For years, I struggled to break through the barriers that held me back in my speaking journey. I realized that mastering the skill and science of speaking wasn’t enough—I had to transform myself from within. Through this transformation, I discovered a powerful formula that changed everything. Now, I’m ready to share it with the world. This is my story.
I’ve transformed people just like you.
It was October 2004 and I had just recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant having spent the prior 5 years in the Audit Industry as a Trainee Accountant and Audit Manager. I was 27 years old and was very much looking forward to my new adventure working for a JSE listed company in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Category (FMCG) – South African Breweries.
Due to my transition from the Audit Profession to FMCG, I was appointed as a Management Trainee reporting into the Financial Manager of Operations, which was one level below Finance Director. My position was strategically placed to allow me to rotate for weeks at a time to various parts of the business, that included manufacturing, sales, distribution, shared services, procurement and head-office functions.
I was tasked with a variety of finance-related projects in each of these assignments and my role was to complete the project and then to provide feedback at a monthly Ex-Co meeting that included my manager and his level of Finance Segment Heads.
It was October 2004 and I had just recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant having spent the prior 5 years in the Audit Industry as a Trainee Accountant and Audit Manager. I was 27 years old and was very much looking forward to my new adventure working for a JSE listed company in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Category (FMCG) – South African Breweries. Due to my transition from the Audit Profession to FMCG, I was appointed as a Management Trainee reporting into the Financial Manager of Operations, which was one level below Finance Director. My position was strategically placed to allow me to rotate for weeks at a time to various parts of the business, that included manufacturing, sales, distribution, shared services, procurement and head-office functions. I was tasked with a variety of finance-related projects in each of these assignments and my role was to complete the project and then to provide feedback at a monthly Ex-Co meeting that included my manager and his level of Finance Segment Heads.
I needed to provide a summary of the project (findings, weaknesses, suggestions for improvement)
I needed to market myself: it was my opportunity for all the Segment Heads to be introduced to me and to figure out where best to formally place me within the business.
It was October 2004 and I had just recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant having spent the prior 5 years in the Audit Industry as a Trainee Accountant and Audit Manager. I was 27 years old and was very much looking forward to my new adventure working for a JSE listed company in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Category (FMCG) – South African Breweries.
Due to my transition from the Audit Profession to FMCG, I was appointed as a Management Trainee reporting into the Financial Manager of Operations, which was one level below Finance Director. My position was strategically placed to allow me to rotate for weeks at a time to various parts of the business, that included manufacturing, sales, distribution, shared services, procurement and head-office functions.
I was tasked with a variety of finance-related projects in each of these assignments and my role was to complete the project and then to provide feedback at a monthly Ex-Co meeting that included my manager and his level of Finance Segment Heads.
I recall the first time I had to present to this panel. I had completed my findings. I prepared my presentation. I spoke to my manager about the findings to confirm that my presentation was in line with expectations. I was excited to share my ideas.
But at that meeting, I completely shut down. I forgot what I wanted to say. My manager filled in the blanks for me. I was given 15 minutes to present, I was done in half that time. I started to mumble and stutter. I don’t have a speech impediment. I sounded like I was about to cry. I am actually very confident. What a complete disaster! Even I wouldn’t have hired the train-wreck that was me at that time!
At home that evening, I started to reflect on my performance in that meeting. How can I be so confident when speaking at my family functions to people in excess of 100 and yet, I broke down in a boardroom presenting to 10 people? How can it be that someone like myself can be so technically astute but struggle to articulate my thoughts in a cohesive manner? Why was I suddenly so overwhelmed with fear to speak when I was actually quite excited to share my findings?
I recall the first time I had to present to this panel. I had completed my findings. I prepared my presentation. I spoke to my manager about the findings to confirm that my presentation was in line with expectations. I was excited to share my ideas. But at that meeting, I completely shut down. I forgot what I wanted to say. My manager filled in the blanks for me. I was given 15 minutes to present, I was done in half that time. I started to mumble and stutter. I don’t have a speech impediment. I sounded like I was about to cry. I am actually very confident. What a complete disaster! Even I wouldn’t have hired the train-wreck that was me at that time! At home that evening, I started to reflect on my performance in that meeting. How can I be so confident when speaking at my family functions to people in excess of 100 and yet, I broke down in a boardroom presenting to 10 people? How can it be that someone like myself can be so technically astute but struggle to articulate my thoughts in a cohesive manner? Why was I suddenly so overwhelmed with fear to speak when I was actually quite excited to share my findings?
I recall the first time I had to present to this panel. I had completed my findings. I prepared my presentation. I spoke to my manager about the findings to confirm that my presentation was in line with expectations. I was excited to share my ideas.
But at that meeting, I completely shut down. I forgot what I wanted to say. My manager filled in the blanks for me. I was given 15 minutes to present, I was done in half that time. I started to mumble and stutter. I don’t have a speech impediment. I sounded like I was about to cry. I am actually very confident. What a complete disaster! Even I wouldn’t have hired the train-wreck that was me at that time!
At home that evening, I started to reflect on my performance in that meeting. How can I be so confident when speaking at my family functions to people in excess of 100 and yet, I broke down in a boardroom presenting to 10 people? How can it be that someone like myself can be so technically astute but struggle to articulate my thoughts in a cohesive manner? Why was I suddenly so overwhelmed with fear to speak when I was actually quite excited to share my findings?
I must admit, that I did not have all the answers to these questions at that time, but I knew that a big part of the problem had to do with my psychology and my belief systems that was deeply rooted in my upbringing.
Growing up, I was told to:
Respect my elders
Watch what I say
Speak when spoken to
In that meeting, I did all the above – flawlessly. In doing so, it shut me down, it made me scared to speak my mind, I did not want to lose credibility. I realised that in order for me to break through this barrier, I not only had to learn the skill and science to speaking, I also had to work on me. I had to create a new identity for myself, one in which my inner voice became so much louder than the voices on the outside, it started to frame the strong self-belief and confidence that was needed to communicate on a larger scale. That chapter in my life later led to the writing of my first book, The Contract With Yourself.
I must admit, that I did not have all the answers to these questions at that time, but I knew that a big part of the problem had to do with my psychology and my belief systems that was deeply rooted in my upbringing.
Growing up, I was told to:
Respect my elders
Watch what I say
Speak when spoken to
In that meeting, I did all the above – flawlessly. In doing so, it shut me down, it made me scared to speak my mind, I did not want to lose credibility. I realised that in order for me to break through this barrier, I not only had to learn the skill and science to speaking, I also had to work on me. I had to create a new identity for myself, one in which my inner voice became so much louder than the voices on the outside, it started to frame the strong self-belief and confidence that was needed to communicate on a larger scale. That chapter in my life later led to the writing of my first book, The Contract With Yourself.
I must admit, that I did not have all the answers to these questions at that time, but I knew that a big part of the problem had to do with my psychology and my belief systems that was deeply rooted in my upbringing.
Growing up, I was told to:
Respect my elders
Watch what I say
Speak when spoken to
In that meeting, I did all the above – flawlessly. In doing so, it shut me down, it made me scared to speak my mind, I did not want to lose credibility. I realised that in order for me to break through this barrier, I not only had to learn the skill and science to speaking, I also had to work on me. I had to create a new identity for myself, one in which my inner voice became so much louder than the voices on the outside, it started to frame the strong self-belief and confidence that was needed to communicate on a larger scale. That chapter in my life later led to the writing of my first book, The Contract With Yourself.
And so began a remarkable journey into learning the science, skill and art of speaking. At some point, inspired by my vision to build a society of more effective and confident communicators, I left my corporate position to start my own business offering my presentation skills and leadership programs to leaders in business. Ever hungry and thirsty to learn more, I was not satisfied with just teaching others how to become effective communicators, I had to become one myself.
I joined Toastmasters and became a Distinguished Toastmaster. I learnt how to structure key note speeches and started to speak at conferences, events and motivational seminars. In 2020, I delivered my inspirational message of hope at the International Toastmasters Convention, entitled: Humanity will rise as a force, stronger than a disease. In 2014 I was admitted as a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant for CIMA and joined the local CIMA Chapter in Johannesburg as a member, later becoming Vice Chair and then Chairperson. I became a judge for SAICA 35 under 35 competition in 2014, and continued doing so for 10 years. I started to become very fascinated with the human brain and how do we unlock potential in performance. Later when working with more and more people who struggled with the fear of speaking, I started getting fascinated to find the connection of the fear of speaking to overall cognitive ability. This led me to my formal International Coaching Federation accreditation as a Coach, specializing in this kind of whole brain assessment. In 2021, I was appointed as Director for ICF-South Africa (NPO), volunteering my services as a Treasurer to the South African local chapter of accredited coaches.
And so began a remarkable journey into learning the science, skill and art of speaking. At some point, inspired by my vision to build a society of more effective and confident communicators, I left my corporate position to start my own business offering my presentation skills and leadership programs to leaders in business. Ever hungry and thirsty to learn more, I was not satisfied with just teaching others how to become effective communicators, I had to become one myself.
I joined Toastmasters and became a Distinguished Toastmaster. I learnt how to structure key note speeches and started to speak at conferences, events and motivational seminars. In 2020, I delivered my inspirational message of hope at the International Toastmasters Convention, entitled: Humanity will rise as a force, stronger than a disease. In 2014 I was admitted as a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant for CIMA and joined the local CIMA Chapter in Johannesburg as a member, later becoming Vice Chair and then Chairperson. I became a judge for SAICA 35 under 35 competition in 2014, and continued doing so for 10 years. I started to become very fascinated with the human brain and how do we unlock potential in performance. Later when working with more and more people who struggled with the fear of speaking, I started getting fascinated to find the connection of the fear of speaking to overall cognitive ability. This led me to my formal International Coaching Federation accreditation as a Coach, specializing in this kind of whole brain assessment. In 2021, I was appointed as Director for ICF-South Africa (NPO), volunteering my services as a Treasurer to the South African local chapter of accredited coaches.
And so began a remarkable journey into learning the science, skill and art of speaking. At some point, inspired by my vision to build a society of more effective and confident communicators, I left my corporate position to start my own business offering my presentation skills and leadership programs to leaders in business. Ever hungry and thirsty to learn more, I was not satisfied with just teaching others how to become effective communicators, I had to become one myself.
I joined Toastmasters and became a Distinguished Toastmaster. I learnt how to structure key note speeches and started to speak at conferences, events and motivational seminars. In 2020, I delivered my inspirational message of hope at the International Toastmasters Convention, entitled: Humanity will rise as a force, stronger than a disease. In 2014 I was admitted as a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant for CIMA and joined the local CIMA Chapter in Johannesburg as a member, later becoming Vice Chair and then Chairperson. I became a judge for SAICA 35 under 35 competition in 2014, and continued doing so for 10 years. I started to become very fascinated with the human brain and how do we unlock potential in performance. Later when working with more and more people who struggled with the fear of speaking, I started getting fascinated to find the connection of the fear of speaking to overall cognitive ability. This led me to my formal International Coaching Federation accreditation as a Coach, specializing in this kind of whole brain assessment. In 2021, I was appointed as Director for ICF-South Africa (NPO), volunteering my services as a Treasurer to the South African local chapter of accredited coaches.
The more I learn, the more I want to share that learning in a simple and practical way for my audience to apply in their own lives. I am often asked, why did I leave my very aspirational career as a Chartered Accountant to specialize in learning and development.
My simple answer is, Why NOT Me?
My Chartered Accounting background gives me the unique ability to create simple formulas and checklists (much like the audit profession) but now I am offering these formulas to you to help you structure your next talk. I am taking the guesswork out of the equation and giving you a proven speaking structure that works every single time! It is like that checklist you need at month-end to never again forget a deadline!
The more I learn, the more I want to share that learning in a simple and practical way for my audience to apply in their own lives. I am often asked, why did I leave my very aspirational career as a Chartered Accountant to specialize in learning and development.
My simple answer is, Why NOT Me?
My Chartered Accounting background gives me the unique ability to create simple formulas and checklists (much like the audit profession) but now I am offering these formulas to you to help you structure your next talk. I am taking the guesswork out of the equation and giving you a proven speaking structure that works every single time! It is like that checklist you need at month-end to never again forget a deadline!
The more I learn, the more I want to share that learning in a simple and practical way for my audience to apply in their own lives. I am often asked, why did I leave my very aspirational career as a Chartered Accountant to specialize in learning and development.
My simple answer is, Why NOT Me?
My Chartered Accounting background gives me the unique ability to create simple formulas and checklists (much like the audit profession) but now I am offering these formulas to you to help you structure your next talk. I am taking the guesswork out of the equation and giving you a proven speaking structure that works every single time! It is like that checklist you need at month-end to never again forget a deadline!
When I wrote The Contract With Yourself, I often joked and said that I wrote that first edition of the book for myself. It turns out that just over 5000 other people found the contents of this book useful and it led to me writing my 2nd edition in 2018. In 2020, I launched Ignition: 3 Steps to Drive from Newbie Presenter to Expert Speaker. It is and continues to be my philosophy: If you can learn how to drive a car, you can learn how to speak! In 2021, I released the video version of this book, in the form of short videos and modules that will teach you how to speak at your own pace. Initially this was accessible as a paid subscription, I have now made this content freely accessible to all via my YouTube channel. I made this decision because I know that when I empower one person through their voice, I am indirectly impacting a community.
When I wrote The Contract With Yourself, I often joked and said that I wrote that first edition of the book for myself. It turns out that just over 5000 other people found the contents of this book useful and it led to me writing my 2nd edition in 2018. In 2020, I launched Ignition: 3 Steps to Drive from Newbie Presenter to Expert Speaker. It is and continues to be my philosophy: If you can learn how to drive a car, you can learn how to speak! In 2021, I released the video version of this book, in the form of short videos and modules that will teach you how to speak at your own pace. Initially this was accessible as a paid subscription, I have now made this content freely accessible to all via my YouTube channel. I made this decision because I know that when I empower one person through their voice, I am indirectly impacting a community.
When I wrote The Contract With Yourself, I often joked and said that I wrote that first edition of the book for myself. It turns out that just over 5000 other people found the contents of this book useful and it led to me writing my 2nd edition in 2018. In 2020, I launched Ignition: 3 Steps to Drive from Newbie Presenter to Expert Speaker. It is and continues to be my philosophy: If you can learn how to drive a car, you can learn how to speak! In 2021, I released the video version of this book, in the form of short videos and modules that will teach you how to speak at your own pace. Initially this was accessible as a paid subscription, I have now made this content freely accessible to all via my YouTube channel. I made this decision because I know that when I empower one person through their voice, I am indirectly impacting a community.
In 2022, I rebranded and restructured my speaking workshop that I had been delivering for years, into a 3-week Programme entitled, Speaker Ignite. When it comes to speaking, if I look at all the challenges, needs, problems and goals of a leader in business, Speaker Ignite is designed in a way to teach of all this. Hundreds of delegates have successfully completed the Speaker Ignite programme and have regained their confidence and self-belief needed to speak in public.
I believe that effective communication is the combination of science, skill and art. You need to know the science of persuasion; You require the skill to deliver a powerful message using proven speaking formulas; and you need art and flair – this is the ability to deliver your talk in a unique and memorable way.
Just over 20 years ago since my first horrific failed experiment (presentation), one thing has become blatantly clear.
In 2022, I rebranded and restructured my speaking workshop that I had been delivering for years, into a 3-week Programme entitled, Speaker Ignite. When it comes to speaking, if I look at all the challenges, needs, problems and goals of a leader in business, Speaker Ignite is designed in a way to teach of all this. Hundreds of delegates have successfully completed the Speaker Ignite programme and have regained their confidence and self-belief needed to speak in public.
I believe that effective communication is the combination of science, skill and art. You need to know the science of persuasion; You require the skill to deliver a powerful message using proven speaking formulas; and you need art and flair – this is the ability to deliver your talk in a unique and memorable way.
Just over 20 years ago since my first horrific failed experiment (presentation), one thing has become blatantly clear.
In 2022, I rebranded and restructured my speaking workshop that I had been delivering for years, into a 3-week Programme entitled, Speaker Ignite. When it comes to speaking, if I look at all the challenges, needs, problems and goals of a leader in business, Speaker Ignite is designed in a way to teach of all this. Hundreds of delegates have successfully completed the Speaker Ignite programme and have regained their confidence and self-belief needed to speak in public.
I believe that effective communication is the combination of science, skill and art. You need to know the science of persuasion; You require the skill to deliver a powerful message using proven speaking formulas; and you need art and flair – this is the ability to deliver your talk in a unique and memorable way.
Just over 20 years ago since my first horrific failed experiment (presentation), one thing has become blatantly clear.
Globally we have a problem.
Worldwide, and not just in South Africa, companies continue to appoint highly skilled and qualified candidates into middle and senior management positions. Communication is at the heart of these critical positions. In a world that is fast-moving, constantly needing to solve problems, present solutions and make decisions timeously the need to quickly articulate yourself and get your message across is becoming increasingly more important than ever before.
At best, most newly appointed leaders in such positions are applying a hit and run approach. Your credibility and the brand of your organization is on the line. A hit-and-run approach is just not good enough.
Globally we have a problem.
Worldwide, and not just in South Africa, companies continue to appoint highly skilled and qualified candidates into middle and senior management positions. Communication is at the heart of these critical positions. In a world that is fast-moving, constantly needing to solve problems, present solutions and make decisions timeously the need to quickly articulate yourself and get your message across is becoming increasingly more important than ever before.
At best, most newly appointed leaders in such positions are applying a hit and run approach. Your credibility and the brand of your organization is on the line. A hit-and-run approach is just not good enough.
Globally we have a problem.
Worldwide, and not just in South Africa, companies continue to appoint highly skilled and qualified candidates into middle and senior management positions. Communication is at the heart of these critical positions. In a world that is fast-moving, constantly needing to solve problems, present solutions and make decisions timeously the need to quickly articulate yourself and get your message across is becoming increasingly more important than ever before.
At best, most newly appointed leaders in such positions are applying a hit and run approach. Your credibility and the brand of your organization is on the line. A hit-and-run approach is just not good enough.
And that is where I come in. I want to free you of years of pain, failures and challenges to learn the art of speaking, by condensing my 20 years of experience into 3 short weeks. Over the years, it has been a series of ups and downs – lots of interesting diverts into unsuccessful endeavors – many stressful months and “quiet” periods of low growth that forms part of being a small business owner in South Africa. One thing has been a constant through all these years: my business has grown through referrals. There is a simple reason why this is so: I have a proven speaking system that works. It is simple to understand, practical to apply, and it delivers immediate results.
More than 15 years after I started my own business, I have assisted hundreds of managers of varying levels, across multiple continents, from well-known listed entities to small business owners: realise their speaking potential; regain their speaking confidence; and use communication as a tool to sell more products and services to grow their business. My speaking journey began over 20 years ago. Is my mission complete? Not even close! I am just getting started!
And that is where I come in. I want to free you of years of pain, failures and challenges to learn the art of speaking, by condensing my 20 years of experience into 3 short weeks. Over the years, it has been a series of ups and downs – lots of interesting diverts into unsuccessful endeavors – many stressful months and “quiet” periods of low growth that forms part of being a small business owner in South Africa. One thing has been a constant through all these years: my business has grown through referrals. There is a simple reason why this is so: I have a proven speaking system that works. It is simple to understand, practical to apply, and it delivers immediate results.
More than 15 years after I started my own business, I have assisted hundreds of managers of varying levels, across multiple continents, from well-known listed entities to small business owners: realise their speaking potential; regain their speaking confidence; and use communication as a tool to sell more products and services to grow their business. My speaking journey began over 20 years ago. Is my mission complete? Not even close! I am just getting started!
And that is where I come in. I want to free you of years of pain, failures and challenges to learn the art of speaking, by condensing my 20 years of experience into 3 short weeks. Over the years, it has been a series of ups and downs – lots of interesting diverts into unsuccessful endeavors – many stressful months and “quiet” periods of low growth that forms part of being a small business owner in South Africa. One thing has been a constant through all these years: my business has grown through referrals. There is a simple reason why this is so: I have a proven speaking system that works. It is simple to understand, practical to apply, and it delivers immediate results.
More than 15 years after I started my own business, I have assisted hundreds of managers of varying levels, across multiple continents, from well-known listed entities to small business owners: realise their speaking potential; regain their speaking confidence; and use communication as a tool to sell more products and services to grow their business. My speaking journey began over 20 years ago. Is my mission complete? Not even close! I am just getting started!
