Meet Your Go West Workday Lead: Chanel, Supporting Our Transition at Go West

Friday 10 April 2026

As Kelsian Group moves to Workday—our new group‑wide financial system—having strong local support is critical to making the transition as smooth as possible. At Go West, that support comes from Chanel, Financial Controller and Workday Lead for the SBU.
In her role, Chanel is the key local point of contact for Workday, helping teams troubleshoot issues, answer questions, and build confidence as the system becomes embedded in everyday operations. “Workday will be used to record all our financial transactions going forward,” she explains. “Almost every area of the business connects to finance in some way, so while the impact will vary, it will touch all of us as we go about our daily work.”

Although Workday is Chanel’s first experience using an ERP system, she’s embracing the opportunity with a positive mindset. “There will definitely be challenges,” she says, “but I’m genuinely excited to learn.” One of the highlights so far has been the increased connection across the group. Through the Workday implementation, she’s already met colleagues from other business units—connections she believes wouldn’t have happened without a project of this scale. “It really feels like becoming part of a larger team with a stronger support network.”
Chanel’s advice to colleagues as Go West and the wider group transition to Workday is refreshingly grounded: stay calm and be patient. “The first few months will come with teething issues as we all learn the system,” she says. “But if we approach it collaboratively—learning, iterating, and improving together—we’ll get there.” When it comes to reaching out for help, Chanel prefers email or phone, noting that Teams messages can sometimes get missed when juggling multiple business units.
After nearly a decade at Go West, Chanel says what motivates her most is working in an environment where people are genuinely seen and valued. “I don’t feel like a number on a payroll,” she says. “When people feel appreciated, they’re happier—and when the team is happy, that positivity shows up in the success and growth of the business.”

Outside of work, Chanel has an extraordinary personal achievement many may not know about. Having started donating blood at just 16, she has given over 100 blood and plasma donations across South Africa and Australia. “I didn’t have spare money to donate to charities, so I gave my time instead,” she explains. She’s hoping to return to donating soon, with a goal of reaching 200 donations before turning 40.

When she’s not in spreadsheets or supporting Workday, Chanel enjoys switching off by spending time with her daughter, walking her two sausage dogs around the yard, and visiting the chickens to collect fresh eggs. Her coffee of choice is a decaf mocha (for very good reasons), and her mornings are kept on track with an alarm app that makes her complete challenges before it will switch off.

As Go West moves forward with Workday, Chanel brings patience, people‑first thinking, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed—making her a vital part of the journey ahead.