Trainer • Motivational Speaker • Growth Strategist • Facilitator • Entrepreneur Coach
Corporate teams, entrepreneurs, small business owners, professional development groups and organisations seeking mindset, skills upliftment and high-energy motivation.
Cherona D is a renowned South African trainer, growth strategist and motivational thought leader who has been inspiring audiences since launching her training and development business at just 22 years old. A Microsoft Master Instructor and seasoned skills facilitator, she has personally trained an estimated 7 000 delegates across sectors, consistently empowering people with the tools, confidence and clarity needed to accelerate their growth.
Widely known as a “skills influencer” and the pom-pom girl for growth, Cherona brings infectious energy and sharp insight to every room she enters. Her ability to translate complex learning into relatable stories has made her a sought-after speaker for both corporate and entrepreneurial audiences. She is the author of I AM A PURPOSEPRENEUR, a standout book that explores the real, often uncomfortable journey of aligning passion, purpose and business impact. Through this work, she champions the mindset and behaviours required to build a life and career rooted in purpose.
Cherona’s entrepreneurial expertise spans multiple industries, enabling her to mentor and guide emerging business owners—from civil engineers to beauty salon founders—in launching and scaling their ventures. Her approach blends practical business acumen with deep personal development principles, offering a holistic pathway to sustainable growth.
At the age of 22, Cherona D started a training and development business as a Microsoft Master Instructor and skills facilitator.
She has trained approximately 300 delegates per year since, estimating a total of 7000 hands and hearts which she has influenced personally and professionally.
Dubbed a skills influencer and thought leader, Cherona D is the pom-pom girl for growth, motivating and mobilising audiences nationwide.
Author of I AM A PURPOSEPRENEUR (Available at Exclusive Books, Bargain Books and most book retailers): With her effortless storytelling abilities and entrepreneurial spirit, Cherona shares the journey of being a Purposepreneur.
The non-traditional and often times cringe-worthy learning. Her mandate is to encourage and motivate individuals and corporate clients alike.
Cherona D is passionate about growth and has assisted numerous entrepreneurs to get their business and dreams off the ground. With her vast business knowledge spanning multiple industries, she has assisted civil engineers to beauty salon owners.
Cherona D is a NLP Practitioner accredited with IANLPC (International Association of NLP Coaches)
Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Techniques Practitioner for Stress Management in Business, endorsed by ILM – the Institute of Leadership and Management (a division of City & Guilds), registered with CMA (Complementary Medical Association).
As a speaker her niche is addressing topics that touch on Growth, Influence & Resilience. She is known for her humour on stage and engages audiences with practical tools to grow, whilst sharing her own, often times, and traumatic life experiences.
Her talk, Mountains and Multifocals launched in 2019, and this keynote has had many an audience in fits of laughter as Cherona D touches on the everyday challenges of life, business and the mortifying signs of turning 40!
Cherona D has experienced life in many shapes and forms. She is mom to two boys facing their own unique challenges, one living with high functioning anxiety and the other, Tourette Syndrome.
She has conquered three seasons of Cancer and mastered the art of treatment, wigs and turbans. 2017 was one of the most traumatic and life-altering for Cherona as she navigated the slippery slopes of her dad being murdered in the home she was raised in.
This recovering perfectionist and no-longer validation seeker, will relate and capture the hearts and attention of many an audience.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
This 5m37 motivational showcase captures Cherona D’s signature blend of humour, authenticity and practical insight as she reflects on personal growth, professional evolution and the challenges that shaped her keynote voice. She opens by emphasising the modern expectation for speakers to add value quickly—within 15 to 30 seconds—and encourages leaders to clarify the problem they solve, the value they offer and the outcome they create.
Cherona reflects on her early entrepreneurial journey, recounting how she founded her training and development company in 2000 despite being a complete newcomer to business. She humorously recalls not even knowing how to register as a vendor, yet having the confidence to pitch in-house training to one of the country’s largest companies. This sets the tone for her perspective on growth: complex in concept, but far more attainable than most people realise when aligned with personal values, communication and accountability.
Her keynote energy shines through anecdotes about failed launches, organisational value confusion and the relatable messiness of ambition. She shares moments of vulnerability—including her fear of being on video due to nerve damage from radiation treatment and surgeries—explaining how her personal insecurities hindered her professional opportunities. With honesty and levity, she reveals the anxiety she faced before events, especially when cameras or journalists were present.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
