LIEZEL VAN DER WESTHUIZEN – THE MULTIFACETED FACE OF TALENT
Liezel van der Westhuizen is one of those celebrity personalities that capture the true essence of what being in the spotlight is all about. A seasoned professional, Liezel has graced our television screens for 10 years, entertained us for many hours on radio and brought us captivating digital content that will be remembered for many decades to come. By Kirsty du Toit
Liezel was nicknamed “the giraffe” in designer Craig Jacobs’ Sunday Times column in 2009, when she and her even taller sister Monique appeared in killer heels which made them tower over other attendees at a Radisson Blu fashion event. Although the name was not meant to be flatteringly at the time, Liezel, as a clever entrepreneur, went on to incorporate it into everything she does, including launching The Giraffe Brand Academy. This academy has been set up to assist businesspeople all over the world to build powerful and authentic personal brands which take them on to greater heights of success.
As only the second woman in the world to present Idols, Liezel became a familiar face on the popular reality TV show during seasons 5 and 6. She has also been a presenter on SABC3’s daily breakfast show Expresso and she presented TV shows for channels SABC3, SuperSport, SABC Sport, MNET, DSTV and SABC 2. Liezel lists her career highlights as Idols, Expresso, The Lunchbox and Soundcheck.
Her daily output includes a fitness feature on 3 radio stations: KFM94.5; Radio 702 and CapeTalk.. With so much going for her, it’s hard to believe it has been just a few years since Liezel was “discovered” by Jacaranda FM after the programme manager heard her broadcasting as a Makro announcer whilst she was studying and working at TUKS FM.
Liezel describes her stature and presence in the entertainment industry as a “huge responsibility – one I gladly bear”. Being in the spotlight for over 10 years has given her the opportunity to not only amplify the voices that she believes would not always have been heard but has also enabled her to be an ally of movements and efforts that share her values and preferences.
Having recently celebrated 10 years in the entertainment industry, Liezel has proved that her brand image is a force to be reckoned with. She has managed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market that has changed dramatically over the last ten years
“As I have grown with my brand, it has led me to grow bigger and better within the market. In part, my continued relevance comes from connecting with interests that people find fascinating and enjoyable, but also pushing the bounds of what we do, and what we know. I encourage people and companies to think differently, to do things differently and to always carry positivity and authenticity through whatever they are involved in.”
“I believe the value that I offer as a quality personal branding coach, keynote speaker, presenter, and in my various other roles like voice-over artist, has earned me the reputation of being a dependable creative talent over many years; which results in my continued position at the forefront of what is happening in the industry,” Liezel says.
So, what makes Liezel unique in her own right? The blonde Capetonian who originates from Johannesburg, has cleverly and professionally established her brand within formidable corporate markets and used her experience in television and radio to develop ideas that we might describe as “absolute genius”. Her career focus is not exclusive on radio and television. She also posts regular personal branding tips and runs The Giraffe Brand Academy – a personal branding and coaching company that offers a series of personal brand and presenter training courses.
Liezel believes in diversity, which is why The Giraffe Brand Academywill be accessible to anyone who wants to improve their market, job, or social media presence.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching executives and entrepreneurs in more than 6 countries and over more than 2 continents. My current client base includes companies in China, the United States of America, South Africa, Italy and the United Kingdom (to name but some).”
Hard-working, determined, multifaceted and unique are just a few words that describe Liezel. A true entrepreneurial master in her chosen career path!
Follow her journey:
Website www.thegiraffebrand.com
Twitter www.twitter.com/liezelv
Facebook www.facebook.com/liezelonline
Instagram www.instagram.com/liezelonline