Liezel van der Westhuizen, fondly known as “The Giraffe,” is a powerhouse in mental fitness and business coaching as well as communication, personal branding, and event hosting as emcee and speaker. With an unmatched blend of charisma, wit, and professionalism, she transforms events, broadcasts, and entrepreneurial journeys into unforgettable successes.
Her journey began humbly, discovered behind the scenes at Tuks Fm and then Jacaranda FM while juggling roles as a store announcer and PR Manager for Virgin Music. Since then, Liezel has ascended to remarkable heights, captivating audiences as a global emcee, motivational speaker, certified mental fitness coach, and expert in personal branding. She’s also a trailblazer, becoming only the second woman in the world to host Idols, South Africa’s iconic music competition show.
A Towering Educational Foundation
Liezel’s three academic degrees – a BCom in Human Resources, BCom Honours, and a Master’s in Business Communication – underpin her award-winning career. Additionally, she’s a certified Mindvalley Business Coach, Mental Fitness Coach, and Laughter Yoga Teacher, equipping her with tools to inspire and empower.
Elite PR and Reputation Management Expertise
Her adeptness in reputation management and public relations has seen her work with global icons like Lenny Kravitz, the Backstreet Boys, and Atomic Kitten, and locally with Danny K; Mandoza and Watershed earning glowing testimonials during her tenure as Virgin Records’ PR Manager.
Global Emcee and Event Specialist
Liezel’s remarkable career includes hosting over 3,000 events across South Africa, Europe, and Asia for blue-chip clients, financial institutions, and tourism boards. Known for her infectious energy, her talents shine on international stages, including recent events in Romania; Italy and the UK.
Motivational Talks and Workshops
As a speaker, Liezel motivates audiences with topics like:
- Break Through Self-Sabotage: Mental Fitness Strategies for Corporate Excellence
- Unstoppable Resilience: Grit and Corporate Success
- Boost Team Wellness with Laughter Yoga Workshops
- Future-Proof Yourself with Personal Branding
Her talks leave audiences inspired and equipped with actionable insights for personal and professional growth.
Endurance Athlete and Philanthropist
An accomplished endurance athlete, Liezel has completed Ironman Triathlons, Dusi Canoe Marathons, and a 7.5km swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand to raise funds for SEA RESCUE SA. She also made history in 2018 as the first woman to pilot a visually impaired athlete across the Himalayas on a tandem bicycle, raising funds for Operation Smile and OneSight. Liezel was also the first woman to ride a bicycle powered by social media in The Cape Town cycle tour to raise funds for Velokhaya – aim is to equip youth living in impoverished and underserved communities with the skills and opportunities required to thrive in life.
The Giraffe Brand: Standing Tall in Personal Branding
What began as a nickname has become a hallmark of empowerment. Liezel turned “The Giraffe,” once intended as an insult by a journalist from The Sunday Times into a personal brand symbolizing resilience and standing tall against adversity. Her company, The Giraffe Brand Academy, helps high-performance clients globally rise above the competition with impactful personal branding strategies.
Fitness, Wellness, and Community Impact
A familiar voice on KFM94.5, Cape Talk, and Talk Radio 702, Liezel inspires thousands daily with her fitness and wellness features, motivating listeners to embrace an active lifestyle, get moving, and enjoy fitness activities that seamlessly fit into their routines and spaces.
Whether hosting events, delivering impactful keynotes, or coaching clients to “tower above the competition,” Liezel van der Westhuizen is a force of nature who continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives across the globe.
Ready to elevate your event, brand, or business? Let “The Giraffe” take you to new heights!