Liezel van der Westhuizen is also a sought after MC and has been the Programme Director at more than 200 events for top clients
“Commitment. Passion. Action.”
She may be have been the new face for Season 5 of MNET Idols and only the second woman in the world to present Idols, but Liezel van der Westhuizen has only been working in the home-grown entertainment industry for just over 4 years and been on Speakers Inc books for over 6 years
Starting out on TV as an SABC 3 continuity presenter as well as the presenter of SABC 3’s live lunchtime talk show – Lunchbox.
Liezel now presents SABC 3’s new daily breakfast show –EXPRESSO and The Sunday Sundowner on 94.5KFM- live from Cape Town.
KEYNOTE:
Liezel van der Westhuizen and blind fellow cyclist, Cindy became the first South African all female blind and sighted pair to tandem cycle from Manali to Khardung La India, 18,330 feet covering 550km. Liezel speaks on key principles are resulted in the success of her mission that can be valuable to businesses.
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE TALK:
How many times have you given up on a personal goal or dream simply because it seemed unattainable? And how many times have you worked up the courage to pursue that goal or dream only to be told by others that it is, indeed, completely crazy? Well perhaps it’s time to attempt a different approach and consider a fresh start!
In this talk, Liezel van der Westhuizen shares how her personal experiences has helped others conquer their self-saboteur in the fearless pursuit of those seemingly impossible goals.
In today’s business climate, the market has become more complex and fuelled with many uncertainties. Every leader feels the pressure of generating results, building the most productive teams and creating a high performance working environment to secure sustainable outcomes.
Although challenges and obstacles along the way are inevitable, having contingency plans and applying relevant methodologies in dealing with these problems will ensure the business gets back on track.
Liezel van der Westhuizen together with blind fellow cyclist, Cindy Jacobsz, became the first South African all female blind and sighted pair to tandem cycle from Manali to Khardung La India, 18,330 feet covering 550km.
During this gruesome mission to the Himalayas, the pair battled multiple obstacles after the other. From strong winds, rain, sleet and sub-zero temperatures, to Cindy contracting an eye infection and the tandem’s left crank breaking which meant they had to walk a far distance before they had access to technical assistance… all whilst conquering the daunting challenge of cycling long distance on some of the highest roads in the world.
But despite this, Liezel van der Westhuizen had to be physically and mentally prepared to complete the mission and ultimately raise funds for two medical charities.
In this keynote talk, Liezel van der Westhuizen shares how she conquered some of her most challenging adventures using three core values: planning, perseverance and patience.
This keynote is not only for keen adventure-seekers, but more so about effective principles that can be applied in any organisation to significantly improve structures and successfully achieve desired goals.
“Set your goals and work at it, each and every day. Don’t stop until it’s done.”
When leaders know the individual strengths of their employees, they are able to task staff with work that plays into their strengths and skills. This not only saves time and money, but you also create a culture where people are always performing at their best.
Leaders often miss the mark when it comes to succinctly identifying who they are, what they stand for and how they help people and businesses grow. If a potential client does an online search for a company or an individual, the information they find acts as the backbone of a personal brand.
Depending on your role, your personal image will also reflect on the company’s reputation. After all, the individuals in the organisation are the window into what the company values are.
Liezel van der Westhuizen also holds a Degree in Human Resources Management and an Honours Degree in Communication Management; both from the University of Pretoria.
“I’ve always loved speaking in public and conveying my point of view to a broad audience,” Liezel van der Westhuizen says of her Toastmaster experience.
In fact so committed is Liezel van der Westhuizen to the benefits of this form of communication that last year she taught public speaking and communication at Abraham Kriel Children’s Home as a volunteer.
“Liezel van der Westhuizen is passionate about young South Africans being able to stand up and speak, confidently and with knowledge, about the issues that move them,” Liezel says simply.