Vusi Thembekwayo: Business Mogul
Global business speaker and leadership maverick Vusi Thembekwayo equips organisations with disruptive strategy, high performance thinking, and transformative leadership insights that ignite growth and inspire bold action.
- Highlights:
- Global keynote speaker and influential business strategist
- Self made millionaire and celebrated entrepreneur
- Expertise in disruptive innovation, strategic leadership, and corporate governance
- Renowned for high energy, provocative, and insight driven keynotes
- Formats:
Keynote speaker and business leadership strategist
- Audiences:
Executives, business leaders, corporate teams, entrepreneurs, innovation departments, and global conferences focused on strategy, disruption, and high performance leadership
- Outcomes:
- Clear, provocative insights that transform how leaders approach strategy and performance.
- Practical frameworks for navigating disruption and driving organisational growth.
- Renewed confidence, ambition, and readiness to take bold action.
- Travels from: Dubai, UAE
- **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
Keynote Topics
LEADING AT THE EDGE OF CHAOS
Middle-aged men (whose pants couldn’t seem to hold their rear waistline) were dispatched by logistics company to collect the goods at the factory-floor and deliver them to the local retailer.
BARBARIANS AT THE GATE
The key to surviving change is to understand why you probably won’t.
unManagement
In an environment where knowledge is free, how do organisations maximise and coordinate people and capital resources for the ultimate goal in business: PROFIT.
Talent Short Bio
Vusi Thembekwayo is an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, investor, and global keynote speaker whose influence extends far beyond traditional business circles. Known for his sharp intellect, unapologetic candor, and ability to distill complex concepts into compelling, actionable insights, Vusi has become one of the most respected voices in modern leadership and strategic innovation. Sir Bob Geldof famously described him as “absolutely amazing,” capturing the impact Vusi has on audiences worldwide.
From humble beginnings to becoming a self made millionaire, Vusi’s journey is defined by resilience, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He has built and led high growth companies across multiple sectors, served on prominent boards, and guided organisations through volatile markets with clarity and precision. His expertise spans strategic leadership, corporate governance, scaling businesses, and disruptive innovation—skills honed through years of navigating global markets and shaping business strategy at the highest levels.
As a speaker, Vusi is known for his dynamic stage presence and his ability to challenge assumptions while empowering audiences to embrace change. He weaves together lessons from entrepreneurship, economics, motorsport passion, and personal experience to offer a multidimensional perspective on leadership and performance.
Read Full Bio
Vusi Thembekwayo is more than just an acclaimed business mogul and global speaker. He transcends conventional labels to embody a multifaceted persona—a maverick, a leadership genius, a petrol head, a devoted family man, a self-made millionaire, and even a “dragon” in business circles. Vusi’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by grit, innovation, and a deep desire to inspire and provoke meaningful change. As Sir Bob Geldof once said, “Vusi isn’t just great; he’s absolutely amazing.” His presence on stage, in boardrooms, and across international business forums has solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after thought leaders of our time.
Vusi’s career spans over 20 years, during which he has held various influential roles that have shaped his deep understanding of leadership and strategy. As the founder of MyGrowthFund, a venture capital firm focused on providing funding and support to African entrepreneurs, Vusi has played an instrumental role in fostering innovation in Africa’s business landscape. His company has provided over $400 million in funding to start-ups, helping them scale and navigate the complex African market. His experience in running this fund demonstrates his hands-on expertise in business growth and strategy, making him a leading voice in entrepreneurship.
In addition to his work as a venture capitalist, Vusi Thembekwayo has led some of the most successful business turnarounds in South Africa. His role as CEO of a multi-billion dollar private equity and advisory firm exposed him to high-stakes decision-making environments where he honed his skills in leadership under pressure. Vusi’s experience spans a variety of industries including finance, technology, and education, where he has advised C-suite executives on innovation strategies that drive exponential growth.
Vusi’s speaking engagements draw from his wealth of experience working with global brands such as Coca-Cola, BMW, and Investec, where he has provided key insights on leadership and strategy. He has been a guest on numerous global platforms, including CNBC Africa, and has delivered keynote addresses at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum.
What sets Vusi Thembekwayo apart is his exceptional expertise in innovation, leadership, and strategy. A seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, he is a master at breaking down complex business challenges and offering innovative solutions. His expertise stems from his deep understanding of African markets and their potential to drive global business growth.
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Videos
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Overview:
Vusi's presentations have garnered high praise for their impactful insights into leadership and business strategy. Reviewers highlight his ability to motivate teams and provide transformative ideas on innovation, making his sessions particularly beneficial for corporate events. Users appreciate the relevance and applicability of his content, which has left attendees feeling inspired and ready to face future challenges.
Strengths:
- Valuable insights into leadership and business strategy
- Motivational speaker who energizes teams
- Transformative content on innovation and strategy
Weaknesses:
- No specific weaknesses mentioned in the reviews.
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.
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- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
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Fee Range Information
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