Hendrik Sadie

Manager, UK

Hendrik joined Protiviti UK’s Internal Audit and Financial Advisory practice in 2013, based in London. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), Hendrik has experienced significant hearing loss caused by TCS, requiring the constant use of full-molded hearing aids. Originally from South Africa, English is his second language after Afrikaans.

"I am fortunate because Protiviti supports me in multiple ways, but the corporate world as a whole still has a long way to go to embrace disability in all its forms."

Bridging Passions to Serve Clients Better

Hendrik loves consulting and is excited by the diversity offered by the role, including listening to client challenges and applying his business acumen to deliver innovative solutions. Six years ago, Hendrik transitioned to Protiviti’s Technology Consulting practice where he realised that IT Audit is where he can optimise his experience and skillset to serve his clients efficiently and effectively.

Enhancing the Workplace through Dedicated Care and Support

The ability to listen and navigate conversation is pivotal to consulting. In preparation for a meeting, Hendrik has to pre-read a significant amount of material. After the meeting, he plays back facts to validate their accuracy. This, coupled with English being a second language, presents a unique challenge. He functions best when talking with one or two other people, where he can focus on the speaker and attempt to hear every word.    

Protiviti arranged for an outside professional from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People to give Hendrik an occupational assessment. This resulted in some practical and technical solutions that have helped him, he says, together with Protiviti’s willingness to place him on projects best suited to small group meetings. HR and allies in the workplace support him in this ongoing process, he adds.

Room for Growth in Embracing Disability

“I am fortunate because Protiviti supports me in multiple ways,” he says, “but the corporate world as a whole still has a long way to go to embrace disability in all its forms.” He sees progress being made in race and gender issues in the workplace, but observes, “It’s ironic: no one would have recruited the young physicist Stephen Hawking (who suffered from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), but they would have rushed to do so if they had known how much he would achieve in his career.”

In 2023, Protiviti launched its Disability Employee Network (DEN) which aims to empower employees with disabilities by providing resources and forums for sharing ideas and promoting learning and inclusion across the firm. By thriving at Protiviti despite his physical challenges, and finding care and support through the firm's inclusivity efforts, Hendrik is an awe-inspiring example of Life At Protiviti.