My Portfolio
KEYNOTE SPEECHES FOR CORPORATES
- Customer service
- Soft Skills development
- Cross cultural competency
- Self leadership
- Public speaking and presentation coaching
- Cross cultural competency in business and social situations
- Aspects of self leadership and personal growth
- Getting started with Zoom
- Extracting the most from Zoom, using advanced features
- Preparing and presenting attention getting online presentations
- Talks of various interest items for for cruise ship passengers, clubs and associations
You are most welcome to contact me should you wish to discuss any of the above enrichment opportunities: Connect here
Profile
I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. After completing my Master’s Degrees in Material Science and Business Administration, I embarked on a successful career in international sales and distribution of petrochemicals. But my true passion of speaking and training precipitated an early retirement towards a new career in people development.
My new training business started in Singapore, running workshops and delivering engaging keynote speeches. Later, in 2016 I relocated to Cape Town and discovered a new passion for researching and presenting talks on absorbing historical events. During the Covid years many of these were delivered online across the globe. My audiences now include many diverse clubs and associations.
I recently relocated to the UK and am based in Hampshire with my wife Lynette, and two cats and a dog.
As a Distinguished Toastmaster, I am dedicated to entertaining and captivating my audiences. If you’d like to know more about me, my talk offerings and special areas of expertise, please browse further down.
Interest talks
Interest Talks
I offer a wide range of highly informative talks (both in person or online) on a range of topics derived from my own research. They are typically 45 minutes long, but timing can be tailored accordingly. They are ideal for cruise ships on sea days as well as clubs and associations in need of an entertaining lunch or dinner time speaker.
Surviving Zimbabwe
During the nearly 40 years of Robert Mugabe’s dictatorship, Zimbabweans were exposed to bizarre economics and extremely harsh circumstances. In this talk I deliver a whistlestop historical account of the transformation of Rhodesia to Zimbabwe, leading to some entertaining accounts of life’s challenges after the turn of the century.
Scott or Shackleton - who was the greatest Antarctic explorer?
Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Henry Shackleton were two of Britain's greatest polar explorers, whose early days of Antarctic exploration where closely entwined. Later, they went their separate ways, each with a mission to reach the South Pole. But who was the most successful? In this talk I share their differing leadership styles as they directed their teams through their hazardous expeditions.
Shackleton's Antarctic Journeys
The March 2022 discovery of Shackleton's vessel "Endurance," 3000 metres below the surface of the Weddell Sea re-kindled interest in this remarkable explorer. Although his life at home and as an explorer was not entirely successful, he was able to demonstrate remarkable powers of leadership, enabling his team to survive highly adverse circumstances. Note: this talk is 90 minutes long and can be delivered in two parts if required (recommended).
The Singapore Success Story
Singapore has one of the highest standards of living in the world, but not before a turbulent period within the Malayan (now Malaysia) Federation. The influential leader Lee Kuan Yew elevated his country from a backwater to first world status. Discover values contributing to Singapore's success, as I was fortunate enough to experience during my expat days living and working there.
Inside Alcatraz
Alcatraz has always fascinated me. Although known as a maximum security prison this only forms part of its long term history. I was motivated to research "The Rock" after seeing the movie "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood. In this talk I share its timeline, interesting features, and life as an inmate, through to the tourist attraction that it is today.
Heroes and Villains of the Titanic
This fascinating talk with a twist covers Titanic's journey from the moment she was conceived until after her demise. As with most catastrophes, blame is seldom apportioned to just one individual. I not only identify those responsible for Titanic’s misfortune but also those unsung heroes who came to the rescue.
The Titanic - What might have been
As with most catastrophes there are usually a number of factors to blame. The sinking of the Titanic was no exception. In this talk I reveal the blunders that contributed to her demise on 15 April 1912 and how they could have been avoided.
Chris Barnard - Surgeon Extrordinaire
In famously performing the world’s first heart transplant, South Africa’s Chris Barnard was far more than a talented heart surgeon. I share his contributions to medicine beyond his specialist field of cardiac surgery, not forgetting some of his notorious exploits with the opposite sex!
The Advent of Open Heart Surgery
Open heart surgery only became viable following the invention of the blood oxygenator, forerunner of what is today known as the heart lung machine. Walton Lillehei of the University of Minnesota was instrumental in its development and application. I share the role he and others played in advancing open heart surgery during the twentieth century.
The Rise and Fall of Concorde
Concorde flew through a period of ups and downs during her thirty year existence, leading to her withdrawal from service in 2003. I share her life's roller coaster ride including some of the lesser known factors that contributed to her demise.
The Crime of the 20th Century
The Great Train Robbery of 1963, dubbed "The Crime of the Century" was a brazen attack on the Glasgow to London mail train that used to convey huge quantities of bank notes. Sixteen gang members successfully stopped the train and relieved it of most of its precious cargo. In this talk I share how the robbery was planned and executed, followed by the tracking down and arrest of those responsible.
The Death Railway
In World War II, allied soldiers were captured by the Japanese during the invasion of South East Asian countries. Many were transported to Thailand and put to work on the Thai-Burma railway under terribly harsh conditions. I share the horrific details of the construction of what became known as the infamous "Death Railway" and its eventual demise.
Hell Ship to Japan
Many allied prisoners of war (POW) taken by the Japanese in South East Asia during WWII were put to work under extremely harsh conditions on the Thai Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway. On completion of the railway, some POWs were retained in Thailand for maintenance purposes, while the rest were transported to Japan to work on coal mines in the south. This sequel to my talk on the Death Railway covers the journey of these POWs from Thailand to Japan, the hardship they experienced until the Japanese surrender and finally, their return back home.
The Amazing Cocount
The coconut tree is the most useful tree on this planet, with its trunk, foliage and fruit having a wide range of uses that benefit us in our daily lives. I share how the components of its fruit, when separated and processed yield a range of chemicals with unique properties. You’ll learn how these add value to our daily lives.
Vietnam's Wars
Over the centuries Vietnam experienced a number of wars, the most famous of course being America's encounter with the Viet Cong during the 50s and 60s. Prior to this there had also been several conflicts with French colonialists. Vietnams history is traced through these conflicts resulting in its independence and relative peace.
Asian Etiquette - what they don't tell you in travel guides
This humorous account of how foreigners often "get it wrong" when interacting with Asians provides useful tips on key "need to know" aspects of appropriate behaviour, when travelling around Asia. I share insights into the value of being attuned to the differing ways of Asian cultures.
Surviving Chinese Etiquette
Wherever you travel in the world, and especially in Asia, one will inevitably end up interacting with Chinese. One way of establishing good relationships with Chinese (and other Asians) is being aware of, and compliant with their etiquette. Humorous but valuable stories relating to key aspects of Chinese etiquette are shared in this highly entertaining presentation.
A Gaijin in Japan
Follow the exploits of me, a Gaijin (foreign person) during my frequent trips to Japan on business and holiday purposes. Gain insights into the ways of life of ordinary working Japanese ("salary man") in the Land of the Rising Sun, through amusing but valuable accounts of his experiences.
Keynotes
Keynote Adresses
My keynote addresses and speeches typically last for 30 - 45 minutes appropriate for most audiences. I have chosen topics that are enlightening and designed to motivate my audiences towards a more rewarding and happy life. I am available to deliver any of these at your next function, whether it is a corporate event, a club or association lunch or dinner function.
Communicating Across Cultures
In this keynote I explain how cultures differ, the value of "Cultural Intelligence" in business, and how it can be leveraged successfully when interacting with other cultures. This is aimed primarily at business people working in the global environment, but may also be of interest to world travelers.
Watch Your Back at Work
All too often we fail to take care of our backs in the proper way - final result? Acute and chronic back pain! As a previous back pain sufferer I share some lesser known tips on how to care for your back, not only in the workplace, but also in everyday life.
Connect With Colours
Everyone has a preferred way of receiving and processing information. When messages are transmitted in a manner that are aligned with the receiver's thinking preference, the better the "connection." In this keynote I "dissect" the human brain and categorise these preferences into four "colours" You will learn how these differ from person to person, and how to improve your communication skills.
Bounce Back From Adversity
We are all faced with challenges that arise from time to time. Hopefully they are small and short lived. But how do you cope when they are not? How do you remain resilient during tough uncertain times? In this talk I provide inspiring ideas on how to survive the "Tough Times College."
Goal Oriented Retirement
Becoming "Financially Free" after retirement, means aligning your retirement capital and income with the type of lifestyle you strive for. But how much is enough, and what kind of lifestyle really awaits you? In this talk I present my techniques for a happy, balanced and financially secure lifestyle during your golden years.
Workshops
Workshops
I provide an exciting range of half day seminars and full day workshops that share valuable learning nuggets towards a better, more confident you. Feel free to scroll down and browse what awaits you!
Going Global With Cultural Intelligence
Build better relationships with citizens of the global village by speaking their “language.” In this workshop I describe how cultures differ around the world, highlighting the value of modifying ones behaviour and style of communication when interacting with people from other lands.
Speaking on the Spot
How often are you stuck for words when put on the spot to speak up? Are you able to respond confidently and competently, or do you find yourself lost for words? During this interactive workshop I'll share useful tips and tricks to overcome the fear of public speaking.
Connect with Colours
Everyone has a preferred way of receiving and processing information. The Whole Brain Model divides these preferences into four main categories that are markedly different. In this talk I ""dissect" the brain into four quadrants, highlighting their differences via a colour code and how they can be leveraged for improved communication between people of different "colour."
Goal Oriented Retirement Planning
"Financially free" post retirement, means packaging your retirement capital and income with the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy. But how much is enough, and what kind of lifestyle really awaits you? In this seminar cum workshop I propose my proven fool proof way of achieving this objective.
The New Leaders Academy
The New Leaders Academy is a series of short seminars aimed at boosting the awareness of students about the value of great leadership and its components. On completion of the programme, school and university leavers will be equipped with useful leadership tools to advance both their working and social lives..
Charities
My Designated Charities
The net proceeds from my keynotes, workshops and talks are donated to several charities that I support. I am passionate about domestic animals, most of all my loving dog "Chase." These charities are run by amazing people for whom I have huge respect. By supporting me, you are supporting them.
Clips of Performances
Publications
This is my first book on Asian etiquette, written specifically for Western business people when travelling to Asia.
Read MoreContact Me
If I can be of service to you at your next event or if you would like to experience any of my talks or workshops please connect with me using this contact form.