This keynote tells the story of Veldskoen, from startup to where it is now.
The core message of the speech is to share that anything is possible with enthusiasm and hard work. Amazing things are possible in South Africa if you stay positive
Everyday, entrepreneurs, teams and organizations are faced with the challenge of being creative.
Of course it’s possible to outsource creativity which from an execution perspective is highly recommended (hire a great designer) but it’s important to know what you are looking at.
What are the simple principles of creativity we can use to make really good decisions?
Bad culture creeps up and takes over, when it’s set in an organization it’s really tough to diagnose problem areas and even harder to treat.
We developed a set of values that are baked into the culture of Veldskoen, easy to articulate and understand, easy to manage.
Nick Dreyer is the co-founder and CEO behind Veldskoen Shoes, the proudly South African footwear brand that has grown from a tiny Cape Town office into an international success story spanning 32 countries. Known for his infectious energy, strategic clarity, and passion for authentic storytelling, Nick shares a journey that demonstrates how a simple idea—executed with purpose and relentless determination—can become a global phenomenon.
Nick’s entrepreneurial path began with a bold desire to showcase South African craftsmanship on the world stage. By reimagining the iconic veldskoen for modern consumers, he helped establish Veldskoen as a symbol of innovation, cultural pride, and sustainable design. Under his leadership, the company has not only revolutionized a heritage product but also set new standards for brand storytelling, customer connection, and values-driven entrepreneurship.
Nick Dreyer is the entrepreneurial force behind Veldskoen Shoes, a proudly South African brand that has stepped into the global spotlight. From a modest 2×2 meter office in Cape Town, Nick co-founded and grew Veldskoen into an internationally recognized footwear label now selling in 32 countries. His journey reflects not only business acumen but a deeper mission—to redefine what it means to build a global brand rooted in local identity, sustainability, and authentic storytelling.
As a keynote speaker, Nick Dreyer brings that same bold vision and passion for innovation to the stage. He captivates audiences by unpacking how a simple idea, executed with heart and hustle, can transform into a business that resonates with people across borders and cultures. Whether speaking to budding entrepreneurs, business leaders, or creative disruptors, Nick’s story is one of grit, inspiration, and the power of purpose-driven branding.
Nick Dreyer’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to showcase South African craftsmanship to the world. In co-founding Veldskoen Shoes, he tapped into an iconic symbol of South African culture—the veldskoen, a traditional leather shoe—and reinvented it for the modern global consumer. With a keen eye for design, brand strategy, and scalable growth, Nick helped build a company that stands as a beacon of innovation in both fashion and entrepreneurship.
His approach to business centers on storytelling, authenticity, and value-driven leadership. By marrying South African heritage with contemporary flair, Nick Dreyer turned a humble product into a cultural ambassador that walks the streets of New York, London, Sydney, and beyond. His success is not just measured by sales or market reach, but by the deeper connection his brand fosters with customers around the globe.
Nick’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and conscious capitalism. He’s an advocate for responsible sourcing and local production, ensuring Veldskoen’s growth doesn’t come at the expense of community or environment. He often speaks on the importance of staying true to your roots while scaling globally, and how every startup can become a storyteller for its origin.
Through media appearances, interviews, and podcasts, Nick Dreyer has become a sought-after voice in the global business community. His insights have been featured in top business publications and his strategies dissected by marketing professionals and entrepreneurs alike. His compelling narrative and proven track record make him an invaluable speaker at leadership forums, startup events, and innovation summits.
Nick Dreyer is more than just a successful entrepreneur—he’s a modern-day brand alchemist. From humble beginnings to helming a global movement in footwear, he has carved out a niche that blends purpose, profit, and pride. His story empowers others to dream big, act boldly, and build businesses that matter.
With his compelling blend of experience, authenticity, and visionary insight, Nick is an ideal keynote speaker for events focused on entrepreneurship, branding, innovation, and sustainable growth. Book him to ignite your audience and leave them walking away inspired, energized, and ready to step into their own greatness.
Nick is passionate about sharing the Veldskoen story, it is filled with hope and lessons of encouragement for everyone interested in business.
He has developed a number of keynote speeches that unpack the story, the lessons and the simple tools that they have found successful.
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This one minute thirteen second video offers a concise and inspiring look at Veldskoen’s unexpected journey to the Olympic Games. Narrated through fast-paced visuals and brand-led storytelling, the clip highlights how a proudly South African shoe—rooted in heritage craftsmanship—found its way onto one of the world’s biggest global platforms.
Nick Dreyer shares how the idea to reinvent the classic veldskoen evolved into a meaningful brand moment: outfitting members of Team South Africa for the Olympic opening ceremony. The video reflects the company’s belief in creativity, cultural pride, and purposeful design. Even in its short runtime, the story communicates the significance of representing South Africa on an international stage and the emotional impact it had on the team behind the brand.
00:15–00:35 Story of how the reinvented veldskoen became part of Team South Africa’s Olympic attire.
00:35–00:55 Visuals of the shoes, event atmosphere, and the emotional significance for the brand team.
00:55–01:13 Closing reflections highlighting pride, heritage, and Veldskoen’s global journey.
This three minute fifty-six second video provides an energetic, behind-the-scenes look at how Veldskoen became the official footwear sponsor for the South African Olympic team. Nick Dreyer walks viewers through the origin of the idea, the urgency of the opportunity, and the brand’s determination to create something meaningful and authentically South African for one of the world’s most watched events.
The video explains how Veldskoen received a last-minute invitation to propose footwear for Team South Africa’s opening ceremony look. With limited time and high expectations, the team quickly moved from concept to prototype, focusing on creating a shoe that blended comfort, heritage design, and modern appeal. Nick shares how the brand’s signature brightly coloured soles became a symbolic expression of South African spirit on a global stage.
The clip includes footage of the shoes being produced, scenes from the Olympics, and commentary on the emotional significance of watching athletes walk in footwear created by a small South African team. It reflects the pride, hustle, and creativity that shaped the project, and shows how the Olympic partnership became a defining milestone for the Veldskoen brand.
00:40–01:25 Rapid concept development and creating a design that reflects South African heritage.
01:25–02:25 Production process, colour choices, and the importance of comfort and aesthetic impact.
02:25–03:20 Highlights of the Olympic opening ceremony featuring Team SA in Veldskoen.
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.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
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.
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 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.
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.
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Features:
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