Dave Wessels: High Performance at SA Rugby
Leadership keynote speaker and professional rugby coach Dave Wessels helps organisations build high-performing teams through stronger culture, systems thinking, decision-making and sustainable performance under pressure.
Quick Facts:
- Leadership keynote speaker and high-performance strategist.
- Professional rugby coach with senior experience in South Africa and Australia.
- Former head coach of the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels.
- Former Head of Rugby at the DHL Stormers.
- Formats:
- Keynote Speaker | Leadership Speaker | High-Performance Speaker
- Audiences:
- Executives, senior leadership teams, managers and organisations navigating growth, transformation, uncertainty or competitive pressure while seeking stronger cultures and sustainable high performance.
- Outcomes:
- Understand how leaders can deliberately create environments that enable people and teams to perform consistently.
- Apply systems thinking to strengthen culture, decision-making and performance under pressure.
- Identify practical leadership behaviours that build adaptable, resilient and sustainable high-performing teams.
- Travels from: Cape Town, SA
- **US Fee range: $15,000 - $20,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Speaking Topics
Magnets of Luck
How great teams create the conditions for things to go their way.
Lessons from the Springbok Playbook
What South African businesses can learn from the World Champions.
How to Bring Out the Best in Your Team
Managing big personalities, building trust and unlocking collective potential.
Talent Short Bio
Dave Wessels is a leadership keynote speaker, high-performance strategist and professional rugby coach who translates lessons from elite sport into practical strategies for building stronger teams and organisational cultures.
His coaching career spans South Africa and Australia, where he became the youngest head coach in Super Rugby history and led the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels. After returning to South Africa, Dave served as Head of Rugby at the DHL Stormers before moving into high-performance leadership within South African rugby.
Drawing on experiences with elite players, coaches and sporting organisations, Dave explores leadership, team culture, decision-making, innovation, resilience and adaptability. He shares both successes and setbacks, giving corporate audiences a candid behind-the-scenes perspective on what actually happens inside demanding performance environments.
Dave does not present professional sport as a simple blueprint for business. Instead, he uses its lessons to challenge executives and teams to reconsider how they lead, make decisions and deliberately create environments where people can succeed.
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
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.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
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.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
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 and other costs
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.
Deposits and securing a booking
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.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- Featured
He inspires action by helping people pursue goals that truly matter.
- Motivational Speaker
Developing leaders who inspire growth, resilience, and lasting organizational success.
- Emotional Intelligence
Teaching leaders how to overcome setbacks and thrive under pressure.
- Thrive Under Pressure
- (1 reviews)
He inspires teams to perform, lead, and win under pressure.
- Rugby Legend
Helping people unlock success through attitude, resilience, and purpose.
- Motivational Speaker
- Motivational Adventurer
- (2 reviews)
He energizes events with engaging hosting and seamless audience interaction.
- Be The Unstoppable You™
He inspires leaders to build resilient, unstoppable teams and cultures.
- Unstoppable Leadership
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude travel and accommodation where required.