By Saul Rosenberg (Media Comms)
*Contributors:
Memory Zimba
The Joburg Chapter meeting took place at the Wanderers 2/7/25. The meeting focused on learning how to strategically leverage speaker bureaus and public relations to significantly raise the visibility of your public speaking business.
Leigh Joy Mansel-Pleydell – Using Public Relations to Elevate your business
Leigh Joy is woman who is at home in her dreams and fully awake in her desires. In her journey of becoming, she didn’t just upgrade her skillset — she transcended fear, rewired her mindset, and mastered the discipline of clarity. Leigh lives in her purpose.
She explored how to use PR tools and media exposure to build credibility, grow your personal brand and generate buzz around your message. Whether you are an emerging speaker or a seasoned pro, this session will give you actions that you can implement immediately and ultimately help you to stand out in a competitive market.
In a moving unapologetic talk Leigh Joy walked us through her story one shaped by addiction, loss, custody battles and public reinvention. Yet what she offered wasn’t a tale of despair it was a masterclass courage.
According to Leigh your broken parts are not imposter flags – They’re Medicine. Leigh reminded us that our wounds can become qualifications. Lived experience is wisdom. Use the symbols, scars and metaphors from your life – even painful ones- to anchor your message and deepen your brand.
Start with servitude, Stay with Faith. Stay focused. Leigh doesn’t position herself as the hero of her story, she’s the vessel.
March to the beat you drum, your voice is your value, your word is your wand. The words you speak create your destiny”, she said. She showed us how different platforms create different energy. It’s important to adapt with energy.
Radio requires intimacy, TV calls for visual presence. Live speaking demands embodiment. Each channel shapes your voice differently.
Purpose leaves Clues, Excellence is in preparation. There is power in vulnerability.
In her talk, Leigh gave us a framework for living in our desires.
Simone De Villiers – Strategically Leveraging Speaker Bureaus
Simone runs a SA based talent Bureau specializing in Speakers and Talent. Their mission is to leverage your unique expertise to transform ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.
“The Alchemy of Speaker Bureau Success,” was a refreshing, real-worldperspective from inside the industry. Social Alchemists is a talent bureau connecting world-class speakers, entertainers, MCs, comedians, sports legends and cultural icons withclients across South Africa and internationally
They broke down three critical questions:
- What do you need to get listed?
- What if you don’t meet the criteria yet?
- Once listed, how do you actually stay booked?
While it may seem like bureaus “represent” speakers, the truth is they recommend them —based on the brief, budget and chemistry. Being listed doesn’t guarantee bookings. Being relevant, reliable, and ridiculously easy to work with does.
They have quite a stringent onboardin process and prior to that they require: at least two videos of you live on corporate stages/events/conferences. A minimum of 4 client testimonials. A minimum of 3-4 years confirmed speaking stages/events- who they were and when it was proven, charged for, speaking engagements where the cost would have needed to be a minimum of R20 000.
At least 6 booked and paid for speaking engagements done. She also stressed that video is key. She also said that it is essential that you start investing in your career. Get a professional photographer and videographer to build up your marketing assets.
Overall, the evening was a fun, enthusiastic and colourful event that communicated the PR and bureau dimensions of the speaking game.
