International Speaker | Facilitator | Mental Toughness Exponent
Dr Steve is a strategic storyteller with a PhD brain and a comedic instinct. Whether he is firing up the ExCom, dropping a mental toughness truth bomb on the team, he brings grit, grace and gravitas.
Blending Blue Oceans strategy with red hot purpose he weaves past, present and future into gripping narratives of creating new and better value. He has:
1. Experience: That helps you and your team get better using actionable insights triggering new ideas and infused with humour.
2. Mental Toughness Expertise: Holds a PhD in Mental Toughness, applying it as an important component of strategy, culture alignment, sales, service, teamwork, change management and wellness.
3. Celebrity and thought leader. Featured on numerous radio and TV shows.
4. Award-Winning Entrepreneur: Winner of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators - Build a business competition. (sponsored by Anglo American) The award was presented by South Africa’s Finance Minister on national TV.
5. Corporate Leader: Holds an MBA from UCT. Former General Manager at an international FMCG company.
6. World Champion Athlete and mind coach: Former World Champion in Surf Lifesaving, Former Mind Coach and team builder to Springbok rugby and business executives.
7. Author: Living e-book - Surviving to Thriving with Mental Toughness, in addition, two novels, and produced a nationwide play.
Higher Education Innovator: CEO of eta University College - a startup institution shaping future leaders in exercise, sports and wellness. (www.etacollege.com)
His work resonates across diverse clients, from corporations to educational institutions. Here is some feedback:
Morning Steve
Thank you, Dr Steve, for an energetic and informative session. This was one of the best 2 hours I spent for a long time. It challenges one ALL the time and I loved it. I have to spend more time on this though as it was A LOT to take in.
Jaco Burger MD Market Demand Fruit
Hello Steve,
Thanks for joining us last week. It was great to meet you and share something of your story.
Feedback: your approach to mental toughness, sparked interesting conversations among teammates that I think will morph and be refined over time to suit our situation. Participants felt challenged to assess their habits and behaviours to improve their health, business strategy, perceptions, etc. We’ll be returning, again and again, to the concepts that you outlined to stay focused on the activities that matter while trying to shed those that bring little value to our business. The idea of “inches” was well received, and I’ve overheard several conversations in which “Blue Oceans” or “Red Oceans” strategies have been mentioned.
Kind regards, Ingrid Van Zyl Sales manager AkzoNobel
Afternoon Steve.
Feedback has only been positive with your messages resonating with the delegates both at a personal and organizational level. I for one very much enjoyed and appreciated your participation. The participants enjoyed the use of the sport examples to demonstrate your points and particularly the message regarding success AND significance. Your interaction with the delegates during the presentation enforced the messages and allowed a deeper understanding of the principles you shared. I am confident that your presentation will positively impact our journey to be the leading and most respected energy company in Africa.
Much appreciated. Grant Bairstow Director Vivo Energy Power Services
Hi Steve
All I can say is a big thank you for your interaction and presentation to the team. You understood what we were trying to achieve, the mix of facts and humour pushing us to think differently was fantastic. This is the most engaged I have seen a team with an outside facilitator. This will not be the last time Aon will be working with you, thank you for adding value in all that you did, it was phenomenal.
Regards Jacqui Nel Business Unit Head Healthcare
Everyone raved about you. Your talk was riveting! You must use it on your website. You are Dr Genius! Tracey Botha Red Cross Society
Dear Dr Harris, Thank you so much for today. You are a phenomenal motivational speaker and have so much value to share. Thank you so much, I loved it, and learned a lot and I know everyone else did too. Jevron Epstein CEO GenEx
Dear Dr. Harris, we sincerely thank you for your inspiring and engaging talk, workshop and team building using Mental Toughness. Your session was thought-provoking and full of practical insights that resonated deeply with our group of 100 delegates. You delivered your message with passion, clarity and humour, leaving us with a renewed sense of resilience and determination to overcome challenges.
Your intervention couldn’t have come at a better time- particularly during this time of year when motivation and reflection are most needed. It provided the motivation and perspective we needed to stay focused and continue striving for growth. Thank you for sharing your expertise and leaving a lasting impression on our team! Your words offered the perfect "food for thought," energizing and inspiring us to reflect and grow both personally and professionally.
Kind Regards, Jenny van der Merwe Financial analyst Pepkor
Dear Steve, I want to thank you for delivering such a powerful and insightful talk on Dr Steve, thank you for your outstanding role as the MC at our UMUSA gala evening celebrating Women’s Month and promoting gender equity. Your dynamic introductions and insightful summaries highlighted the key messages of our speakers and transformed the atmosphere. What began as a passive audience quickly became an engaged and passionate group, fully participating with both mind and heart. Your ability to connect with, motivate the audience and provoke critical reflection was instrumental in creating a memorable. What a special MC.
Kind regards Quedene Prins Founder UMUSA
Dear Dr Steve,
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation for your invaluable contribution and unwavering passion in making the Safety Summit a success. Your dedication and hard work have been truly remarkable, and I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with you.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Steve Piek Group Head SH Systems and Audits Impala Platinum Limited
Mental Toughness for our sales staff. Your presentation and workshopping were engaging, thought-provoking, and left a lasting impression on everyone who attended. The insights you provided will resonate with our team as they navigate challenges and strive for professional growth. Your mindset changing session even came up within another session of ours. Thank you once again and we look forward to staying connected.
Regards Minal Debipersad Head of Marketing & HR – Busch Africa
Good morning, Steve. Every now and again, our purest intention, facilitates an opportunity to bring someone who has had the personal experience, is on the mark, engaging and most important, relevant to the challenging moment where our sales team finds itself. Your delivery of encouragement and the pressing need for effective change on the way we view our world and our service effort, was divine intervention and it goes without saying that many a folk left the conference a lot richer!
Thank you, good and kind Sir. Romano Daniels Kalideck
Dr Steve presented a “Mental Toughness” session to the South African Surf Lifesaving team recently. His presentation and knowledge were brought to life by his unique and relatable delivery style, coupled with anecdotal examples from his own sporting and management experience. Having someone with such a wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge delivering learnings to some of the country’s best athletes was an invaluable experience.
We look forward to implementing many of the tactics and ideas shared by Steve on our tour to Australia for the World Lifesaving Championships and beyond!
James Thomson National coach SA Surf lifesaving
Dr Steve Harris presented a Mind for teamwork, culture and Mental Toughness workshop to my sales and management team. He took the time to understand where we were as a team and provided us with tools and insights that will be very valuable as we progress on our journey to not just survive but thrive in our industry.
Steve has the very rare knack of seamlessly combining entertaining elements, including anecdotes and examples from sport and life, with core training content to make his messages both understandable and memorable. During training he also mostly does not “tell” but rather plants seeds and ideas to allow participants to come to their own insights through their own thinking processes, which allows them to better internalize the key messages and be more motivated to apply the principles in practice. I highly recommend Steve as an effective mind coach that provides teams with the tools and insights, they need to be successful in a competitive world.
Best Regards Gerrie Odendaal MD Sensient Technologies South Africa
Hi Steve
Our team thoroughly enjoyed your session yesterday and everyone took out some element that we need to work on going forward. Your delivery was excellent, with humour and team participation.
Thank you again! Careen McKinon Head of Sales Ooba
Steve Harris delivered an exceptional "Surviving to Thriving with Mental Toughness" session at our recent conference. He brought key psychological constructs to life in a way that was both practical and engaging, ensuring the concepts truly resonated with the audience. One of the highlights of his presentation was his ability to strike a perfect balance between serious, thought-provoking content and humour. He challenged conventional thinking, offering fresh perspectives while maintaining a light-hearted approach through relatable anecdotes and moments of humour. This thoughtful balance not only kept the audience engaged but also deepened the impact of his message. Dr. Harris presented his insights in a clear and accessible manner, ensuring that even the most complex aspects of mental toughness and personal growth were easy to understand and implement. Without oversimplifying the subject, he made sure the audience could take away actionable strategies. His presentation style fostered self-reflection and a sense of empowerment, leaving attendees motivated to shift from merely surviving to truly thriving. Thank you so very much for an inspiring and thought-provoking session. We truly appreciated your presence!
Kind regards Riquel Mehl Human Resources Business Partner Allan Gray
Hi Dr Steve
I can’t thank you enough, your adaptation and insight into our business and the related material that you shared with us was spot on. The feedback we received from our delegates was exceptional.
Many thanks Ravi Naidoo WACO Industries
Dear Steve, Thank you for presenting to the principals. The talk was inspirational and had the audience thinking. I normally vet any guest that I invite to any of our activities because the person needs to bring energy, motivation and inspiration (you did all of that) and have clear takeaways for the participants.
Dr Ismail Teladia Senior Planner: Western Cape Education Department
Good morning, Steve,
Thank you very much for the very good interactive motivational session, it gave us points on where we can improve and become a better and stronger team. It also provided a structure for better planning, communicating, and the mental toughness to stay in the blue ocean! The whole team enjoyed the session with you and considered it very valuable. Looking forward to working with you again in the future.
Best wishes Klara Jonker
Our Cell C Sales Team had the pleasure of having Dr Steve Harris as a motivational speaker address and workshop key culture and teamwork issues at our sales kick-off conference, and I must say, it was nothing short of transformative. From the moment Dr Steve Harris took the stage, his energy was palpable and infectious, setting the tone for what would be an incredibly inspiring session.
Dr Steve masterfully wove together personal anecdotes, actionable strategies, and profound insights that resonated deeply with our sales team. His ability to connect with the audience was remarkable; it was as though he were speaking directly to everyone’s aspirations and challenges. The practical tools and techniques shared were innovative and immediately applicable, which we found particularly valuable.
What truly stood out was Dr Steve Harris’s authentic passion for empowering others. His message was clear: success in sales, and in life, is a blend of resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering belief in one’s potential. The real-world examples and interactive segments encouraged our team to think differently, embrace new approaches, most importantly, take ownership of their own success.
By the end of the session, the room was buzzing with renewed enthusiasm and a clear sense of direction. Many of us left feeling recharged and equipped with a new perspective that we’re eager to implement. Dr Steve Harris’s impact was evident in the energized conversations that followed and the immediate uptick in motivation across our team.
I enjoyed the session with Dr. Steve. He is super energetic, and his method helps the message he imparts really land. I appreciated how this was not a typical “how to sell” session – but rather deeper and holistic look into mindset. Almost like attitude therapy. He also had me questioning some of my own bias, like when he showed female athletes, we didn’t recognize but claim to want equality…?
He also pushed on our already running theme of our “why” which resonated all that much more.
In summary, Dr Steve Harris delivered an outstanding performance that exceeded our expectations and left a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a motivational speaker who can inspire, engage, and drive meaningful change, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Steve Harris. His expertise and dynamic delivery make them a standout choice for any event aimed at empowering and elevating a team.
Sheena Maharaj
Good afternoon, Dr Steve,
Thank you so much for facilitating our strategy session this past weekend. It was a great success. You understood the assignment! The Council members and I liked the way you made the strategy session so much fun and yet so informative. Mental Toughness was the highlight of the session where you explain ed the 7 Cs, giving us practical examples and making us reflect on how we lead. Using the Blue Oceans matrix to identify new value and satisfy existing membership needs assisted us in going forward in achieving our goals for SACAFMA.
Regards Nomthandazo Ndebele SACAFMA President
Dear Dr Steve Harris
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your outstanding motivational presentation at our conference. Your talk on Mental Toughness was truly inspiring and resonated deeply with our audience.
Your engaging delivery and practical advice left a significant impact, and we’ve received enthusiastic feedback from attendees who felt motivated and empowered by your message. Thank you again for contributing to the success of our conference. We hope to have the pleasure of working with you again in the future.
Best regards Mandie Pienaar
Morning Steve
Thank you so much for an amazing Mental Toughness presentation yesterday!
The feedback we received was great and your presentation was inspiring.
Thanks again for sending the book. I cannot wait to read it. We will send it on to all.
Kind regards Storme Gorton Director C&A Friedlander
Hello Steve
Thank you for giving us a very valuable and educational sales education morning. It was enjoyed by all!
Regards Johann Coetzee Executive Vice President NEC
Dr Harris
Thank you so much for a very productive, informative, and very inspiring two days with our senior management team.
All the best Irina Unkovski African Development Bank
Good morning, Steve,
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for leading such an insightful, impactful, and emotional team-building session. We have immediately adopted your approach which emphasized eliminate, reduce, raise, and create.
Since the session, I have seen significant improvements in the organization, I attribute much of the success to the team-building event. Your knowledge and manner of sharing information are invaluable, I look forward to another session soon.
Regards, Pieter Esbach CEO Oil Shoppe
Dear Steve
The consensus is that we appreciated your wit and humour; you challenged our thinking and kept us on our toes; the content was engaging and relevant and you guided us to critical outcomes to support our strategy. Everyone enjoyed themselves and communicated appreciation for the value of the day.
We felt that the session on Mental Toughness was very valuable, we would like to have you present this to all staff as it is so important, especially in our environment.
All the best Leigh Melville Principal Disa School
Hi Steve
Thank you, we are the blessed ones, as you helped us look beyond our captured minds and spend our energy on the right stuff to gain that extra inch consistently.
Best wishes
Rudie Raath CEO Razrtec
Good morning, Steve.
Thank you for your exceptional presentations. Your expertise, delivery, and insights were truly inspiring and greatly appreciated. Outstanding job!!
Best regards Michelle Diener Specialist CRM Vertice
Hey Steve
I think the session was excellent. The staff really enjoyed it, as did Tony and I, and I think we all learnt a lot. We are spending the time now working on how to operationalize the discussion points and incorporate them into our company culture. No easy task, but I’m sure we will succeed.
All the best Steve, and thanks again. John Kruger MD Bloom Insure
Dear Dr Steve
On behalf of the Organisational Development and the Employee Wellbeing team, I would like to express our appreciation to you for sharing your thoughts on Mental Toughness. It was extremely motivating. Your energy and enthusiasm made the event more memorable, and worth attending. The feedback from the attendees was excellent.
I would like to quote one of the attendees, "Thank you for the wonderful session. I truly appreciate it; it has left me feeling refreshed and optimistic. I am ready to face he world and give nothing but my best effort, knowing that no one can outwork me. I am committed to giving 200% of myself."
Kind regards Arina Engelbrecht Employee Wellbeing Specialist
Dear Steve
Once again thank you for a unique, empowering, and inspiring morning our Attorneys from all regions were able to spend with you. Your presentation was entertaining and insightful, captured our attention for three hours, and gave us so much to take home and apply, personally and professionally.
Kind regards. Hennie Barnard Chairman Strauss Daly
Dear Steve
Thank you for your involvement at our recent Key Leadership Conference.
Your formal presentation as well as the extra personal interaction you provided was very beneficial to me and the team.
The emphasis on wellness as well as the wisdom of your framework and implementation methodology gave us each a special and practical insight into resilience, performance, and success.
Off a strong academic foundation, you have made a complex topic not only accessible but also desirable if not essential in today’s increasingly challenging business environment.
The manuscript provided a great opportunity to get deeper into the subject on a more sustainable basis. Great contribution at an important point of our journey.
Much appreciated Paul Emanuel Chairman Key Group
Good day Steve.
Dr Steve Harris's motivational session was truly impactful. Our staff left with a renewed sense of resilience and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. Dr Steve’s passion, and authenticity made it a very engaging session.
I will highly recommend him to any company that is seeking inspiration and strategies to enhance mental toughness. Vanessa Oberholzer Director Safetec
Dear Dr Harris
Thank you for going above and beyond with the presentation yesterday. Your extraordinary dedication, exceptional service and humour made this event truly special. We couldn't have done it without you, and we're incredibly grateful for your hard work and commitment. Here's to a healthier, happier future together!
Dee Mokotjo Manager Health and Hygiene Engen
Dear Steve
I am deeply grateful for the most inspirational and informative teamwork workshop you ran with my team. I received positive feedback and was taken aback by the raving reports. It has certainly given the team renewed energy and appetite for renewed collaboration and meaning to their jobs.
Sandra Manesar Head of faculty Health Sciences UCT
Dear Steve,
You were fantastic, my team was left super motivated, inspired, excited, encouraged by your presentation and manner you presented. I believe your presentation was impactful and hit all the right notes in terms of how you move from negative space to a positive space (RED AND BLUE ZONES). It is now up to my respective teams to use firsthand what they experienced in your session in the real world. I thank you most sincerely from my side. Preggie Govender Vulcan Catering Equipment
Morning Dr Steve
I am so thankful for the way in which you wrapped up the South African Principals Association conference. Your engaging and humorous motivational presentation and style certainly resonated with our SAPA delegates. When I sent you the brief, I had a clear objective in mind – you certainly met that and delivered so much more. It was a privilege to have met you and I know that the education world will certainly call on you again – to secure the future of this country, we desperately need people like you. Once again, thank you so much. Francois Moll, Headmaster
Good Day Dr Steve
I trust this message finds you well. I wanted to express our sincere gratitude for the motivational talk you delivered at our recent BMW event. Your insights and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on our team, and we appreciate the effort you put into tailoring the talk to our specific context.
The feedback from our audience has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the following aspects:
Personalization to BMW: Attendees were delighted with how you personalized the talk to BMW and provided valuable insights into what we can expect in the upcoming year. Your understanding of our organization added a meaningful touch to the presentation.
Engaging Content: The majority of our team thoroughly enjoyed the content of your talk. It resonated well with our goals and aspirations, creating a motivational atmosphere that was both inspiring and uplifting.
Thank you once again for your time, effort, and the positive energy you brought to our team. We look forward to the possibility of working with you again in the future.
Best regards Nunu Hlungwani BMW
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your contribution towards our meeting. The feedback was very positive. Please find below some of the feedback as promised. Once again thank you so much, looking forward to work with you in the near future.
Jaco Storm Executive Surgical Group Vertice Healthcare
Steve
The feedback from my team was that everyone considered the session productive and enjoyable. They commented on the fact that you were brilliant in maintaining the focus and not allowing things to ravel out, taking too much time so as to not get through all issues nor become a mudsling.
As a result of your approach and sometimes witty demeanour, everyone participated well and openly shared their views. This allowed real issues to surface thereby achieving the expected outcome.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks for your efforts towards the session and assisting us to identify focus areas for improvement.
Regards Hans du Toit John Thompson, a Division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd
Good morning, Steve. Business will never be the same. I can see everyone is much more focused and we set ourselves some goals which we shall achieve this year. Yet again, thank you so much for the insights you gave us. It spreads more than just on a business level but starts on a personal level where each one also set some personal goals. Regards Fanus Prinsloo Director VIP Consulting Engineers
Steve,
All members I spoke to said that the customer service and change motivational presentation was exciting and drove the point that you can’t keep doing the same or putting in the same effort, your opposition is training harder and so must you. Great presentation in support of our theme of customer satisfaction and change. Brian Vosloo Head of Sales Plascon Paint Club
Hi Steve,
Thank you for the great start to the 2-day strategic workshop with our new partners. We found your presentation both motivational and thought provoking. It gave us a great platform on which to continue our strategic workshop with our new business partners – Future Growth. Your content was relevant with some real nuggets.
Best regards Bill Stephens Executive Consultant
Dr Steve Harris,
On behalf of our entire Group, we would like to thank you for your wonderful and inspiring talk. We were very selective in whom we wanted to address our Franchisees, and I have to say that the entire Management Group are extremely impressed with how you managed to incorporate our conference theme during your presentation. We have also received many thank you messages from those that attended and many referred to your motivational session which had a massive impact on them. Thank you once again and may you go on to inspire many more.
Regards Etienne Snyman Group Executive The Specialists
Dr Steve Harris provides thought provoking ideas on mental toughness, which can be explored by any individual and implemented in any area of their lives. His captivating motivational presentation will leave you with some tough, yet exciting questions to ponder on, whilst equipping you to not merely survive, but thrive. Charnay Hugo
Hi Steve,
It was an absolute pleasure to meet you last night. Thank you for the amazing way you led our meeting. It was such a relief for everybody to see that we can work together and feel positive about our association. You have done a wonderful job.
Dr Ruve Kock Atlantic Anesthetics
To whom it concerns
We had the privilege to listen to a motivational talk by Dr Steve Harris - “Surviving to thriving” The talk was just over an hour long and I was captivated for the entirety of the presentation. Steve has the ability to connect with his audience and keep them engaged in a manner I have not experienced. I walked out of the conference room inspired and motivated to make changes to my life, personally and professionally. I am very excited to read his book and continue on this journey to thriving! Romy Hamman
Dr Harris's conference talk was really eye opening in a personal and professional space. Finding myself in a "Blue Ocean" (how lucky though...) I became complacent which is a very dangerous place to be. It was such a profound reminder to always be better prepared, and why planning and is so important for being successful - especially in our industry. I walked away from the talk feeling motivated and empowered to make the necessary changes to stay in the "blue" and not lose focus on what's important. I am so excited to start reading his book and to start thriving and not just surviving. Pia Ribbans
Good day Dr Steve,
Thank you so much for the thought provoking and inspiring motivational talk on managing change you gave us.
Members of our team would love the pdf of your book Surviving to Thriving with mental toughness, please do forward me the pdf.
Thank you once again for being part of our Birthday business day and contributing to its success. We truly appreciate it.
Regards Refentse Makgamatha Cars.co.za
Good Day Dr Harris
I would like to thank you very much for the inspiring presentation you did for our sales team at Hartenbos. The winter months are always our lowest sales months mainly because dairy cows produce much less milk in winter and dairy farmers and dairy processing plants are our main customers.
I thought you would like to know that this August we had an all- time record sales month and I have got to believe that this has got a lot to do with your motivation of our sales teams. We look forward to inviting you again soon.
Kind regards. Gerald Brown, Branson Chemical Group Chairman
Hi Steve
Thank you very much, my team really enjoyed the day, and I got a lot of positive comments from them.
We have had quite a few motivational speakers on our conferences through the years and my team said that this was the best so far.
Regards Managing Director, Branson Chemicals (PTY) Ltd
Hi Steve
Thanks for a great session. You helped our small team think differently about various aspects of our core business and how our roles fit together. As a geographically spread team we don’t often get a chance to deliberate together. Your frameworks and content aided our strategic thinking and rejuvenated our team.
Jane Molony Executive Director PAMSA
Dear Dr Steve
Thank you for being our conference motivational speaker. Please find feedback from some delegates below:
Dr Steve was absolutely incredible, never a dull moment around him.
I found it hilariously truthful.
it was realistically motivating, I like that he made practical analogies, with relatable people, and not the fleeting motivation most speakers leave you with.
What a session, with so much of inspiration and appreciation for the ground workers... Nurses was truly uplifting to be a part of the presentation
I liked to what he said about re - evaluate your life on what you can better / improve professionally and privately. How to get out of the rut of going to work but what can you do better or improve.
I did like the Dr' s way of taking the professional sports men and woman' s characteristics to identify certain aspects that we can KEEP IN MIND to BE BETTER.
For example, the Springbok Rugby captain, Siya Aggressive but Disciplined. Dit was die Konferensie se hoogtepunt.
Dr Harris's presentation served the affirmation that nothing is impossible. Being a 60-year-old nurse practitioner with several emotional challenges, including diagnosed ADHD, his encouraging message of looking forward and keep going, is so in line with what's going on in my life right now. It seems that the old adage, "There is a right time & a right place for everything.”. Thank you, Dr Ansie Hartman Clinic Manager
Hi Steve
This is a simple thank you from the heart. I really enjoyed my two brief meetings with you and already had a good feeling that you would bring the right amount of energy to our group. You bring the real world, somewhat raw (in a great way) and refreshingly honest reflection to those you present to. No nonsense, factual and hard to dispute and pretty sobering. Everyone loved the session, and this group was a tough one. Huge brains in that room and you kept them engaged and focused. Well done!
I think the toughest thing was you presented some great materials that sadly had to be flicked through quickly and didn’t give you a chance to expand and talk about how to execute. I suspect and hope that’s also what you do as it leaves the door open for you to do another session or two with us at future meetings where you can teach some methodology around your materials and how to deliver the best. The topics you presented were spot on and tied in beautifully with all the work we had done that week. You gave the last big kick for what it means to be the best.
Cheers Steve and hope to see you again very soon.
Euan Mc Glashan CEO Valor Hospitality Group
Hi Steve,
I hope you are well and apologies for the delay in my communication. We hosted our London Summit a couple of weeks ago, so it was a crazy October!
Thank you for agreeing to present at the 2022 Elite Sport Summit. It was truly an honour having you with us! The feedback has been incredible!
I’m certain strong compliments are being heard all around the world (yes, we had quite a few international people in attendance), so thank you for being so open and so easy to work with. Most importantly, being able to provide such great lessons for such a diverse group. I’ve really enjoyed working together, let’s catch up next week.
Justin Woolford CEO Conqua Group London
Morning Steve
Your talk to the team was impactful and moved heads in the room/team. IT also fitted perfectly into our main theme as well as what we have addressed in the preceding days. Some of the comments from the team:
They loved the fact that you were so subtle in your presentation (Often motivational speakers let their voice be the factor and not the content)
The Red and blue oceans metaphor really got them going and some said they can see how every decision could move you into negative and positive space with consequences further down the line.
As a result of the impact, we have already decided that we would love for you to work with us in our next conference (Feb 2024) on a full-day workshop and team building. Thank you very much and best of luck for the year ahead!
Joshua Slabbert Head of Sales Ryobi
Hi Steve,
Firstly, I would like to thank you for the presentation, workshop, and the way you presented. I was concerned about how it would go as I did not give you much input, so I did not know what to expect as an outcome. I think you did a brilliant job; you kept the crowd engaged and it was a meaningful presentation and in line with my expectations of what to carry over to the team.
The team took away personally and for the business - it was a win for each of us.
The Monday following, I noticed the positive attitude and the team keep referencing comments of your presentation. I can guarantee you that we will make use of your services going forward. As we continue to grow, you’ve helped with the plan, it will mean we need to keep the team aligned and we need refreshers.
Braam Lottering Operations Director Careful Carriers
Hello Steve
I believe the meeting went well and was very well received by the TEAM. Certainly, the feedback I have had has been positive. I know when you do things like this for the first time, it is difficult to know where to start and what to present, but I do think we were able to talk about leadership, decision making and team building. People went away with a better understanding of what we are trying to achieve and what is expected of them. When we do this again, we will be able to change this focus and get into more detail so that TEAM members are given the opportunity to develop their skills further.
Best regards Mark O' Donnell CEO Union Gold Zambia
Dear Steve
Thank you for the most awesome Team building! It was so much fun, and learning at the same time, loved the approach of incorporating work in the games!
The presentation was phenomenal, everyone loved the Motivation of Mental toughness! Your motivation has created a better working approach to staff and their work environment.
Herewith personal feedback from staff:
We are extremely impressed by Dr Harris, we found that he was inspirational and gave us a lot of motivation to thrive and not just survive.
We also enjoyed his team building activities it gave us the skills and knowledge to work together as a team. All in all, we found Dr Harris to be a very good motivational speaker who managed to keep the group captivated.
Looking forward to read his book and gain the ability to THRIVE!
Vikashnee Rampersad Precool
Hi Steve,
Thank you for taking the time to share some powerful messages with our team. The feedback has been very positive. The workshop on mental toughness definitely made an impact on the guys, if I compare the mood of the team after I shared the upcoming year’s budget with them compared to previous years it was one of optimism and a can-do attitude.
Regards Charl De Villiers MD Treadzone
Morning Dr,
Thanks again for the exciting workshop. It was a great session! thought provoking and insightful and will empower our management and labour union in working towards a common goal for the sustainability and prosperity of the organization. This has been an inspiration to my team and will help us gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the teams we lead. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Adv Sibusiso Ngcobo, General Manager Human Resources – Nissan SA
Good morning, Dr Harris,
I would like to thank you in the way the session was offered, and the management and union could not stop showering the session with accolades.
I am hoping that in due course we will get an opportunity to roll it out to members in the Junior management levels.
Johannes Pule, Human Resource Manager, Pilanesberg Platinum Mines
Hello Steve
Thank you for facilitating our strategic and teamwork workshop, the entire engagement and experience was fantastic, we achieved exactly what we set out to – we moved the thinking and there has been a great response to the subsequent workshops driving change, accountability, and responsibility.
Best Regards Bradley Lapin CEO Bradian Logistics Solutions
Dr Steve,
It was a great experience. Getting everyone from management to sales motivated in an event like this. With his humour Dr Harris kept everyone energetic and on the edge of our seats. We will have to do this on a quarterly basis.
Schalk Mulder MD Starchoice Marketing
Morning Steve
Thank you for the very informative, non-invasive, and thought-provoking sessions presented to the sales team over the past 12 weeks. They kept us grounded and allowed us to absorb and reflect on the weekly topic. I would like to keep in touch so that we have some sessions again during the upcoming months. Take care and thanks once again.
Kind Regards Debbie Sherman National Sales Manager
Hi Steve
I asked Dr Steve Harris to spend a few weeks (30 minutes each Monday) working with my entire team with a focus on getting us all focused and recharged.
The ten weeks we all had the absolute privilege of working with Steve were most certainly some of the most beneficial of my adult life and several staff rendered similar feedback to me.
Sessions were structured essentially around the extremely adoptable concepts which one requires to be mentally tough and not merely survive but thrive.
I often sit down after the conclusion of any project and think about how I feel about the money spent on the investment in that project. Sitting down tonight I concluded that I would happily have invested double as the personal and professional benefit received from working with Dr Harris is essentially priceless.
The cherry on top is that Steve is one of the most genuine, down-to-earth people I have had the pleasure of working with. For any business wanting to sharpen up its team and make every attendee a better version of themselves, I highly recommend Steve Harris. Mark Leathers CEO McNaught Attorneys
In this workshop that was designed to equip members of the team with understandings of mental toughness, Dr Steve Harris provided us with thoughtful tips and life experiences for evaluating and strengthening one’s mental welling in studies and life. Through walking through many questions, he unveiled the two ends of each spectrum of mental readiness and toughness. Discussions with the students in my team after the workshop suggest that the 1% extra, Dr. Harris referred to, in the active practice of what one is passionate about gives the edge to one’s performance in study, work and life. I’m glad to see how students in my team also identified points of weakness to strengthen for each of them, and that they have become more open to discussing mental wellbeing and toughness during this uncertain time. I certainly recommend Dr Steve Harris’ training and book to any research group for enhancing the performance and wellbeing of each member and the whole team.
Prof Chang Hui, University of Stellenbosch
Thank you deeply, Steve. It was an outstanding session. You were phenomenal!
Cathy Naidoo – Manager - Corporate Marketing Sabinet Judgements
It was great to have an external person help us think differently around how we have been operating. I cannot wait to receive the pdf book and dive deeper into some of the points.
Thato Noinyane – Global Citizen
What a privilege to have you host our team session. It was a great session! The insights and life lessons you explored with our team brought a different dynamic and outlook on life; we left inspired, in a positive frame and highly motivated. Thank you for the book – it certainly reminds one of our own abilities, and how we can overcome almost any life challenge. The team-building exercises were fantastic; a great way to identify what can be done through proper communication and teamwork. Thank you for a great day.
Steven Schaefer – Regional Director, Build it West Region
Hi Steve, Thanks so much for the great session and inspiration! Everyone loved the talk and found something that they could relate to and ‘own’ in terms of own development. You contributed greatly to a hugely successful conference and landed a serious message in a fun way. We have distributed the book to all, and I am sure they will find it very useful for personal growth and development. Thank you and take care – it was a pleasure working with you.
Anchen Myburgh Executive Marketing and Sales Lucky Star
Good morning, Steve,
I would like to thank you for your contribution at our company retreat this year. We wanted to offer something different to our franchisees this time around. The concepts of mental toughness and going from surviving to thriving has sparked and new interest and excitement that they will apply in their personal and professional lives. We brought something different, and people responded very positively. We can’t thank you enough for making this happen.
Johan Bosman Managing Director Adventure Bootcamp
Dear Steve, Thank you so much for your note. I thought the day went well and your guidance helped me tremendously. You really helped us to focus on the key levers for success. Your approach was direct yet understanding and it had the effect of allowing us to engage meaningfully on the day. I particularly liked the effective exercises that illustrated the required Behaviours & attitudes.
Temi Ofong Deputy CEO ABSA Africa
I cannot begin to tell you just how grateful I am that you facilitated our teambuilding day. I appreciate your feedback, and I shall discuss this with Sandile and see what his view is on getting further interventions that will ultimately assist the whole team going forward.
Nthabiseng Dopemu SA Reserve Bank
Thank you so much again for everything. We ended the strategic and teambuilding session yesterday on a very high note and your contribution to that is invaluable. Thank you so much for the PDF book also. We are all very excited to have it.
Elbe Els Support Service Manager
Dr. Steve, Many thanks. We enjoyed your energy, and the interesting examples brought on mental toughness in your motivational talk. In hindsight, we should allow more time for an experienced person like yourself to do your workshop and get your point across, we felt that the time was too short.
The overall structure of the mental toughness theme (with a focus on taking the space inch by inch) as good I thought. Again, required more space and time for you to illustrate and get it across.
Some points like improving by 1% regularly, nobody can outwork you, stayed with the people - was nice. Thank you for your time with us and we hope to enjoy some time with yourself when in Cape Town.
Shashank Sharma General Manager Lenovo Middle East, Turkey, Africa
Steve, I really appreciated meeting you. Your facilitating and presentation have energized and realigned our executive team. Our business’s key points of focus and comparative advantages more comprehensively identified to drive us forward despite the initial resistance of many of the team who did not want to come to an intervention. Afterwards. all members said they gained a lot of insight into themselves, how the rest think and how we can improve, communicate better and work together whilst accepting the change that is happening continuously within and externally. In a nutshell it was enjoyed, and we are going to thrive!
Pierre Goosen CEO Coal Milling Projects and Group Companies
I was fortunate to attend Dr. Steve Harris’s mental toughness talk in our recent workshop for elite cricket coaches. His knowledge on this subject is second to none, he was able to evoke a lot of awareness among the coaches on how one can unintentionally contribute to their own struggles to thrive.
His talk focused on moving from surviving to thriving and how coaches need to learn to adapt in every situation. The need to thrive and adapt in any industry is the cornerstone of gaining a competitive edge in high performance sport as well as in the business world. His presentation on mental toughness will challenge you to unlearn old habits that are inhibiting you to get to greater heights as an individual. The ability to unlearn our old habits is the biggest challenge that we are faced and are stifling our ability to grow. I would like to recommend anyone to listen Dr. Steve Harris’ “Mental Toughness” presentation. They will gain great insights on how they can transform their lives.
Gift Mathe Coach Education Manager SA Cricket
Much appreciation for the session. It was enjoyed by all and revived all of us. You left us all transformed and eager to go ahead and implement our strategy in a united manner. Thanks a lot once more, Steve, for the wonderful session!!
Vuyiseka Majola Director Macro Economic Analysis
Just a note to thank you for your excellent and engaging motivation and teamwork session yesterday. I have had lots of positive feedback on the interactive style of the afternoon and the good balance of 'hard truth' and humour. Many thanks and I hope our paths cross again soon.
David Anderson CEO Saint Gobain
Dr Steve, Thank you for the great presentation. On parade, today, our members gave feedback that it gave them another and positive mindset.
Captain Pearlene Atlantis Police station
Dr Steve,
Our team found your presentation inspirational and entertaining.
The information you shared left a very positive impression and a desire to improve ourselves and become better people. Armed with a list of reading material we have been empowered to find knowledge and learn more about ourselves. Thank you for investing so much of your personal experience and energy into our team.
Gay van Dyk Office Manager Fury Motors
Steve, it was an absolute pleasure to work with you and to have you over – people are still talking about it. I literally had another member of staff in here a few minutes ago complimenting the session. The energy was great, especially as this was the last day of Summit after an intense two previous days. The part of the presentation dealing with a healthy lifestyle and looking after yourself was something that hit home for quite a few of the guys. Andre Kitshoff Country Manager Luxottica
Thank you very much for a being our keynote speaker. The presentation, and message, was inspirational, appropriate and needed. Mental toughness is so crucial to success, keeping your thoughts positive and avoid “bad habits” to negatively impact behaviours. The “we” option is so vital in the industry we are operating.
Two quotes that really stood out for us was:
“Nobody can out prepare you” and “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life” and “admiration, the way you treat your clients and others.
We received very positive feedback from our guests as well.
• The keynote speaker was excellent, smart, professional, and delightful.
• He was extremely motivating.
• The presentation was top drawer, very inspirational and most appropriate.
We will recommend you to our peers, and you are welcome to use our feedback as a referral. Carolina Visser Capitec Bank
Many thanks for your incredibly motivating and inspiring presentation. This country needs more of exactly what you stand for.
Gavin Macaulay – MD Uni - Source
What an awesome experience sitting in your presentation last week in Nelspruit. I am really privileged that I got the opportunity to listen to you. I lacked a bit of drive and motivation, but your presentation gave me new hope and perspective.
“Not all questions can be answered, but all answers can be questioned.”
“Are you surviving or thriving?” There were so many examples relevant to
me. It was phenomenal, had my attention all the time.
Nika Coertzen Director of Sport
We have had very good feedback regarding the conference as well as your presentation. Everyone felt that the message underlying your speech was particularly relevant. I have had a few queries from delegates about how to contact you, and I have directed them all to your website. Thank you again for being there!
Debbie Sharwood– Group Communication Manager – Pioneer Foods
Thanks, once again for the presentation. Our managers found it fascinating and will be able to use the concepts in their work and private lives. From my perspective if we can use mental toughness to gain the edge over our competitors our business will truly benefit. Have a great day.
Mike Els – CEO - Waco
Thanks very much for sharing your time with us, the session was most valuable, I had very good feedback from my team and points referenced a few times throughout the conference.
Oliver Lamusse – MD - First Technology KZN
Thank you so much for your great presentation and enthusiasm for life, which you passed onto our people! It was a most worthwhile day and every team member that was present is enthused and has only positive things to say – a big thank you!
Linda Pampallis – CEO - Thompsons Africa
It was so nice to get all the positive feedback from the people that attended our breakfast and your presentation. Thanks once again for coming to Potchefstroom and doing the impossible by influencing everybody so positively!
Dewald Van Breda – Chairman - Chamber of Commerce
Just want to say thank you, I must say that all my sales staff were most impressed with what you had to say, and I am sure that there were many positives which they can use in both the working environment as well as in their personal capacities. Difficult to keep someone’s attention for two hours but you managed to do just that - easily!! Thank You.
Fred Green – MD - Arctic Health
Thank you for being our guest speaker at the Franchisee of the year awards. Your wisdom and insights on Mastering your Mind was inspirational and moving. You entertained and captivated us and we will cherish the unforgettable experience of being with you for years to come. Best Regards
Lee Anne – HR Manager - OK Franchise division
A special thank you for an inspirational presentation on Saturday morning; I have received numerous compliments from the team expressing how much value they received from your wellness talk.
Trevor Herbert - CEO - McCarthy Toyota
Thanks for this morning’s motivation session you presented to our board. I found your concept and content of Mental Toughness fascinating and motivating. I have asked my PA, Zelda, to set up a time for a follow up discussion.
Gareth Ackerman – Chairman - Pick n Pay
Thank you so much for the motivating talk you gave yesterday. It was incredibly entertaining, and the staff was genuinely touched by your messages. Let’s get together next week to plan how we will include the follow up learning programme so that we take the concept of mental toughness into our organization as the underpinning architecture of our culture.
Rian Oberholzer – MD - Access Management
Thank you for spending time with us – it was excellent. I ‘zing’ with the way your mind works and really enjoyed your wit. There is nothing more charming than a brilliant, healthy and well-trained mind.
Anita Heyl – HR Manager - Trans African Concessions
This session was phenomenal. I was moved by the statement, “You have to turn up.” It is also life changing and enhances the possibilities of a huge paradigm shift. This session motivated me to use the hidden potential that’s inside of me. I’m brainstorming quite a lot on “Turn up & show up” and making the impossible possible.
Joy January – Pollsmoor Prison
Your presentation was an absolute hit; everybody is talking about it. I need more info and a proposal on the online course. I have candidates, including myself, who wish to participate.
Adri Fourie – HR Manager
Thanks for a wonderful talk. Time just shot by; it felt like half an hour. I loved the elegant simplicity of your work (the highest compliment) your humour, stories and media. It was just thoroughly entertaining. Like a good movie, it has been on my mind since.
Si Ekin – Life Coach
Many thanks for spending time with us in Bonnivale. All participants reacted very positively to your talk. I will be prompting further thought processes in the “inches” and “mental toughness” directions of your presentation. These good ideas tend to be forgotten very quickly if left alone so we will attempt to jog memories with the main points.
Mark Philp - CEO - Selford Donford Group
The very best facilitator and motivator that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Jonty Goslett - SA Rugby
When you spoke to us, my brain immediately started to powerfully rewire itself and store deposits of your power phrases. "The Game of Inches" seems to have been of most significance and has even attached itself to every thought or action of mine thus far. And, in all honesty, that power phrase WILL follow me throughout my human existence here on Earth and I look forward to sharing what I have learnt from you with others. Melissa Nel
Thank you for your motivational talk. The response from the crowd was overwhelmingly positive.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen them listening to a speaker with such interest for more than an hour! I’m confident that this helped in making our client’s conference such a success. I hope to work with you in the not-too-distant future again! Elise Swiegers
I would like to thank you for seeing to it that we had a very good three-hour session. It was phenomenal. Very inspiring and uplifting! Paul Mgayi
Thank you for being here, your time and energy is highly appreciated. I want you to know that I'm grateful for your talk, I too hope to make a difference in society. You are someone who inspired me. Farhaan Mangera
Today's message really scratched my brain and made me think and broaden my thinking of my future and how to achieve it. Thank you it was a great experience and time well spent. Peter - John Fortein
I was at your talk at the Wapadrand church; it was great listening to you. Thank you for your inspiration. Werner Norval
It has been an absolute privilege to have you at Wapadrand. The continuous feedback from the men has been overwhelmingly positive. Donette Werkman
Client references for strategic workshops
SAPVIA
Contact person: Lineo Masopha
Description of work undertaken: Strategic planning facilitation
FSCA
Contact person: Katlego Bolsiek
Description of work undertaken: Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: Several days
Anglo American Coal
Contact person: Neo Monareng (General Manager)
Description of work undertaken: Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: Three days
Hi Dr Steve,
Thank you for an insightful evening and the session. Your facilitation of the session was impactful. The comparisons between the Red Ocean and the Blue Ocean got the team fully engaged, the principles can be applied to benefit business and on a personal level. The mental toughness session was well-timed. I look forward to our next engagement.
Best Regards Neo
Kiaat Private Hospital
Contact person: Steven Mashishi (Hospital manager)
Description of work undertaken: Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: Two days
Dr Steve
The gift is a small token to say thank you for the eye-opening knowledge you shared with our team. The sessions are not only relevant to work environment but also contribute significantly to personal growth.
As captain of the ship, I feel better equipped to navigate between the red and blue seas, not by myself but with my management team as the crew.
We most definitely will meet soon as your insight is still required on other parts of our organization.
Steven Mashishi Hospital Manager Kiaat Private Hospital Mbombela
National Nuclear Regulator
Contact person: Ditebogo Kgomo – Executive National Nuclear Regulator
Description of work undertaken: Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: one day
Dumela Dr Steve
Thanks again for your Strategic and teamwork facilitation, plus sharing your experience and your book.
The Workshop was exceptionally informative and inspiring. You have given us food for thought, as a team and as individuals, regarding our perspectives, our goals, and the value of research to differentiate fact from fiction and not take anything for granted (e.g. Social media). It is a wake-up call for us to re-look at our future planning, not to be impulsive, but using the shared tools make more informed decisions, and re-invent us. I especially appreciated your high energy and funny matter-of-fact delivery!
Ditebogo Kgomo – Executive National Nuclear Regulator
NEHAWU
Contact person: Jabulani Thomas Zwane
Description of work undertaken: Online Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: two days
I enjoyed the very informative strategic planning workshop and learned a lot from it. Dr Steve Harris knew what he was talking about and made us engage in the conversation and training. I would recommend this strategic planning facilitator to anyone who needs a motivational or strategic planning workshop.
Thank you Jabulani Thomas Zwane - Chairman NEHAWU DUT
LGSETA
Contact person: Nonhle Mashinini
Description of work undertaken: Online Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: three days
Wessels Mine Hotazel Manganese Mines
Manganese South Africa
Contact person: Xolani Qamata Operations Manager
Description of work undertaken: Strategic planning facilitation
Duration: two days
Good day Steve,
I felt that you were fully prepared and aligned very well with our business and team goals. I always found that in the first sessions, some facilitators struggle to join the dots and try hard to be relevant. You were in flow and identified with our team. The focus in individual or becoming better people conversation touched on some of my own personal leadership growth areas and culture that I would like to embed in my own organization. As we go forth in implementing our Blue Ocean matrix plans, we will continue to reflect on the mental toughness tools you provided.
Everyone on the leadership agrees that the content and delivery of the two days was great, and you facilitated well. Thank you for your contribution.
Regards Xolani Qamata
Thanks so much for making our strategic session a success. The motivation and facilitation were outstanding.
Makhosi Makhoba – Senior Manager - Civil Aviation Authority
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Be the first to leave a review for Dr Steve Harris - Motivational Speaker.
Strategy and team alignment
This motivational presentation and workshop is tailored to address the team’s alignment with the strategy.
It acknowledges the claim that culture eats strategy for breakfast. Most organizations have strategic plans, and many struggle with execution because they lack a culture of staff buy-in, alliance, and commitment.
Teamwork is tackled as a dynamic and transformative force, guided by strategy, and propelled by mental toughness leading us towards shared aspirations and greatness that, in isolation, might remain elusive. I draw inspiration from Chan Kim’s Blue Ocean Strategy, designed to accelerate your journey into or beyond the “blue ocean.”
A mind for sales
In this motivational presentation and workshop, we start at the premise that sales training is the inevitable reaction when times are tough. I suggest not repeating training in the skills of selling but workshopping how to improve a mind for sales. Unpacking the paradigms and blindspots that are causing leaks in selling ability and then generating more mental toughness.
A mind for wellness
In this motivational presentation and workshop, we delve into our wellness as a force multiplier for most other aspirations. including work effectiveness and efficiency.
With optimal wellness, our wellspring of energy is maintained despite our challenges, offering us reserves to manage challenges and embrace success and significance. Yet, there's a cautionary note, for some, in their relentless pursuit of success, they unwittingly jeopardize their health. I'm reminded of a poignant verse from a poem: "They squander their health in search of wealth, they sweat, they toil, and they slave. Then they squander their wealth in search of health and only find the grave."
Teambuilding for high performance teams
In this motivational presentation combined with team-building activities. Team members are challenged to update and apply their understanding of teamwork in a VUCA environment.
Delegates address intention, improved communication, conflict management, critical thinking, use of AI, mental toughness, and have some fun with activities that internalize the principles of teamwork.
A mind for Service
A mind for sales
In this motivational presentation and workshop, we start with the premise that service training is the inevitable reaction when times are tough. I suggest not repeating training in the skills of service but workshopping how to improve a mind for service—unpacking the paradigms and blindspots that are causing leaks in service ability and then generating more mental toughness.
Motivation driven by Mental Toughness
In this transformative motivational talk, I aim to provide delegates with leverage for resilience and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.
With improved mental toughness team members are better able to manage their mind, allocating energy to the right place at the right time for the right reason.
Now, they can give their best performance, consistently, despite the turmoil that may be going on inside or around them.
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