He has delivered more than 2 500 paid presentations on self-mastery, lifestyle management, leadership, and change management across five continents over the past decade. Internationally recognized both as a master storyteller and as a specialist in the field of understanding and stimulating human potential, his high-energy presentations are always humorous and entertaining, while striking at the very core of our being.

 

But he is much more than just a word weaver: with a Masters degree in personal and professional leadership, his presentations are rich in content. And his broad experience ensures that his presentations are also jam-packed with real-world know how, equipping his audience with tried and tested tips, tools and techniques ready for immediate application.

 

Judge him by (some) of the company(ies) he keeps:

ABSA ... Adcock Ingram Pharmaceuticals ... AIDA Real Estate ... AngloGold ... Avis ... Avroy Shlain Cosmetics ... Bayer ... Bernina ... BOE ... Boland Bank ... CHEMSERVE ... Centera ... Clin-Run ... Defy Appliances Limited ... Deloitte & Touche ... Development Bank of SA ... Duracell ... Ellerines ... Fedsure ... First National Bank ... Forex RSA ... Guardbank ... Goldfields ... ICL (SA) ... Impala Platinum Limited ... Institute for International Research ... ISCOR ... John Deere ... Kentucky Fried Chicken ... Kimberly Clark ... Liberty Life ... Lithosaver Systems ... LTA Limited ... McCarthy Retail Limited ... Meissner Pharmaceuticals ... Mercedes Benz ... Metro Cash & Carry ... Metropolitan Life ... Million Dollar Roundtable ... Momentum Life ... Nasionale Pers Beperk ... NBS ... Nedbank ... Old Mutual ... Pfizer Laboratories ... Pick 'n Pay ... PPS ... Prestasi Brokers ... Pretoria City Council ... RCI ... Rand Afrikaans University ... Ray Ban ... Reebok ... SAA ... SA Army ... SABC ... SA Technicon ... SAMCOR ... Sandoz Products ... Sanlam ... SAPEKOE Group ... Sentrasure Limited ... Southern Life Association Limited ... Southern Sun International ... Sportron International ... Standard Bank ... Wesbank ... Zincor ... 3M

Presentations:

MASIWA'S JOURNEY

 ANCIENT AFRICAN WISDOM FOR EVERYDAY LIVING

You choose your own path. Choose it well.

 

--- MASIWA, LAST OF THE GREAT AFRICAN TRACKERS

This is Stef's blockbuster presentation, teaching powerful lessons for living a life of meaning...

• Each creature is unlike any other - You are singularly unique - you cannot be replaced, and cannot be repeated. What you have experienced, no power on earth can take from you. Actively seek to understand the lessons that life is trying to teach you, and you will start to experience the true power of your singularity.

• Motho ke Motho ka Batho - "You are only a person through other people". Share your load, and you may halve it... but share your blessings, and they are doubled! Through this powerful law teams are able to reach common goals through single-minded purpose.

• You choose your own path - Sometimes we lose our way... and we forget that our choices determine the outcome of our life. You are where you are because of choices you made, or failed to make. Once we stop blaming, and assume responsibility, we are free to find places we never knew existed.

Stef du Plessis, Page Three

• North is always in the same place - Not all paths lead out of the forest, so choose your path wisely. Only when you know where True North is, will you find your way. Learn to live "on purpose".

*              Chiyetau Ombaze - "Go to it". The tribal elders taught that you can have whatever you want, as long as you are willing to go to it. It will not come to you. Plant a tree on the horizon, and start the journey...

What This Presentation Will Do For Your Delegates:

 

We are often too busy to be successful - so busy seeking success that we forget to pursue significance. Sometimes we find ourselves on the wrong path. Many simply exist - living lives of mediocrity - lives of quiet discontent.

This presentation will take you on a journey of inner reflection: helping you to understand who you were - so that you may get to know who you are - and help you in your pursuit to become who you ought to be. You will find hope for tomorrow, built on the foundation of yesterday's lessons.

More About The Content

 

In this highly visual presentation Stef shares some of the lessons that he has learnt from Masiwa, tribal elder, direct descendant of a great Nguni chief, and last of the great African trackers.

 

You will be reminded that "you are only a person through other people" - that you should not climb so high that your travelling companions can't keep up with you. Masiwa's wisdom soon becomes apparent when he declares: "The zebra does not care for spots" - reminding us that we cannot make progress before we develop complete self-acceptance.

 

We learn that "the rain dampens the soil at its will, but cannot dampen my spirit without my will". We choose our own attitude, regardless of our circumstance - and Stef will give tips on attitude management. In order for us to grow, we must next take responsibility for our own lives. Indeed, you do choose your own path. Your life is where it is because of choices you made - or failed to make. Take responsibility, and you take charge of your life!

 

Finally, we must learn to "eat the elephant". We can overcome our obstacles: but only if we do so one single step at a time. It can be done - one bite at a time. Too often, though, we see only the mountain, and not the path - we give up before we give it a go.

Stef has delivered this presentation to standing ovations worldwide. Humorous, full of wisdom, and complete with spectacular visuals of the African bush and its majestic inhabitants, Stef will captivate the minds and permeate the hearts of your delegates

Stef du Plessis, Page Four

Who Is It For?

Delegate feedback rates this presentation a winner - ranging from accountants to engineers; from technical staff to salespeople; and front line staff to directors. Suitable also for spouses.

Format: Keynote address (45-60 minutes).

Can be followed up with a two-hour workshop. Presented in either English or Afrikaans. Handouts or workbooks available.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST

A Service Excellence Presentation

 

What This Presentation Will Do For Your Delegates

 

This is a customer care presentation with a difference. Following a somewhat unorthodox approach, Stef breaks free from that old paradigm that "service" begins and ends with organizational and system issues. The emphasis is placed on the individuals who make up the organization - at all levels.

Delegates are shown that it is up to them to make a difference. Then they are shown how...

• Six Steps to Personal Success
• Six Steps to Super Service
• Six Steps for Servicing Superiors

Essentially, Stef is passionate about personal development and growth - and this presentation is a continuation of his past work. The focus is the individual - but with personal growth comes a new way of living, a new way of going about one's day-to-day business ... and the spin-off will be beneficial to your organisation and your clients. So, as opposed to limiting the development to the critical areas of Customer Care and Service, you will now also leave your delegates personally enriched ... more aware of the importance of their contribution ... and you will equip them with the tools needed to start the journey.

More About the Content

 

As with all of Stef's presentations, this one is "not your average presentation". Humorous, laced with satire, and highly visual, Stef makes use of multimedia: and the result is that delegates become totally captivated by the presentation. This is "edutainment" at its best - in fact, it's better - it's SHOWTALK!

 

This is a history lesson with a difference. In this presentation, Stef entertains your delegates with the art of illusion, while drawing a remarkable parallel between Coca-Cola and IBM during the last 100 years or so. Learning from the lessons that history teaches us, Stef then goes on to apply these lessons to your organization and its people.

 

The concept of "client" will be investigated - and it goes way beyond the traditional grouping of those people whom we expect to buy our products and use our services.

Your delegates will see that they are your most important asset. Feed-back from past clients confirms that this presentation will also strengthen their sense of pride and belonging, and leave them with the desire to make a positive contribution.

Who Is It For?

 

Anyone who has any interaction with clients - internal or external. Adapted for the profile of the audience, this presentation is suitable for all levels of staffers - and has been successfully presented to top management and directors of listed companies, as well as to front line service providers.

Format: Keynote address (45 - 60 minutes)

With follow-up workshop/s optional; or 2 - 4 hour workshop.

English or Afrikaans.

SELF IMAGE

MAKING THE MOST OF YOURS

A Self-Realization Experience

Something we were withholding made us weak until we found it was ourselves.

 

--- ROBERT FROST

What This Presentation Will Do For Your Delegates

 

There is a slumbering GIANT in each of us. Once aroused, our GIANT will unleash our true potential. This GIANT is not some inert, undefined force - it is our "Inner Self". Our Self Image. It's there ..... and it's waiting for a wake-up call. Stef will bring the alarm clock along .... your delegates will do the rest.

More About The Content

 

As with all of Stef's presentations, this one is "not your average presentation". Humorous, laced with satire, and highly visual, Stef makes use of multi-media: and the result is that delegates become totally captivated by the presentation. This is "edutainment" at its best - in fact, it's better - it's SHOWTALK!

We have limitless power - the power to choose our thoughts. The power to decide what it is that we see when we look in the mirror, and the power to choose how we perceive challenges and obstacles.

This power brings with it an awesome responsibility - because it is our thoughts, our Self Image and the way we deal with problems that determines how far we get to go.

 

We have to understand that as much as our "mind power" can set us free, and propel us into greatness, we are held back by the limitations that we create for ourselves. We're so bogged down in our day to day routines that we lose sight of what we can become if we put our minds to it. We decide!

 

Our Self Image is exactly what it says: an image made up of ideas about ourselves that we have formed over the years. Once this image becomes imprinted on the subconscious mind and forms a structured pattern, it takes on a life of its own - and it is the absolute determination of what we are capable of achieving.

 

Join Stef du Plessis for a fun-filled 45 minute emotional roller-coaster ride which will both entertain you, and leave you with the understanding that your Self Image - the catalyst of your success or failure - is your own creation.

And that you have the power to change and alter it - instantly, and at any time! That you have the power to create new realities! All you ever wanted is waiting for you

Who Is It For?

Although tailor-made to suit your specific audience, this presentation is generic. Delegate feed-back rates this presentation a winner - ranging from accountants to engineers, from office staff to salespeople, and front line staff to directors. Suitable for spouses.

Format: Keynote address (45 minutes).

Can be followed up with a 2 hour workshop.

Presented in either English or Afrikaans.

IN PURSUIT OF PURPOSE

DEVELOPING A PERSONAL LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Goal-Setting And Lifestyle Management

What This Presentation Will Do For Your Delegates

There are three primary reasons why people fail in life: they don't believe in setting goals, they don't know how to set goals, or they don't have goals. This highly visual and edutaining presentation provides solutions for all three these categories of people: delegates are convinced of the power of goal setting, and they are taught how to set goals. And Stef will teach delegates how to channel the power once we've aroused our Giant.

 More About The Content

Delegates will be introduced to a personal Goal-Setting model, which includes the following phases:

• Dreams: Why bother?
• Defining your Goal
• Planning Cycle
• Developing an Action Plan
• Implementation
• Re-evaluation and re-alignment
• Measuring success: Success or Excess?

Although most goal-directed people should be familiar with this cycle, Stef will place a fresh perspective on this fundamentally important subject. He will also add the dimension of introspection: defining your own Value System, analysing your Strengths and Weaknesses, and developing your own Code of Conduct.

Finally, he will show delegates the way to true personal empowerment, and leave them able to manage their own lifestyle with an understanding of the importance of living a balanced lifestyle.

 

As with all of Stef's presentations, this one is "not your average presentation". Humorous, laced with satire, and highly visual, Stef makes use of multi-media: and the result is that delegates become totally captivated by the presentation. This is "edutainment" at its best - in fact, it's better - it's SHOWTALK!

Who Is It For?

Although suitable for all audiences, this presentation is ideally suited to self-starters - typically entrepreneurs, successful sales people and senior management. Also suitable for spouses and as an after-dinner talk (in part).

Format: Keynote address (45 - 60 minutes).

Lifestyle Management Manuals are available for purchase.

Can be followed up with a 2 - 4 hour workshop.

Presented in either English or Afrikaans

 

LEADERSHIP REVISITED

A REAR-VIEW LOOK AT FOLLOWERSHIP

In Formation!

 

What This Presentation Will Do For Your Delegates

 

Management is gone, the manager is dead. Long live the leader!

Contrary to what the uninformed may think, the difference between management and leadership is not simply a fad, or a play on semantics - the gap between management and leadership is huge!

 

And while many organizations around the globe have successfully turned their managers into leaders, we often forget about the followers...

 

Managers come with subordinates, while effective leaders require followers - and there is a profound gap between subordinates and followers! And leaders without followers are lost, without any hope of survival. The time has now come that we focus on the art of "followership" - and that is what this presentation does.

 

The difference between old-style management and the art of leadership is the same as the difference between an octopus and a goose.

 

The octopus, with its central brain, controls the tentacles, which do the work. The more tentacles, the more work gets done (or so we thought!). We used to say that "knowledge is might". It wasn't. Keeping the knowledge away from the tentacles, that was might! The aim (of the manager) was to have the most possible tentacles - subordinates - presumably doing what needs to be done to get the organization to where it was going.

 

The goose, on the other hand, starts feeling the winter chill - and smells the sunshine on the palm trees a continent away. It develops its vision (of following the summer sunshine), and works on its mission (of how it's going to get away from the impending winter). At the right time, it communicates this goal to the flock - all of which want to get to the new destination. Each member of the flock knows the winds and the currents - and they know all about flying in formation (the V-formation allows the flock to fly an astounding 71% further)! They agree on the route - and on the agreed-upon day the goose-leader gives the long-awaited cry - as one, the flock is underway. The leader's aim is to help his followers to do the things that they know they have to do, in order to get to where they want to be. But this requires followers, not subordinates.

More About The Content

This presentation will ensure that everyone is on the same page, and poised for success. Delegates are shown that each and every member of the team plays a crucial role. Every single team member has to become accountable for his/her own followership. It is up to each of us to make a difference. If one single member of the flock strays, the formation falls apart - as does our efficiency and our ultimate ability to get to where we're headed.

 

The focus is the individual - but with personal growth comes a new way of living, a new way of going about one's day-to-day business... and the spin-off will be beneficial to your organization and your clients.

 

So, as opposed to focusing on organizational issues, systems, and management and perhaps even leadership, this presentation will help initiate personal empowerment - the key to the unlocked treasure. Delegates will be personally enriched... more aware of the importance of their contribution... and they will be equipped with the tools needed to start the journey.

 

Delegates will be introduced to a three-phase game plan:

• Getting fit for the game
• Playing the game
• The art of followership / leadership

Your delegates will see that they are your most important assets. Feedback from past clients confirms that this presentation will also strengthen their sense of pride and belonging, and leave them with the desire to make a positive contribution.

 

As with all of Stef's presentations, this one is "not your average presentation". Humorous, laced with satire, and highly visual, Stef makes use of multi-media: and the result is that delegates become totally captivated by the presentation. This is "edutainment" at its best - in fact, it's better - it's SHOWTALK!

WHO IS IT FOR?

Everyone on the team! Adapted for the profile of the audience, this presentation is suitable for all levels of staffers - and has been successfully presented to top management and directors of listed companies, as well as to front-line players.

Format

Keynote address (45 - 60 minutes)

With follow-up workshop/s optional; or a 2 - 4 hour workshop

English or Afrikaans

 

Stef du Plessis, Page Ten

WHAT PRICE SUCCESS?

DON'T OVERPAY FOR YOUR SUCCESS!

The Whole Person Concept - Living A Balanced Life

Money and fame don't automatically make people happy. It has to come from within.

 

ROBIN LEACH, LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS

What This Presentation Will Do For Your Delegates

This highly visual and entertaining presentation helps delegates to realign their sights, and takes a look at the definition of "success". Delegates leave, realising that it's OK not to be General Manager of the Universe ... inspired to keep trying in the face of all odds ... to be as good as they can be - but aware also that there are some sacrifices not worth making, whatever the reward.

More About The Presentation

As with all of Stef's presentations, this one is "not your average presentation". Humorous, laced with satire, and highly visual, Stef makes use of multi media: and the result is that delegates become totally captivated by the presentation. This is "edutainment" at its best - in fact, it's better - it's SHOWTALK!

 

All our lives we've been told to "Go for Gold!" Not to go halfway - but to go in to win. That easy is not an option - average isn't good enough, and that only the best will succeed. To be THE BEST - no matter what the cost, and regardless of the sacrifice.

We're so busy, that we lose sight of what we can become if we put our minds to it. We spend our lives struggling to get to the top of the illusive "Mountain of Success". But when we finally reach its pinnacle, the signpost reads: "Mountain of Excess - Altitude : Lifetime Low". And we realise too late that we've climbed so high that our travelling companions were left behind.

 

Too late we learn that our programming was wrong! That people at the end of their lives seldom regret not working harder ... in fact, research amongst terminally ill patients shows the opposite!

 

Success is NOT only about wining, and about coming first ... it's about trying, and failing. Then trying harder. About maintaining a balance - and not making sacrifices that you will regret later.

 

It's time to take some time out and realise that this moment is all there is - more importantly; this moment is all that you have to make a difference in life! Seize it - NOW!

Stef again employs the tools that make his style so unique: satire packed with humour - only to catch you off-guard with a power-packed message when you least expect it. This presentation is consistently rated very highly by delegates for its content, usefulness, and take-home value.

Who Is It For?

Ideal for "reward" conventions where recognition is given to winners, this presentation is targeted at the self-driven achiever - successful salespeople, entrepreneurs, senior and top management, and high profile delegates. Suitable for spouses and partners.

Format: Keynote address (45 - 60 minutes).

English or Afrikaans

What People Have To Say About Stef's Keynote Presentations:

A dynamic, emotional, and humorous speaker who is most effective. He reaches the audience in a unique style, and can cement whatever message you wish to relay to your people from his very wide knowledge of business in general.

AUBREY GOUWS, DIRECTOR, TRACTOR DIVISION, SAMCOR (PTY) LTD

Stef spoke our language. His presentation employed the use of excellent visuals, and appealed to delegates across the board: it was in utmost good taste; it was gender friendly; and he managed to bridge racial and cultural differences.

IAN CAMERON, PFIZER

The evaluations completed by the 3 000 estate agents who attended our country-wide National Property Roadshow rated you as the best speaker that we have had thus far. Thank you!

DREYER LOTTER, NATIONAL MANAGER, ESTATE AGENCIES, NEDCOR BANK

Your unique and effective presentation certainly helped to make our recent National Convention our most successful to date. It was obvious from the comments of our Associates that your message made a tremendous impact.

KEITH J HARDING, PRESIDENT, SPORTRON INTERNATIONAL INC, RICHARDSON, TEXAS, USA

Excellent! Simply the best I've ever encountered. I will most definitely continue to use Stef.

HC GROBLER, AGM ADMINISTRATION, ABSA BANK

Delegate feedback rated you as the top local speaker. In the company of 16 speakers - 2 of whom are internationally-renowned - this is a remarkable achievement!

SANDRA WINKLER, CONFERENCE PRODUCER, WHITEHEAD MORRIS SEMINARS

Emotional ... universal - a speaker applicable to all industries. Stef speaks from the heart and his message hits home.

STEVE GRIESSEL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, RCI SOUTHERN AFRICA

Great personality ... capable of captivating a huge audience and creating a sense of pride, ownership and belonging.

MOLEFE MOKGATLE, ACTING GENERAL MANAGER, CCV TV

Original, unique and powerful message.

JOE GATES, MANAGING DIRECTOR, AA LIFE

Stef will make you laugh loudly, while crying quietly. His unique style will enrich you and enhance your business skills.

EROLL RICHARDSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, McCARTHY MOTOR HOLDINGS

Refreshing ... novel ... informative and captivating.

NEVILLE NIGHTINGALE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, WESBANK

Stimulating ... cannot but capture people's imagination and assist them to achieve their full potential. Unforgettable - definitely established a firm foundation for the new Sanlam Properties.

BANUS VAN DER WALT, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SANLAM PROPERTIES

For once a speaker who orchestrates lasting change! When we left the conference laughing and crying some 3 months ago, I couldn't have begun to contemplate just how significant the change in the attitude of our people would be. Highly recommended!

ROY EVANS, GROUP INTERNAL AUDIT MANAGER, METCASH TRADING LIMITED

You expressed in the most professional and expressionable way what one can achieve ... the way in which you apply your thoughts and views in a demanding society and business environment was excellent. Your address was certainly one of the main highlights of our conference.

SHIRLEY SELZER, CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN, IISA

Your ability to capture the attention and hearts of your audience is astounding - it is an immense honour to be able to listen to you!

 FREDDIE ANDALAFT, CHAIRMAN (FREE STATE), LUASA

Delegates said that they have never been moved between tears and laughter so often in such a short space of time with such a potent message - delivered with so much vigour, humour, emotion and wit.

DESMOND BATES, SENIOR MANAGER, METROPOLITAN LIFE

Congratulations on yet another standing ovation! As far as I know, this is the first time in our 14-year history that we used a main platform speaker at consecutive conferences. Your presentation was not only humorous and entertaining, but touched the most important issues in our industry.

 CHRISTO DAVEL, CHAIRMAN, MULTI RAND FORUM COMMITTEE '94

The most informative and entertaining presentation that we've ever attended. Would benefit anyone and everyone - no matter what your industry.

ANNE TREW, SENIOR MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES, RCI SOUTHERN AFRICA

Best Motivational Speaker