Keynote Speaker (45–60 min) | Conference Host | Panel Moderator | Media Commentator
Corporate leaders, executives, investors, financial professionals, and general audiences seeking economic clarity, inspiration, and actionable insights.
Keynote Topics
“Rebels, Renegades and Problem Solvers is a brand new talk about South Africa and why it is a great place for anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset.
It incorporates individual case studies gleaned from financial journalist Bruce Whitfield’s two-decades of award-winning reporting on the political economy in one of the most complex societies on earth.
Rebels, Renegades and Problem Solvers analyses why some not only survive but succeed despite considerable volatility and uncertainty. Bruce Whitfield brings to life inspiring stories from some of SA’s most dynamic and diverse entrepreneurs.
It creates a sober, yet uplifting perspective on the challenges facing SA right now and how some of it’s smartest citizens are navigating the complexity of the current business environment.”
The Upside of Down is a 45 minute talk from Bruce Whitfield that takes audiences on a roller coaster ride through 50 years of South African history to provide some context to today’s troubles.
Nenegeddon was not the end. What felt cataclysmic at the time of Nhlanhla Nene’s firing in December 2015 is actually proving to be a catalyst for change – a slow and painful catalyst – but a catalyst nevertheless.
South African’s have prospered despite the noise and the chaos over more than five decades. While many feel down in the dumps, we can survived considerably worse. All you have to do to verify that claim is ready history books.
As a Financial journalist, author and broadcaster Bruce has been studying companies and those that lead them for nearly 25 years.
He has learnt that great leaders position their businesses ahead of rivals to capitalize on opportunities that emerge in times of stress and disruption. That enables them to seize opportunities, often hidden in plain sight.
Building any kind of enterprise in an increasingly digital, AI driven, fiercely competitive environment is hard, and success is never guaranteed.
You will often hear: “they were just in the right place at the right time”, or that their timing was “lucky” or they got a “lucky break” or that they were “just born lucky.”
Luck is not a single, random event. It can and must be cultivated and exploited.
How to Get Lucky: Where Strategy, Opportunism and Grit Collide, is drawn from the most critical lessons he has distilled through analysing successful global businesses for more than two decades.
It is the perfect antidote to the prevailing negative sentiment afflicting many economies around the world as fears of recession and stagflation undermine leaders’ ability to shape their growth strategies for the future.
This talk is useful to all organisations looking to align their teams for growth.
Bruce Whitfield is one of South Africa’s most respected voices in financial journalism, celebrated for his ability to transform complex financial and economic concepts into compelling, accessible stories. With a career spanning decades, Bruce has built a reputation across radio, television, and print as a trusted authority on markets, personal finance, and global economics.
A graduate of Columbia Journalism School in New York, Bruce has won multiple prestigious awards, including Sanlam Financial Journalist of the Year (twice) and the Citadel Words on Money Overall Winner for personal finance writing. His insights have informed millions of listeners and readers, from seasoned executives to everyday professionals navigating financial challenges.
What sets Bruce apart is not just his technical expertise but his storytelling genius. He captivates audiences with narratives that breathe life into market trends, economic shifts, and business developments, making them relatable and relevant. Whether on his flagship radio show, through television analysis, or in keynote talks, Bruce delivers clarity, perspective, and inspiration.
Bruce Whitfield is a name synonymous with excellence in financial journalism. Renowned for his insightful analysis and captivating storytelling, Bruce has garnered widespread acclaim throughout his career. With a string of prestigious awards to his name, including being named Sanlam Financial Journalist of the Year twice and winning the Citadel Words on Money Overall Winner for personal finance writing, Bruce is a respected figure in the industry. His dedication to his craft has not only earned him accolades but has also positioned him as a trusted voice in the realm of finance.
With a career spanning decades, Bruce Whitfield has established himself as a preeminent figure in financial journalism. His journey began with a course at New York’s esteemed Columbia Journalism School, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success. Since then, Bruce has worked tirelessly to deliver quality content across various media platforms, including radio, print, and television.
Bruce’s expertise lies in his ability to break down complex financial concepts into digestible pieces of information for his audience. Whether he’s dissecting market trends on his radio show or providing analysis on economic developments in print, Bruce has a knack for making finance accessible to all.
Beyond his technical proficiency, Bruce’s passion for storytelling sets him apart. His engaging narratives draw listeners and readers in, making even the most daunting financial topics engaging and relatable. This storytelling prowess has not only captivated audiences but has also earned Bruce numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
Event planners seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable speaker need look no further than Bruce Whitfield. Here are a few compelling reasons to book him for your next event:
With decades of experience in financial journalism, Bruce brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Whether your event focuses on personal finance, market trends, or economic analysis, Bruce’s insights are sure to inform and enlighten your audience.
Bruce’s ability to translate complex financial concepts into engaging narratives makes him a standout presenter. His dynamic speaking style captivates audiences, ensuring that your event leaves a lasting impression.
Bruce’s track record of accolades speaks for itself. From being named Sanlam Financial Journalist of the Year to winning the Citadel Words on Money Overall Winner, Bruce’s credentials demonstrate his commitment to excellence in financial journalism.
Whether you’re hosting a conference, seminar, or corporate event, Bruce’s versatility as a speaker makes him an ideal choice. He can tailor his presentations to suit the specific needs and interests of your audience, ensuring maximum impact.
As a trusted voice in the world of finance, Bruce Whitfield brings credibility and authority to your event. His reputation precedes him, lending prestige to any program or conference where he speaks.
Bruce Whitfield’s impressive track record, engaging presentation style, and unwavering dedication to his craft make him a sought-after speaker for events of all kinds. Whether you’re seeking expert analysis, compelling storytelling, or unparalleled professionalism, Bruce delivers on all fronts. Book him through Speakers Inc for a seamless and unforgettable event experience.
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In this Speakers Inc Global Showcase talk, financial journalist and broadcaster Bruce Whitfield shares insights from his book Genius: How to Take Smart Ideas Global. Drawing on over 20 years of interviewing business leaders and entrepreneurs, Whitfield highlights the qualities that distinguish those who build world-changing enterprises despite turbulence and uncertainty.
The common thread, he explains, is optimism—not shallow positivity, but a profound belief that problems can be solved and the world can be changed for the better. Entrepreneurs, he notes, often border on arrogance in their conviction, but this mindset enables them to act decisively where others hesitate. He illustrates this with case studies, from Nando’s global expansion to tech pioneers like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, who spotted opportunity where others saw only obstacles.
Whitfield situates these lessons in today’s volatile environment: the aftermath of COVID-19, geopolitical conflict, inflation, and climate threats. He argues that crises are not anomalies—they are constants in history. What matters is how leaders interpret signals, navigate uncertainty, and adapt. As Andy Grove once said, “Bad companies are destroyed by a crisis, good companies survive, great companies are defined by it.”
He warns against succumbing to a scarcity mindset, which narrows vision and stifles innovation. Instead, he urges businesses and individuals to embrace grit, resilience, and long-term perspective, citing examples from South African entrepreneurs who built thriving global firms under adverse conditions.
Whitfield concludes with three core lessons: bad events will happen, but individuals choose how to navigate them; long-term improvements in health, technology, and education often go unnoticed in the daily news cycle; and the most successful people are those who can optimize uncertainty. With humor and storytelling, he reinforces that genius lies not only in big ideas, but in the courage to act on them during difficult times.
00:00 – Introduction by Speakers Inc; Bruce Whitfield introduced as author of Genius.
02:00 – Defining optimism as a core trait of successful entrepreneurs.
04:00 – COVID-19, dislocation, and the lessons of ignored signals.
07:30 – Historical cycles of uncertainty and their impact on business.
10:00 – Entrepreneurs who turn crises into opportunities (Nando’s, Bidvest, Amazon, Musk).
14:00 – The danger of a scarcity mindset versus growth-oriented optimism.
17:00 – Story of Abram Wald and seeing hidden data during WWII.
20:00 – Voltaire’s warning on absurdities and modern misinformation.
23:00 – South African examples of resilience and expansion in hostile environments.
27:00 – Closing lessons: navigating events, spotting long-term progress, optimizing uncertainty.
30:00 – Post-talk Q&A: relevance of scarcity today, common traits of successful leaders, and the importance of grit.
In this keynote session, Bruce Whitfield, a multi-platform award-winning financial journalist, delivers an engaging talk on how leaders can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Speaking to a packed auditorium, Whitfield blends storytelling, humor, and hard truths to illustrate why optimism, resilience, and excellence are essential traits for thriving in times of global disruption.
He opens with a stark contrast between good and bad news, weaving in anecdotes—such as a story of a struggling single mother on a plane and his own father’s perspective as a farmer who viewed unpleasant smells as “the smell of money.” These examples highlight the mindset shift required to spot opportunities where others see only obstacles.
Whitfield situates his message in today’s fractured global economy, where businesses are de-globalizing and diversifying supply chains to reduce risk. He challenges audiences to consider whether the world will be better off in a decade or still reeling from shocks such as geopolitical conflict, climate pressure, and economic volatility.
His central theme is clear: optimism is not blind faith but a disciplined belief that problems can be solved and opportunities seized. By focusing on exceptional execution, leaders and businesses can set themselves apart. Excellence, he stresses, is not doing things “nicely” or “well,” but doing them better than everyone else.
Whitfield concludes with a call to action: leadership in times of crisis requires boldness, vision, and a refusal to be paralyzed by fear. Those who can reframe challenges as opportunities will define the future.
00:00 – Introduction of Bruce Whitfield to the stage.
00:30 – Opening contrast: good news vs. bad news.
01:15 – Story of a single mother on a plane; reflection on financial hardship.
02:30 – Global supply chain shifts: de-globalization and diversification.
04:00 – Audience engagement: leadership and opportunity in crisis.
05:00 – Anecdote of Whitfield’s father: turning challenges into opportunity.
06:00 – Key lesson: optimism transforms “affluence” into “affluence.”
07:15 – Core takeaway: to make impact, do things exceptionally well.
08:00 – Closing applause and reinforcement of optimism in leadership.
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A: Global and South African economic trends, markets, business innovation, personal finance, and leadership insights from financial journalism.
A: Yes, he tailors presentations to suit business leaders, entrepreneurs, or general audiences.
A: Absolutely. He has a strong global perspective and regularly engages with international audiences.
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