Motivational speaker and inspirational adventurer
Organizations seeking high-impact motivation, resilience training, and mindset transformation for teams and leaders.
This Keynote takes the audience on a moving journey of Hein’s view on the world he lives in. He shares some of his light and dark moments as well as his personal recipe to achieve extraordinary results.
This presentation is guaranteed to open the eyes of those that are simply too “blind” to see. It is loaded with humour and suitable for diverse audiences of all ages, religions and cultures. Hein leaves the audience with the burning question: “I am blind… What is your excuse..?”
Hein’s Keynote can be tailor made to align with your conference theme, goals and objectives.
It is suitable for
The Keynote ”a Blind man with Vision” will:
Given his life-long personal history with blindness he is in a very good position to speak authentically about diversity and inclusion. More often than not he happened to be on the exclusion side when it came to the set believes of many abled body individuals and organizations.
This had a major influence on him as a blind person, and years ago he vowed to actively engage organizations to help break down the barriers to entry for the employment of the blind and individuals with disabilities.
To further support the inclusion of the blind in the 4th industrial revolution Hein founded the Hein Wagner Academy, where 50 blind adult students are currently in full-time training towards National and International qualifications.
Hein Wagner has been blind since birth, yet his life stands as a remarkable testament to resilience, exploration, and human potential. One of South Africa’s most inspirational motivational speakers, Wagner draws on a lifetime of extreme accomplishments to demonstrate how adversity can be transformed into a powerful catalyst for growth. His early years were shaped by the difficult decision of his parents to send him to a boarding school for visually impaired learners, an experience that ignited both his independence and his lifelong spirit of discovery.
Throughout his teens he confronted questions of identity, frustration, and purpose. It was only through a series of extreme adventures that he found clarity, eventually coming to view his blindness not as a limitation but as the greatest gift of his life. His achievements include completing the Absa Cape Epic, competing in the World Triathlon Series, running the New York and Two Oceans Marathons, finishing the Antarctica Marathon, completing full Ironman, tackling the Zambezi River’s white waters, and climbing the ten highest mountains in the Western Cape. Wagner also completed the Cape to Rio Yacht Race and holds the World Blind Land Speed Record at 322.52 km/h.
Beyond his athletic feats, Wagner built a successful career starting as a switchboard operator before moving into the fast-growing IT sector.
Hein Wagner’s story is one that transcends the bounds of physical limitations, resonating deeply with audiences around the globe. Born blind, Hein has defied the odds at every turn, transforming his life into a testament of resilience, determination, and boundless potential.
As a motivational adventure speaker, he doesn’t just share his remarkable journey; he ignites a spark within each listener, urging them to break free from their own perceived limitations and reach for the extraordinary.
Hein Wagner’s journey began with a unique set of challenges, but his spirit knew no bounds. Despite being born blind, he refused to let his disability define him. Instead, he embarked on a path of exploration, adventure, and self-discovery that would inspire millions.
From an early age, Hein Wagner displayed an insatiable thirst for adventure. He embraced every opportunity to explore the world around him, using his other senses to navigate the terrain with remarkable precision. His passion for adventure led him to pursue a multitude of adrenaline-fueled activities, from skydiving to scuba diving, each conquest serving as a testament to his unwavering determination.
But Hein’s most awe-inspiring feat came in 2005 when he shattered expectations by becoming the first blind person to race in the grueling Absa Cape Epic, a legendary mountain biking event spanning over 700 kilometers of rugged terrain. His participation in this demanding race not only showcased his physical prowess but also underscored his indomitable spirit and unyielding resolve.
Since then, Hein has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible for individuals with disabilities. He has completed numerous marathons, climbed mountains, and even piloted an aircraft solo. His relentless pursuit of adventure knows no bounds, and his story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
As a speaker, Hein Wagner brings a unique perspective to the stage, weaving together tales of triumph, perseverance, and personal growth. His presentations are not just motivational; they are transformative, leaving audiences inspired to conquer their own challenges with newfound courage and determination.
Hein Wagner’s list of accomplishments reads like a catalogue of daring exploits and extraordinary feats. From conquering treacherous terrains to setting world records, Hein’s journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. Some of his notable achievements include:
Hein Wagner brings a wealth of expertise and insights to the table, making him an ideal choice for keynote speaking engagements. His areas of expertise include:
Hein’s journey from a blind child to a world-renowned adventurer is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. He shares valuable lessons on overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges, and turning adversity into opportunity.
Through his extraordinary accomplishments, Hein exemplifies the importance of setting ambitious goals, staying focused, and persevering in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
He offers practical strategies for setting and achieving goals, both personally and Hein’s captivating storytelling and infectious enthusiasm inspire audiences to reach for the stars, push past their limitations, and live life with passion and purpose. His tales of triumph and adventure leave a lasting impact on audiences, motivating them to chase their dreams fearlessly.
As a seasoned athlete and adventurer, Hein understands the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. He shares insights on effective communication, trust-building, and harnessing the collective strength of a team to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.
Hein Wagner’s journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve the extraordinary. As a motivational adventure speaker, he not only inspires audiences with his remarkable story but empowers them to break free from their own limitations and embrace a life of limitless possibility.
With his unparalleled resilience, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm, Hein Wagner is a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to conquer their own challenges and reach for the stars. Book him through Speakers Inc for an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on your audience.
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In this 2 minute keynote preview, Hein Wagner shares how a lifetime of extreme achievements shapes his mission to help audiences transform obstacles into powerful opportunities.
In this short introduction, Hein Wagner opens by stating that he was born blind, yet has never allowed his disability to limit his ambitions or the fullness of his life. He highlights several of the extreme challenges he has completed, including the Cape to Rio Yacht Race, the Antarctica Marathon, the full Ironman, and the Absa Cape Epic. He also notes that he has twice broken the world blind land speed record, driving a car at more than 320 kilometres per hour. These achievements form the foundation of the message he delivers as an international keynote and inspirational speaker.
Wagner explains that he helps people achieve what they may believe to be impossible by reframing large obstacles as opportunities for growth. His keynote, A Blind Man with Vision, is designed to move audiences emotionally while grounding his insights in stories drawn directly from his lived experiences. He describes his presentation style as a rollercoaster of humour, inspiration, and practical wisdom anchored in three universal laws that guide his approach to navigating uncertainty.
The first is nurturing trust relationships, which he describes as the most significant connections a person will ever form. The second is appreciating what one already has, recognising that many people face far greater challenges. The third is giving generously, because even small contributions return value far beyond expectation. Through these principles, Wagner shows audiences how to build resilience, deepen purpose, and unlock a mindset capable of achieving exceptional goals.
In this 1 minute keynote preview, Hein Wagner shows how navigating life without sight equips him to help organizations restart, recharge, and thrive in a post-crisis environment.
In this concise introduction, Hein Wagner reflects on how being born blind has given him a unique vantage point on the world and a lifelong relationship with uncertainty. He explains that every step he has taken for the past 49 years has been a literal step into the unknown, a reality that has shaped his expertise in navigating environments without clear visibility or guarantees. Rather than regarding blindness as a limitation, Wagner presents it as the foundation of his resilience and as the source of insight he now shares with leaders and teams.
Wagner positions himself as a guide for organizations seeking to restart, recharge, and revitalize in the aftermath of global disruption. He emphasizes that his role is to inspire both individuals and groups to convert obstacles into opportunities, mirroring the approach he has taken throughout his life. His message is direct and motivational, showing how reframing adversity can empower people to move forward with purpose and confidence. The clip closes with a reminder that transformation begins with perspective, and that he has spent a lifetime mastering the art of moving boldly into the unknown.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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