Founder & CEO of The Diamond Academy™ | Multi-Award-Winning Business Growth Strategist | Global Keynote Speaker | Advocate for Entrepreneurial Success
Meet Diane Boorman
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Diane Boorman is a multi-award-winning global business growth strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of The Diamond Academy™. With over 55,000 hours of experience across various industries, Diane has become an influential voice in empowering business owners worldwide. Her commitment to inspiring, motivating, and educating entrepreneurs is transforming businesses globally. Through The Diamond Plan™, she is shaping the all generations of business owners, helping them unlock new growth opportunities and achieve long-term success.
“The greater the step, the greater the growth,” she emphasizes during her talks, encouraging entrepreneurs to push beyond their comfort zones.
Early Foundations: Education and Initial Ventures
Diane Boorman’s journey into the world of business began with her academic pursuits at Tygerberg Technical College, where she studied marketing, following matriculating from Fairmont High School. Her passion for strategic thinking and creativity took root early, inspiring her to enter the dynamic world of business. Diane’s professional story started in logistics and planning roles at renowned companies like Woolworths, Edgars, and Harties/Pep Stores. These formative years honed her skills in meticulous planning, operational efficiency, and navigating complex business environments.
Reflecting on this time, Diane once remarked, “55,000 hours of practical business experience is priceless.” This ethos became the foundation of her future endeavors.
Entrepreneurial Drive: Building and Selling Successful Businesses
After gaining valuable experience in corporate settings, Diane ventured into entrepreneurship. Her first business endeavor was in the laundry sector, where she successfully turned around operations, capitalizing on her strategic planning skills and building the perfect product pyramid of offerings, selling as a perfect franchise model. Diane then went on to establish Linenz Function Hire, a décor hire and events business based in Johannesburg. For 13 years, she led the company, organizing over 5,000 events and dealing with the intense pressure of managing large-scale AAA client projects, including Presidential Inaugaration. Diane’s hands-on experience with business development and client relations shaped her future strategies.
“This business taught me to deal with pressure, juggle priorities, and deliver excellence,” she shared, reflecting on this chapter of her life.
Building Momentum: Expanding Her Influence
By the mid-2010s, Diane’s career reached new heights as she embraced larger challenges. As the Creative Director of Service in Question and Brand Analytics, she focused on aligning business and business growth. Her ability to bridge strategic vision and practical execution became her hallmark.
Her leadership roles extended beyond her ventures. Diane chaired the Small Business Development Portfolio at the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, advocating for small and medium enterprises. She also served on the board of the Cape Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, she also served as a board director at the Orion Organisation NPC, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility.
Pioneering a New Era: The Diamond Academy
At 40, Diane sold her decor/hire businesses, choosing to retire temporarily before realizing her greater calling: empowering business owners to think and act beyond the constraints of their current roles. This led to the founding of The Diamond Academy™, a platform where business owners could work on their businesses, not just in them. Diane’s vision was to create a space for entrepreneurs to develop a growth mindset and unlock new possibilities for success. Discover more here.
As Diane often says, “If a business owner doesn’t know where they want to go, how can they get there?”
Her flagship offering, The Diamond Plan™, became a game-changer for business owners. Combining a nine-month curriculum with personalized mentorship, it enabled entrepreneurs to gain clarity, push their boundaries, and develop actionable strategies. Diane’s belief in the importance of self-reflection and innovation is evident in her advice:
“You have to believe you are enough. You have to believe you have more information, knowledge, and practical experience than the audience.”
Global Impact: A Change Maker and Keynote Speaker
Diane’s influence extends beyond her academy. As a global keynote speaker, she has addressed audiences on four continents, inspiring over a million people. Her talks resonate with business owners because they blend practical wisdom with aspirational insights. Diane’s Diamond Success Formula™, which draws parallels between the brilliance of a diamond and the strategic elements essential for business growth, has become a hallmark of her speaking engagements. Explore more here.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Diane is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Change Maker of the Year Award (2024) in Dubai, The Lifetime Achievement Honour for Mastermind in Business Growth (2024) in London, Changemaker SA 2024, The Best Accelerator Program Nomination (2023) for The Diamond Plan, recognition from the Southern Africa Startup Awards, and the Certification Distinct Honours Women of Heart Award (2023). These awards highlight her dedication to entrepreneurial growth and her ability to spark change in diverse industries.
She proudly shares: “Winning an award in Dubai was a profound moment of not giving up.”
Mentorship and Empowerment: Diane’s Commitment to Business Owners
Diane’s passion for collaboration and building ecosystems is reflected in her approach to mentorship. She has collaborated with over 200 business owners globally, helping them unlock exponential growth, secure funding, and achieve milestones such as moving from six to eight-figure revenues.
Her commitment to empowering others is encapsulated in her statement: “I want to inspire, motivate, and educate business owners for growth.”
She remains dedicated to giving back to the business community, emphasizing that “Success isn’t about speed or doing this journey alone. It’s about asking for help, adaptability, and building a business that makes an impact.” Diane’s work is all about creating systems that empower business owners to work more effectively, make better decisions, and increase their chances of success.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Diane Boorman’s story reflects resilience, innovation, and a relentless drive to uplift others. Whether through her transformative Diamond Plan™, her engaging speaking sessions, or her role as a mentor and strategist, she continues to shape the future of business growth. For Diane, the journey is as important as the destination
As she often says, “Success isn’t about speed or doing this journey alone. It’s about asking for help, adaptability, and building a business that makes an impact.”
Today, Diane stands as a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with the right mindset, support, and strategy, the possibilities for growth are endless.
The Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Diane remains committed to her mission of inspiring, motivating, and educating entrepreneurs. Through programs like The Strat Lab and exclusive events such as the CEO Retreat, Diane continues to challenge leaders to unlock their potential.
Diane’s story is a testament to her belief that: “Simplify a complex world to stay relevant and focused.”
Her legacy as a global change maker serves as a beacon for entrepreneurs everywhere, demonstrating that with the right strategy, no goal is out of reach.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Diane Boorman’s Journey
- “The greater the step, the greater the growth.”
Embracing challenges and stepping out of comfort zones is central to Diane’s philosophy. - Push Beyond Comfort Zones: “The greater the step, the greater the growth.” True success lies in embracing challenges.
- Simplify Complexity: “Simplify a complex world to stay relevant and focused.” Diane advises stripping away distractions for clarity.
- Collaborate for Impact: “Find your tribe. Whose knowledge do you need? Who holds you accountable?” Collective growth amplifies success.
- Reflect and Refine: “What has brought you the most value out of the time spent?” Regular reflection drives intentional progress.
Editorial Note
Diane Boorman’s career is a powerful example of how resilience, vision, and experience can shape not just a business but entire industries. Through her Diamond Plan™ and mentorship, she continues to guide business owners toward remarkable growth. Diane’s journey is a testament to the impact one individual can have on a global scale.
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