Lorne Sulcas: The Big Cat Guy

Lorne Sulcas, “The Big Cat Guy,” delivers high-impact motivational keynotes that draw on the real-world lessons of lions, leopards, and cheetahs to inspire leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Lorne Sulcas - Wildlife Leadership

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Lorne Sulcas taps into the primal wisdom of Africa’s big cats to deliver transformative insights on leadership, resilience, and adaptability.
  • Lorne’s keynotes are immersive experiences that transport audiences to the heart of the wild.
  • Authenticity is at the core of his message, as he shares raw and unfiltered stories from his own encounters in the wild.
  • By distilling the strategies of Africa’s apex predators into practical lessons, he equips audiences with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Formats: Keynote (45–60 minutes), Session host, Breakout talk, Virtual talk, Family-friendly assembly

Audience: Corporate teams, leadership conferences, sales organizations, education groups, and conservation events seeking motivational content rooted in storytelling, strategy, and inspiration.

Outcomes:
  1. Sharper risk assessment and situational awareness.
  2. Memorable leadership metaphors to improve team decision making.
  3. Greater empathy and stewardship mindset.
  • Bio Reading Time: 2 min
  • Full Bio Word Count: 342
Reviews: (8 reviews)
Rated 5 out of 5
  • Travels from: Kommetjie

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

A trusted motivational keynote speaker who gets results

Lorne Sulcas is an international motivational keynote speaker who speaks at meetings and events all over the world, from small- to medium-sized businesses to organizational giants like NASA and The World Bank.  Lorne has established his trusted reputation on referrals.

He has spoken to organizations on five continents. And he gets called back. Across the globe. He has worked with employees and executives of organizations from Sony to AT&T to Rolls Royce.

He has been featured on CNN. He is an internationally award-winning wildlife photographer.

Lorne is not your average motivational keynote speaker.  He knows what it takes to thrive in the face of massive change, challenges, and competition. Because he has years of real-world experience…

In the corporate ‘jungle’ as a leadership trainer, and in the real jungle as a game ranger, tracking and photographing Africa’s Big Cats for almost a decade.

Today The Big Cat Guy delivers motivational talks all over the planet on the potent leadership and teamwork success secrets from these awesome and eternally successful super-predators that we can apply to thrive in the face of the change, challenges and competition we all face every day.

Take-Away Message #2

Relevant to your audience

Motivational keynote speaker Lorne Sulcas partners with teams, employees and executives around the planet on leadership, teamwork, and sustaining competitive advantage in the face of competition, change, and challenges.

If you’re having a conference, ‘in-house’ event or retreat, Lorne’s game-changing sessions are designed to help your team triumph in the face of competition, your leadership navigate change, or your sales force to ‘hunt’ new business.

And each keynote is different.  Because every event and every organization is different. Lorne will customize his content to address your specific organizational context and to meet the needs of your event.

Talent Short Bio

Lorne Sulcas, known as The Big Cat Guy, combines firsthand wildlife experience with lessons in leadership and risk. His storytelling, drawn from years working with and studying big cats, gives audiences vivid metaphors for situational awareness, decision making under pressure, and resilient leadership.

Lorne translates conservation and animal-handling scenarios into practical advice for teams facing complexity and uncertainty. He balances entertainment with takeaways leaders can apply immediately, and his sessions are ideal for conferences seeking a fresh, memorable leadership angle.

Lorne’s delivery is high energy and accessible to general audiences while still offering strategic depth for executive groups. He can customise material to emphasise safety, risk mitigation, or cultural leadership depending on client goals.

Meet Lorne Sulcas – The Big Cat Guy, an unconventional motivational speaker who stands out from the crowd. With a career spanning since 1996, Lorne Sulcas has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, captivating audiences with his unique approach to motivational speaking. His presentations, under the banner of Thriving in a Wild World™, offer invaluable insights derived from the majestic creatures of Africa – the Big Cats. These insights have consistently left audiences inspired and empowered to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Lorne Sulcas is more than just a speaker; he is a seasoned expert in leadership, resilience, and thriving amidst adversity. His expertise stems from decades of studying and observing Africa’s Big Cats, the epitome of strength, resilience, and adaptability. Drawing parallels between the behavior of these magnificent creatures and the challenges faced by individuals and organizations, Sulcas offers profound insights into overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

With a background in wildlife conservation and a passion for understanding the intricacies of the animal kingdom, Sulcas brings a unique perspective to the world of motivational speaking. His ability to translate the survival strategies of Big Cats into practical lessons for human endeavors sets him apart as a speaker of unparalleled distinction.

Through captivating storytelling and real-life examples, Sulcas effortlessly engages audiences, leaving them spellbound and motivated to implement positive change in their lives. His presentations are not just informative; they are transformative experiences that leave a lasting impact on attendees, inspiring them to embrace change and unlock their full potential.

In a world inundated with motivational speakers, Lorne Sulcas stands out as a true visionary. His ability to translate the timeless wisdom of Africa’s Big Cats into actionable strategies for success has earned him acclaim on the global stage. With a compelling blend of storytelling, expertise, and practical insights, Lorne Sulcas inspires audiences to thrive in their own ‘wild worlds.’ Book him through Speakers Inc for an unforgettable and transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on your organization.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and view our International site

Talent Videos

Helping Us Thrive in a Wild World

Lorne Sulcas, the “Big Cat Guy,” reveals how lessons from lions, leopards, and cheetahs can transform teamwork, leadership, and performance in today’s competitive world.

In this keynote, Lorne Sulcas shares how years of studying Africa’s apex predators shaped his insights into resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Just as lions, leopards, and cheetahs face brutal change and fierce competition daily, organizations too must navigate constant disruption.

Audience members describe his talk as “captivating, insightful, and energizing,” highlighting his ability to link survival strategies in the wild with challenges in business, sport, and personal life. Sulcas stresses that hunger, vision, and collective commitment drive high-performing teams whether on the savanna or in the boardroom.

Key Moments

00:15 – Introduction: Lorne Sulcas as “The Big Cat Guy”
01:00 – Research into lions, leopards, and cheetahs as survival masters
02:20 – Parallels between nature’s competition and business competition
04:00 – Audience reactions: inspiring, motivating, and practical takeaways
06:15 – Lessons in teamwork: hunger, vision, and unity of purpose
08:00 – Relevance to corporate, sports, and personal performance
10:00 – Closing reflections: stepping out of comfort zones to achieve results

Lorne Sulcas (“The Big Cat Guy”) tells the unforgettable story of Stalking Nyalala, a resilient female leopard in Kruger National Park, revealing powerful lessons about adaptability, perseverance, and opportunity in the face of constant change.

In this talk, Lorne shares his years working with expert tracker Enoch and their encounters with Sticking Nyalala, a small but formidable leopard with a limp. Despite her disadvantage, she became one of the most successful hunters he ever observed.

Her story illustrates critical business and life lessons:

  • Even at the top of the food chain, complacency is fatal.
  • Every new opportunity comes with shifting challenges.
  • Adaptability and persistence turn setbacks into victories.

From watching her stalk impalas to patiently waiting at a termite mound “drive-through,” Lorne translates her survival strategies into practical insights for leaders and teams facing disruption.

Key Moments

00:20 – Introduction: life as a ranger and working with tracker Enoch
02:10 – Meeting Stalking Nyalala: small, limping but deadly resilient leopard
04:00 – Close encounters: trust and proximity in the wild
06:15 – Observing her hunts and understanding Impala as core prey
08:30 – Lessons from failed hunts: never paralyzed by setbacks

Lorne Sulcas (“The Big Cat Guy”) shares powerful lessons from lions, leopards, and cheetahs on how to thrive in a competitive, fast-changing world—whether in business, leadership, or life.

Introduced as part of the Speakers Inc Global Showcase, Lorne brings his experience as a former game ranger and big cat researcher into a keynote that blends wildlife storytelling with practical strategies for organizational success.

He explains how:

  • Lions thrive through teamwork, trust, and clarity of focus.
  • Exceptional results require every member of the team to contribute at full strength.
  • Facing massive challenges like lions hunting buffalo forces individuals and teams out of their comfort zones, creating focus and growth.

In nature, as in business, complacency is deadly; survival depends on strategy, adaptability, and action.
Audience Q&A explores fear in the wild, patience in the hunt, and the differences between lions, leopards, and cheetahs—all offering metaphors for resilience, vision, and performance in corporate and personal arenas.

Key Moments

00:00 – Host introduction: Speakers Inc Global Showcase, featuring Lorne Sulcas
03:00 – Lorne’s background: game ranger, wildlife photographer, keynote speaker
06:00 – Tracking big cats: lessons from the African bush
08:30 – Competition in nature mirrors competition in business
12:00 – Lions and teamwork: trust, clarity, and synergy
16:30 – Hunting buffalo: focus, collaboration, and stepping outside the comfort zone
21:00 – Key message: challenges = opportunities for growth and results

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Client Reviews

Talent FAQ's

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.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

Yes. He maps wildlife scenarios to leadership and risk frameworks.

No special animal handling is needed; standard AV and storytelling setup are enough.

Yes. Family-friendly and school sessions are available.

Talent Resources

For Meeting Planners

This PowerPoint slide above is designed for meeting planners.

Register for FREE and simply click the URL link for automatic download of the PPTX slide.

We have created a simple “ABOUT” single slide which you can instantly insert into your pitch deck when submitting speaker proposals.

Features:

  • video links,
  • short concise bio
  • Book images and
  • topic list.

Talent Gallery

View further speakers

Ian Russell-3

Ian Russell is currently an independent, freelance business advisor, speaker, and professional non-executive director. With a career steeped in leadership, innovation, and strategic vision, Ian brings a wealth of experience to the forefront of corporate dialogue. His most recent corporate tenure as CEO of BCX, Africa’s largest technology company, underscores his capability to navigate complex […]

  • Cape Town, WC
  • Digital Disruption
  • 5 (1)
Wendy Mahoney - Redefining Business Innovation

Wendy Mahoney corporate positions include; Executive Director European Times, Director Sales and Marketing CNBC and Forbes Africa, General Manager Sales Trudon South Africa and Director Trudon Namibia. Wendy now heads Newmella Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a Global Business Innovation Consultancy focused on growing the profit of companies by enabling and inspiring them to innovate at a […]

  • Durban, KZN
  • Behavioural Specialist
  • 5 (1)

John Smit, a name synonymous with resilience and leadership in the rugby world, stands as one of South Africa’s most revered sports figures. As the 50th captain of the Springbok rugby union team, Smit’s tenure was marked by unparalleled dedication and a series of historic victories that have etched his name into the annals of […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Rugby Legend
  • 5 (6)

Rob Caskie shares his Stories of human trials and triumphs never go out of vogue, and mesmerising storyteller extraordinaire, with his walking stick and trademark shorts, brings them alive like no other.

  • Cape Town, WC
  • Inspiring Storyteller

With a commanding presence and an unwavering commitment to education, Professor Jonathan Jansen stands as a beacon of inspiration within the academic community. As a distinguished South African leader, he embodies the essence of resilience, intellect, and compassion. His journey, marked by transformative leadership and profound insights, has positioned him as a sought-after speaker globally. […]

  • Cape Town, WC
  • Leadership

Professor Nick Binedell is the founding director and current professor of the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and a leadership speaker. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington in Seattle, where he was a Boeing Scholar, an MBA from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Commerce […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Leadership Speaker

Mpho Matsitse is an award-winning global keynote speaker and one of Africa’s most dynamic voices on leadership, growth strategy, and digital transformation. A Harvard-Certified Executive and Inspirational Leader of the Year Award recipient, he has spent over 15 years helping organizations, governments, and innovators worldwide reimagine how people, technology, and purpose converge to unlock growth […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Change Navigator

Nosipho Siwisa-Damasane is a force to be reckoned with. Described in Finding the Woman Within:  How to thrive in a male dominated society as being a shatterer of glass ceilings and someone who rewrote the rules, she has won multiple awards which have honoured her work as CEO of a variety of highly recognised companies. […]

  • Johannesburg
  • Woman Empowerment
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

speakers inc
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.