Global Speakers: Speaking life into business leaders and entrepreneurs in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Business Leads Magazine
Jan 01, 2025By Business Leads Magazine

As the editor of our esteemed publication, I had the privilege of attending the Unique Speaker Bureau International event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nelson Mandela Bay, where Mike Handcock and his wife, Landi Jac, were the keynote speakers. The event was nothing short of inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. During the event, I had the opportunity to engage with Mike Handcock, who shared invaluable insights into their journey and the impact of their work.

Mike explained the inspiration behind the Circle of Excellence Group, saying, "We were inspired to start Circle of Excellence Group because we really saw that leaders had so much more potential than what they really believed in themselves. That's what led us to have our mantra: “we help conscious leaders play a bigger game." This sentiment is at the heart of their mission, aiming to empower conscious leaders who want to make an impact, not just money.

Their approach to the speaking industry is truly global, having run over 350 events, referred to as masterminds, where they listen to leaders’ problems and provide on-the-spot solutions. "What this has done is enabled us to understand what's going on and what the problems are that leaders are having around the world," Mike noted. Their extensive reach includes events in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, France, and Germany, making them a formidable global presence.

Mike's upcoming role as President of the Global Speakers Federation will put him at the helm of 35 countries, representing 55,000 speakers. This position allows him to influence thought leadership on a global scale. "It gives me the opportunity to influence the way thought leadership is happening on the planet in the next 12 to 18 months," he said.

During our conversation, Mike highlighted the diverse businesses they have built. Landi has established a sizable consultancy firm and has helped others run it, while Mike has owns multiple businesses, including a construction company, a travel company, and a publishing company. "The best message here is that just because you have a business today and you can get it to a certain level, it doesn't mean that you're the person to take it to the level beyond that," he advised. Their approach is to empower others to take their businesses to new heights.

Reflecting on their experiences in Nelson Mandela Bay, Mike shared, "We've always had a great experience in Nelson Mandela Bay. The people are really supremely friendly, open-minded, and they really want to make a difference." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Nelson Mandela Bay's entrepreneurial spirit, which is both down-to-earth and ambitious.

Their visit this time was facilitated by Wendy Knott Craig, a local businesswoman in the business and events industry. The duo is keen on collaborations that can impact businesses of all sizes in Nelson Mandela Bay. "We're looking to impact businesses small, medium, and large with the type of globalism and experience that we bring," Mike explained. Their global perspective, shaped by their experiences in places like Saudi Arabia, the US, Europe, and Canada, brings fresh insights to the local business landscape.

One of the standout aspects of their work is their customized approach to solving business problems. Mike mentioned their extensive content, which has been compiled into a 500-page book full of business models. "When we work with any client, we find out what problems they're dealing with and then we go to our buffet table," he said. This metaphorical buffet table includes various business models tailored to the client's needs, ensuring a unique solution for every situation.

Their target markets are twofold: corporates looking to adopt entrepreneurial thinking within their businesses and growth-stage entrepreneurs ready to scale their operations. "We've had amazing successes helping people grow businesses, taking companies to be listed on stock exchanges from ideas, winning international awards, and transforming leadership teams," Mike proudly shared.

To stay relevant and innovative, Mike emphasized the importance of travel and exposure. "In any given year, we meet thousands of people, which keeps us very up to date," he said. Their extensive network and constant interactions with diverse individuals provide them with fresh perspectives and ideas.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mike's advice is to discover their essence and build a business around it. "Find out what's in your heart and decide how you're going to express it. Let what you do be an extension of who you are," he advised. This approach ensures that their work resonates with a wide audience and remains true to their values.

As an attendee of the Unique Speaker Bureau International event, I can confidently say that the power of global collaboration and innovative thinking is essential for entrepreneurs looking to expand their networks and attract new clients. Mike Handcock and Landi Jac's contributions to the speaking industry, along with their dedication to empowering leaders, are truly inspiring. Their insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike, demonstrating that with the right mindset and approach, the potential for growth and impact is truly limitless.

For more, visit: Circle Of Excellence Group