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Strategy expert & innovation speaker

Johan Hanekom

Transform organisations through innovation and sustainable growth with Johan Hanekom, speaker, strategy and leadership expert. Johan works with C-level executives to build agile teams and drive technology-enabled growth, delivering insights for 150 international firms representing nearly half the world's GDP.

Trusted by Forbes, Entrepreneur, HuffPost

Johan Hanekom, Speaker | Strategy & Innovation Leader
Johan Hanekom

Johan Hanekom

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

$100k and over

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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New York City, United States

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$100k and over

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Johan Hanekom's biography

At a glance

  • Leader in strategy, innovation, and sustainability
  • Partnered with over 1000 C-level executives
  • Regular columnist for Forbes and Entrepreneur
Johan Hanekom is a globally recognised leader in strategy, innovation, and sustainability. He has partnered with over 1,000 C-level executives across 150 international firms, responsible for nearly half of the world’s GDP. He is known for igniting a culture of innovation, building agile, autonomous teams, and driving sustainable, technology-enabled growth at scale. A entrepreneur and proven business builder, Johan has launched award-winning startups and accelerated the expansion of established enterprises in some of the world’s most competitive markets. His extensive private equity experience - ranging from early-stage Series A to later-stage investments - has seen him play a pivotal role in transforming organisations from grassroots initiatives to global market leaders. Beyond his executive track record, Johan is committed to service and stewardship. He volunteers on several boards of charities and wildlife foundations in Africa. His early career included five years in the South African Police Service and a decade of distinguished service in two British Army regiments. Academically, he studied Psychology and Criminology at UNISA and Political Economy at Kellogg College, Oxford University. As a regular columnist for Forbes, Entrepreneur, and HuffPost, Johan provides thought leadership on sustainable business strategies, the future of innovation, and the intersection of technology with environmental stewardship. His insights guide leaders in forging resilient, socially responsible enterprises that thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Johan's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

Garage Thinking: Building a Culture of Innovation like the Magnificent 7
Johan Hanekom explores how organisations can thrive in a fast-paced world by adopting a 'garage mindset.' He emphasises the importance of embracing discomfort, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and treating constraints as opportunities for innovation. Attendees will learn to harness discomfort for creativity, build diverse teams, encourage experimentation, and unite around ambitious goals, ultimately driving continuous growth and transformation.
From Silos to Speed: Building Agile Teams for Today’s Rapidly Changing World
Johan Hanekom's talk addresses the urgent need for organisations to adapt to rapid change. He emphasises the importance of courageous leadership in breaking down silos and fostering collaboration. Attendees will learn how to cultivate a shared purpose, embrace challenges as opportunities, and empower teams with clear goals. Ultimately, they will gain insights into maintaining agility and resilience in a fast-paced environment, driving innovation and sustained growth.
AI as Your Co-Pilot: Empowering Human Decisions in the Age of AI
Johan Hanekom explores the transformative potential of AI in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He emphasises the importance of human judgement and emotional intelligence in leveraging AI effectively. Attendees will learn to demystify AI, reframe their fears into opportunities, balance intuition with data insights, lead change authentically, and develop strategies for ethical AI integration, ultimately fostering a culture of innovation within their organisations.

Why we recommend booking Johan

Unlock your team's potential with Johan Hanekom, a global leader in strategy and sustainability. With experience advising over 1,000 C-level executives, his insights drive innovation and growth. Book now to transform your business challenges into actionable solutions.

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Trusted by Forbes, Entrepreneur, HuffPost

Testimonials

Johan Hanekom's keynote on innovation was a game-changer. His concept of 'Garage Thinking' resonated deeply with our leadership team, offering practical ways to foster creativity and experimentation. It's rare to find someone who can balance visionary ideas with actionable frameworks as Johan does.

Attendee

Johan demystifies AI in a way that is both inspiring and practical. His keynote showed us how to integrate AI to enhance human decision-making and align with long-term strategies. His perspective is essential for any leader navigating the AI-driven future.

Johan has an exceptional ability to communicate what agility means in today's fast-paced environment. His insights on building adaptive, purpose-driven teams helped us break down silos and reimagine how we execute as a company. This is leadership for the future.

Attendee

Attendee

Featured Projects

Johan Hanekom - Garage Thinking: How To Build A Culture Of Innovation Like The Magnificent 7 book cover

frequently asked questions

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To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

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Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.