Alumni Feature: Keri Rudolph

Crawford Alumni Keri Rudolph: My life and just better!

In today’s fast-paced, on-the-go world, with never ending deadlines, to-do-lists and high stress levels - Old Crawfordian Keri Rudolph is making inroads in the Intravenous Vitamin Therapy industry, believing that achieving balance in your life is key.

What did you study?

At first, I studied a BA (Honours) in Speech and Hearing Therapy and Audiology. I then did PDM (Product Data Management) Business Management at Wits Business School, and graduated Cum Laude which placed me on the Dean’s list. Currently I’m studying an MBA through the Heriott-Watt Edinburgh Business School.

So you’re a lifelong learner?

The labour market has changed considerably in the past decade and even more so in the last two years. I think lifelong learning matters now more than ever.

You have to have flexibility in your skill set. Adopting a global mindset that you are capable of doing more than one thing or career in a lifetime is important. I’ve been fortunate through dedication and passion to pursue this venture for my life.

How did you go from communications to an intravenous therapy business?

I loved corporate communications, financial PR and crisis management, but it can take its toll. After 15 years in a corporate environment, I wanted to do something for myself, and something that would make other people happy and feel good.

I first discovered IV Vitamin therapy with my doctor and I loved the benefits, but I didn’t like the process. I thought there must be a better way, where the experience can match the benefits. And so, the IV Bar was born.

What is Intravenous therapy?

IV (Intravenous) vitamin therapy is a process of administering vitamins, intravenously, directly into the bloodstream. Oral vitamins only offer around 20-30% absorption, while IV guarantees 100% absorption. Our registered nurses administer medically approved vitamins to our clients to look, feel and perform better. Vitamins and minerals such as Vit B12, Vit BCo, magnesium, glutathione, vitamin C, zinc, selenium and glutamine are administered and are excellent for rehydration, energy levels, reducing stress and anxiety, anti-ageing, sleep, detoxing, skin tone, pain and inflammation, digestive health, and more.

Did Crawford International assist you in your career path or paths?

Absolutely! I never took school seriously until I went to Crawford private school. For me it was all about fun and friends, but Crawford made me knuckle down and I landed up doing really well there.

This opened doors to many universities where I could choose pretty much any degree I wanted to study. Crawford gave me the confidence and platform to dream bigger dreams.

What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?

It’s ok to chop and change careers and paths, it’s about growth and diversification and continued learning. It’s ok to be a generalist and not a specialist.

It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do at 17, 27 or even 37. There’s still time. Oh, and have more fun in your 20’s. It goes by way too fast!

Who inspires you and why?

I love to read autobiographies and biographies of some of the top CEOs in the world. Their grit and tenacity are what I admire. So, no one person in particular. Just those who have worked hard and made it!

What do you do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my children Matt, Ethan, and Jami. Family time is so important to me. Also, we have four fur-babies, Lola, Brody, Bella and Archie that fill our lives with joy.

Special memories at Crawford that you would like to share?

It was the pioneer year, and they worked us to the bone. We were there every weekend learning about the ‘Great Gatsby’, ‘The Mission’ and ‘Fiela se Kind’. The teachers were exceptional. My favourite day was the last day of matric, just unforgettable!

What does the future hold for you?

I’m so grateful for the flexibility, to take my kids to their extra murals. Having my own company has allowed me to do that. I would like to travel and see more of the world.

Additionally, I would like to continue to grow my company in South Africa and hopefully take it abroad into other parts of Africa and hopefully one day into Europe. And finally, I'm looking forward to completing my MBA.