The story of how Veldskoen came to the Olympics is remarkable, a true battle of will, perseverance and of course luck.
Entrepreneur
/ GROWTH SPECIALIST
Public Speaker
/ Dad
Having co-founded Veldskoen Shoes I am privileged to have seen a business grow from a 2x2m office in Cape Town to a global footwear brand selling in 32 countries. It all started as a side hustle but with key strategies and a value set learned across my diverse career grew to be South Africa’s most exported footwear business. I’m a late starter as an entrepreneur and am grateful for my spectacular failures pre Veldskoen.
I am passionate about sharing the my entrepreneurial journey and the Veldskoen story, it is filled with hope and lessons of encouragement for everyone interested in business. I have developed a number of key note speeches that unpack the story, the lessons and the simple tools that we have found successful.
FEATURED ON
the story of veldskoen
KEYNOTE 1
This keynote tells the story of Veldskoen, from startup to where it is now. The core message of the speech is to share that anything is possible with enthusiasm and hard work. Amazing things are possible in South Africa if you stay positive.
The Power of simple Creativity
KEYNOTE 2
Everyday, entrepreneurs, teams and organizations are faced with the challenge of being creative. Of course it’s possible to outsource creativity which from an execution perspective is highly recommended (hire a great designer) but its important to know what you are looking at. What are the simple principles of creativity we can use to make really good decisions?
Step 1, Values, always
KEYNOTE 3
Bad culture creeps up and takes over, when it’s set in an organization it’s really tough to diagnose problem areas and even harder to treat. We developed a set of values that are baked into the culture of Veldskoen, easy to articulate and understand, easy to manage.
AS SEEN ON
nick’s
story
Matriculated at Pretoria Boys High, after studying music, studies Hospitality Management
Joins the team at Ellerman House as a duty manager and ends up as GM of this world class hotel
Appointed alternate Director at Everard Read and Great Plains Conservation
Appointed to the board of directors at the Museum of African Design in Johannesburg
I started an art Advisory, Auriti, based in Johannesburg and advising clients globally. Nobody paid, FAILURE NO 1
Expo RSA brings out world class exhibitions including Art of the Brick and Titanic. Rand bombs = FAILURE NO 2
Ross and Nick have an argument about what our athletes should have worn to the Olympics. Veldskoen is born. THE STORY BEGINS
testimonials
A wonderful, inspiring
South African Business
Story
What a humble positive, feel good SA Story…from small beginnings…. So good to hear . ..may they continue to go from strength to strength in this manner… Thanks again.
Anne L
Dear Mary. WHAT a wonderful,
inspirational speaker👏 👏 wow, so refreshing to have someone with so much HEART, ETHICS
AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP!!! We were on the edge of our seats with excitement!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the brief talk on stage and super impressed by what you guys have done at Veldskoen Shoes! An excellent case study that will be widely referenced for years to come I’m sure!
Thato
THANK YOU for finding that incredible man who entertained us all last night. My gosh, what an amazing speaker. It would be a wonderful experience to be able to sit around a dinner table with him and a group of friends and of course a few bottles of wine
I am about to make a pretty elaborate comparison in order to create a simple argument. If you stick with me, the process of writing this will in fact support my point.
This is the Dad’s guide to Cape Town and it has only one rule… If your child is in nappies and you forget the nappy bag when you go out, go home immediately.