Yael Geffen: Business Leadership

  • CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa
  • Extensive real estate marketing and brand-building experience in the United States
  • Advocate for women in leadership and diversity in the workplace
  • Notable achievements in transforming Sotheby’s International Realty into a market leader in South Africa
  • Regular keynote speaker at industry conferences and leadership events

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • **Fee range: 75,001 - 100k
5/5
5/5 (2 reviews)

Keynote Topics

Yael Geffen has endured childhood sexual abuse, her brother’s suicide, multiple miscarriages and a divorce with a baby.

Professionally, she took over the group CEO position of a prestigious national brand, after the previous CEO was charged with murdering his wife at a company event.

Yael inspires the audience to embrace resilience differently.

What’s your C.O.C. ( Crisis Of Confidence) and how to tackle it from a place of authentic confidence.

How to effectively self-promote without making yourself and others cringe.

Being the only female CEO and co -owner of the top 4 real estate brands in South Africa, Yael has managed to overcome her own power blocks of shame, lack and isolation to shine from a place of authentic confidence, teaching other women how to do the same.

Having had a successful sales career in cut throat industries, spanning across the United States and South Africa – Yael Geffen shares her go to’s on how to cultivate clients for life.

Yael Geffen, the dynamic CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa, stands at the forefront of the country’s real estate landscape. Born into a legacy of property excellence established by her grandmother, Aida, Yael has redefined leadership in the industry with her innovative strategies and global expertise. Combining the wisdom of a storied […]

Yael Geffen, the dynamic CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa, stands at the forefront of the country’s real estate landscape. Born into a legacy of property excellence established by her grandmother, Aida, Yael has redefined leadership in the industry with her innovative strategies and global expertise.

Combining the wisdom of a storied family business with cutting-edge marketing and brand-building techniques, Yael is celebrated for her ability to transform challenges into opportunities, making her a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader.

Before joining the family business in 2009, Yael honed her craft in the United States, gaining invaluable experience in real estate marketing, brand development, and business innovation. Her international perspective and deep understanding of market dynamics make her insights compelling and actionable for audiences seeking inspiration and guidance in navigating today’s complex business environment.

Yael Geffen | Business Leadership

Yael Geffen’s professional journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and adaptability. Raised in a family renowned for its contributions to South Africa’s property market, she inherited a passion for real estate and a commitment to excellence. Her grandmother, Aida, laid the foundation of the Geffen dynasty, instilling values that continue to guide Yael’s approach to business and leadership.

Her career began with a global outlook. In the United States, Yael immersed herself in the nuances of real estate marketing, mastering techniques that would later shape her transformative leadership style. From brand building to business development, she acquired a wealth of knowledge that she seamlessly integrated into the South African market upon her return. Joining Sotheby’s International Realty in 2009, Yael quickly distinguished herself as a forward-thinking leader, driving innovation and setting new benchmarks for excellence.

Under her stewardship, Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa, has flourished, earning accolades for its unparalleled service and market expertise. Yael’s commitment to fostering a culture of trust and collaboration has not only enhanced the company’s reputation but also solidified its position as a market leader. Beyond her corporate achievements, she is a vocal advocate for women in leadership, frequently addressing topics such as resilience, innovation, and the importance of fostering diverse, inclusive workplaces.

A captivating storyteller, Yael shares lessons from her journey—from the challenges of sustaining a family legacy to the opportunities of embracing change in a rapidly evolving industry. Her insights resonate across sectors, inspiring entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and professionals to rethink their strategies and unlock their potential.

Why Event Planners Should Book Yael Geffen

Yael Geffen is not just a speaker; she is a catalyst for transformation. Her unique blend of personal history, professional expertise, and global perspective equips her to deliver presentations that are as inspiring as they are practical. Event planners seeking a speaker who can connect with diverse audiences will find Yael’s authenticity and relatability invaluable.

Yael’s ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights ensures that her presentations leave a lasting impact. Whether addressing the intricacies of leadership, the dynamics of real estate markets, or the power of innovation, she engages audiences with clarity and conviction. Her emphasis on storytelling, drawn from her rich personal and professional experiences, makes her talks memorable and impactful.

Additionally, Yael’s commitment to empowering women in business adds a compelling dimension to her presentations. She speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of her journey, offering practical advice and inspiration to aspiring leaders. Her passion for cultivating inclusive, progressive workplaces resonates with audiences, making her a standout choice for events focused on leadership, diversity, and professional growth.

Summary

Yael Geffen embodies the qualities of a transformative leader—visionary, resilient, and deeply connected to her roots. As the CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa, she has redefined excellence in the real estate industry while championing the values of innovation and inclusion. Her global experience and familial legacy offer a unique perspective that enriches her insights and inspires audiences worldwide.

With a reputation for delivering engaging, actionable presentations, Yael is an ideal choice for conferences, corporate events, and industry summits. Her passion for leadership, dedication to empowering others, and ability to connect with audiences ensure that every event she graces is elevated to new heights.

Hashtags

#YaelGeffen #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #RealEstateExpert #Innovation #KeynoteSpeaker #DiversityAndInclusion

Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent Resources to download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links

View further speakers

Amanda Dambuza is the Chief Executive of Uyandiswa; a project management consulting firm she founded six years ago. Previously, she was the Financial Services Director of the JSE listed software organisation, Adapt IT. Adapt IT owned 49% of Uyandiswa, a deal concluded in October 2014. Effective as of the 1st of July 2017, Amanda concluded another […]

  • African Leadership

Nqoba Ngcobo is a Comedy Show Down winner, is a unique oddity in the South African Comedy scene. Nqoba’s witty and charismatic comedy is renowned for energetic delivery, brilliant observations, and poignant insights. The comedian also possesses the unique ability to inspire riotous laughter in any audience, irrespective of race and socioeconomic factors. He is […]

  • Comic Emcee

Mpho Maboi is a commanding presence on any stage, celebrated across South Africa as a premier event emcee who brings unmatched poise, energy, and finesse to every occasion. With a career that spans both television and radio, she seamlessly blends professionalism with authenticity, ensuring every event is memorable, smooth, and impactful. Her magnetic charisma and […]

  • Event Emcee
  • (1 reviews)

Lynette Ntuli is a visionary leader and trailblazer in the realms of property development, infrastructure, and enterprise asset management. As the Founding Director and CEO of Innate Investment Solutions, a distinguished professional services firm in the built environment, she spearheads a team dedicated to providing unparalleled property and infrastructure development services alongside cutting-edge enterprise asset […]

  • Business Strategy
  • (6 reviews)
  • Promoted

Vuyolwethu Dubese embodies the essence of innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship. As an Innovation and Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant, Corporate Moderator, Host of the ESG for SMEs Podcast, and Angel Investor, Vuyolwethu is dedicated to fostering a new era of business that prioritizes societal and environmental impact alongside financial success. With a fervent belief in equitable […]

  • Event Emcee

Saffron Baggallay is a globally recognized thought leader in personal mastery and leadership development, blending over two decades of real-world experience with profound insight into human behaviour. As the founder and CEO of the Personal Mastery Lab, she has spent the last 23 years transforming the way individuals and organizations understand themselves and lead others—through […]

  • Human Behaviour
  • (3 reviews)

Rick Alan has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile and captivating emcees in both the conference and sports worlds. With over two decades of experience, Rick has honed his ability to engage diverse audiences with effortless charm, a deep understanding of event dynamics, and an impeccable sense of timing. As […]

  • Event Emcee

With a rich background in strategy and leadership, Kgadi Mmanakana brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having worked with diverse organizations across industries, she possesses a deep understanding of the dynamics of modern business landscapes. Kgadi’s expertise lies in crafting innovative strategies that not only adapt to change but thrive amidst it. Her […]

  • Employee Engagement
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