Finalist 2022 | Startup Mentor of the Year

Finalist 2022 | Incubator of the Year – The Human Entrepreneur
2022 Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards

Thinkers 360 – Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Lean Startup 2022 & 2023

Willem is a leader in Entrepreneurship Development in some of the toughest conditions. Over his 22-year entrepreneurship journey, he developed his unique human-centred perspective and approach to leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Consistently pushing boundaries and learning through failures and successes, he solidified his thinking around the entrepreneurial way and the successful application in a wide range of real-world situations.

He is a dedicated single father to an amazing 12-year-old son, and they live in Johannesburg, South Africa. An avid reader and personal development enthusiast. For fun and giggles, he is a firewalking instructor.

Willem holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Liverpool, U.K., and his dissertation focused on applying various innovation methodologies within existing businesses. A regular conference speaker and facilitator, he also serves on the advisory board of the professional interest network of the University of Liverpool Management School.

He is one of only a small number of people in the world who can moderate the highly sought-after Inside Risk, high-stakes leadership in action programme – www.InsideRisk.com

He has facilitated many breakthrough motivational events with large crowds of people.