This dynamic 45-minute keynote introduces mental fitness as the foundation for peak performance, emotional agility, and sustainable leadership. Combining neuroscience, the Positive Intelligence (PQ) framework, and endurance sports wisdom, Liezel equips professionals with science-backed tools to train their minds for clarity under pressure, faster recovery from setbacks, and resilience in high-stakes environments.
Key Takeaways:
When you’re not mentally fit, you feel mental stress — anxiety, frustration, or unhappiness — as you handle work and relationship challenges. The bad news is that 80% of people score below the minimum level of mental fitness required for peak performance and happiness. The great news? With recent breakthroughs in neuroscience and technology, you can now improve your mental fitness significantly within 6 weeks of practice.
During this session, you’ll get a sneak peek at what’s standing in your own way of peak performance and happiness and how to begin to move forward.
During this workshop you will gain insight on:
That’s what Liezel van der Westhuizen was told when she set her sights on conquering the Ironman Triathlon—a grueling event that combines a 3.8km sea swim, a 180km cycle, and a 42.2km marathon, all within 17 hours. Rather than letting doubt and criticism stand in her way, Liezel harnessed it to fuel her determination. She crossed that finish line and silenced the skeptics.
Her journey didn’t end there. As she geared up for the Dusi Canoe Marathon, which spans approximately 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) along the Dusi River from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, she faced another obstacle the following year. “Haven’t you learned your lesson?” they questioned her. Her reply was straightforward: “I’m just learning, but I’m not stopping.” This attitude propelled her through remarkable achievements, such as guiding a blind athlete across the Himalayas at 16,500 feet on a tandem bicycle during an inclusive biking expedition from Manali in India to Khardungla, the world’s highest motorable road.
The journey from Manali at 6,500 feet to Khardungla at 18,350 feet showcased the strength of human connection and courage. Additionally, she bravely tackled the chilly 11°C waters of the Robben Island Freedom Swim, an extreme 7.5-kilometer (4.7-mile) open water race from Robben Island to Big Bay, Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, South Africa.
From prestigious financial institutions to tourism boards and leading sports brands, Liezel’s versatility and skill in connecting with diverse audiences have made her a trusted name across multiple industries. Her ability to seamlessly adapt and engage with true understanding and warmth, across sectors, is a hallmark of her career in public speaking
In recent years, Liezel has soared to new heights as an MC, marked by major engagements in Hong Kong, Venice, Romania, Seychelles, Bali, and the United Kingdom, as well as China.
Liezel van der Westhuizen is fondly nicknamed “The Giraffe” is a celebrated global emcee, keynote speaker, mental fitness coach, and personal branding expert. Holding a BCom in Human Resources, with Honours and a Master’s in Business Communication, she balances academic rigor with entertaining presence. She began her journey behind the scenes in radio and PR, including leadership roles at Tuks FM, Jacaranda FM, and Virgin Music, where she promoted international music icons. She then transitioned on-screen, becoming the second woman globally to host Idols South Africa and earning recognition as a fresh, commanding media presence.
She has masterfully facilitated over 3,000 events across continents from financial institutions to tourism boards and graced stages from South Africa to Asia and Europe. Her hosting style combines sharp wit, empathy, and seamless flow, honed through advanced training as a Mental Fitness Coach, Mindvalley Business Coach, and Laughter Yoga Teacher. Liezel also coaches leaders and teams to elevate personal branding, boost team wellness, and unlock resilience through keynote themes like Break Through Self-Sabotage, Unstoppable Resilience, Laughter Yoga for Teams, and Future‑Proof Your Brand.
Her energy is legendary on broadcast, stage, or training rooms making Liezel a sought‑after partner to bring intelligence, authenticity, and inspiration to any event.
The energetic, empowering, sharp-witted, and dynamically skilled talent of Liezel van der Westhuizen brings life and success to events, television & radio shows, and entrepreneurial journeys worldwide.
Seasoned and very much in demand, it is fascinating that the towering communication talent, nicknamed ‘The Giraffe’ in The Sunday Times, was "discovered" in a behind-the-scenes gig by a radio station program manager. At the time, Liezel van der Westhuizen was working at Jacaranda FM, and also making some noise as an Announcer in a local store. Not one to fear anything – especially hard work – this voiceover artist was also successfully multitasking as a proficient Public Relations Manager at Virgin Music.
Beyond being on some of the most listened-to airwaves, Liezel van der Westhuizen also became a household name after an impressive stint as the presenter of the hit South African music competition show, ‘Idols’. She has captivated audiences the world over for years as a global Emcee, Certified Executive Business, and Mental Fitness Coach, Motivational Speaker (specializing in Mental and business coaching) and doing effective Speaker Training.
Liezel’s passion for education and communication is evident through her acquisition of three degrees which have been invaluable in laying the groundwork for a rewarding and award- winning career.
She has successfully attained degrees in Human Resources Management (BCom), a B. Com Honours, and a Master’s degree in Business Communications. Liezel is also a certified Mindvalley Business Coach as well as a Mental Fitness Coach working with sales managers; high performers and execs in the business world. ; Levelling up on her experience, ‘The Giraffe’ is also adept at Reputation Management that has seen the talent she managed reach new & positive heights, as reflected in her successful work with clients like Lenny Kravitz, Atomic Kitten, and Sara Brightman; Kelis, Backstreet Boys, Mandoza, and Watershed.
A relaxed smile, incomparable work ethic, and an impeccable style have resulted in Liezel being one of the most sought-after talents, both locally and internationally.
. Liezel has successfully hosted more than 5 000 events across South Africa, as well as in popular eventing destinations such as Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Romania, Bali, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Seychelles – all this, since launching her Presenting career in South Africa, ten years ago!
Through her inspirational journey which has led her to tower above the competition, Liezel van der Westhuizen is still a hot commodity who has, and still is, being invited to do Motivational Talks and deliver Keynote Addresses. She successfully motivates, coaches, and inspires.
With her impactful and consistently relevant Talks and Keynotes, Liezel van der Westhuizen has successfully positioned her audience to be turbocharged with a positive outlook, actionable intel, and an essential knowledge toolkit.
With just a mic in her orbit and passion running through her veins, Liezel van der Westhuizen can inspire people even in fitness and dance situations. She’s a history-maker as the second woman in the world to present a music competition television show called ‘Idols’, and then subsequently becoming a familiar face on the popular reality show in seasons five and six too.
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A1. Absolutely—her bilingual ability makes her highly adaptable and inclusive.
A2. Yes—she brings seamless hosting and impactful insights on branding and wellness.
A3. Yes—her portfolio spans finance, tourism, broadcast, youth leadership, and global conferences.
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