scenes. Allium is built on the belief that talented people shouldn’t be held back by operational overload — and we’re trusted to keep everything running smoothly so they can move forward with confidence.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
The decision to start Allium was rooted in both experience and timing. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak; co-founding the Topsy Foundation was an early expression of that, but after years in senior operational roles, it took the disruption of COVID-19 to bring me back to it. The pandemic made it clear that traditional ways of working were shifting. Businesses no longer needed full-time “bums on seats” to function effectively. I saw an opportunity to offer something more agile. A Fractional Operations and Strategy Partner model that delivers high-level expertise without the overhead. It allowed me to create a business that reflects my values: flexibility, precision, and a commitment to delivering truly unparalleled service.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
When I launched Allium, one of the most significant challenges was clearly defining and communicating the value of a service that doesn’t always fit neatly into traditional business categories. As a Fractional Operations and Strategy Partner, I knew I could offer deep expertise and flexibility, but articulating that in a way that resonated with decision-makers — especially at a time when the business world was still adjusting to remote work and new models of engagement — required careful positioning.
There was also a personal challenge: moving from years in senior, structured roles to building something of my own again meant confronting doubts, including the ever-present imposter syndrome. I had to be deliberate about backing myself, trusting that the insight, rigour, and experience I’d built over two decades would translate into real value for clients. Over time, that belief was reinforced by results, relationships, and the knowledge that I was helping people and businesses operate with greater clarity and confidence.
Would you like to share any remarkable achievement?
Co-founding the Topsy Foundation in South Africa is, without question, one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. What began as a deeply personal response to the HIV/AIDS crisis grew into a community-driven organisation that has, over the past 25 years, adapted to meet the evolving needs of the rural communities it serves. I was in my twenties, with no blueprint, just a conviction that something had to be done, and that it had to be done with compassion, respect, and integrity. Topsy continues to be a source of deep pride for me and a constant reminder of what’s possible when purpose and action come together.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women’s leadership today is more visible, more impactful, and more necessary than ever. We’re seeing increasing numbers of women stepping into senior roles and leading with strength, empathy, and clarity — not as exceptions, but as examples of what inclusive, effective leadership looks like. That said, progress hasn’t been linear, and many of the structural and cultural barriers still remain. True equity isn’t just about representation at the top — it’s about creating environments where women are supported, heard, and able to lead in ways that are authentic to them. I’m encouraged by the shift, but I also believe we need to keep pushing, not just for more women in leadership, but for systems that recognise and value diverse forms of leadership.
What message/advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Trust yourself. Not in the sense of having all the answers, but in knowing that your perspective, instincts, and values matter. The path to leadership or entrepreneurship is rarely linear, and it often involves stepping into the unknown. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Very few people ever do! Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you in equal measure, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, stay connected to why you started. Purpose is a powerful compass, and when things get tough — and they will — it will keep you grounded and moving forward. Above all though, enjoy the journey! Celebrate the growth, the challenges, and the small wins along the way because that’s where the real magic happens.
Please insert website or social media links (if any):
www.alliumglobal.com
www.instagram.com/allium4you
