While many businesses welcomed the start of 2022 with renewed optimism, the year has brought with it a new set of challenges that require swift decision-making and agility. Bruce Whitfield, South Africa’s most awarded financial journalist and a highly sought-after business speaker, is showing you how to ‘get your head out of the headlines’– and learn how the right mindset will help you find opportunity despite chaos and uncertainty. All this through his witty and engaging presentation – The Upside of Down.

Who is Bruce Whitfield?

  If you’re looking for a frank, optimistic approach to business in South Africa, then Bruce Whitfield is your man. The host of Money Show on 702 and Cape Talk, Bruce has won more awards for financial journalism than any other working South African media professional. A celebrated broadcaster, author, TV presenter, and contributing editor at the Financial Mail – Bruce is also a renowned business speaker and facilitator, locally and internationally, with a knack for cutting through the jargon of financial speak. Bruce has the ability to make even the most complex financial concepts accessible to his audiences, and he relates them to the local South African context. Adept at reading a room, his wit and honesty allow for spirited conversations around sometimes difficult topics. Bruce has spoken to boards, excos and leadership teams at Standard Bank, PWC, Deloitte, RMB, Nedbank, Absa, PSG, Old Mutual, Sanlam, Discovery, Anglo American, DeBeers, JP Morgan South Africa, Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, BCX, Suretravel and countless industry associations including SAPOA and The Insurance Industry Association of South Africa.

What is The Upside of Down?

  Bruce’s bestselling book, The Upside of Down, delves into inspiring stories about remarkable South Africans who are actually solving the country’s collective challenges. With the book already selling out its second edition, Bruce has evolved the content into a punchy, 45-minute presentation that showcases how businesses are able to create opportunity from chaos. Pithy, empathetic and always honest, Bruce is an insightful commentator on the political economy and has been accused of being an optimist… but a cautious, realistic one. An observer of humanity, he is first and foremost a storyteller. His positive, unique view of the world inform this captivating presentation which challenges widely held negative beliefs about the country, and the world. Relying on sound data and true stories, Bruce is able to show you a myriad of possibilities when you’re not stuck focussing on the problems. 

Why is now the best time?

  Putin’s war, petrol price hikes, interest rate hikes, the climate crisis, lingering pandemic pessimism – the problems in the world right now can seem insurmountable. For us as individuals, and possibly even more so for business. However, in his constantly evolving presentation, Bruce touches on these and other issues of the day to paint a realistic picture of the present, but he always flips the script, leaving audiences energised by a fresh perspective.

What about his special edition?

  Beyond addressing and overcoming this year’s challenges, Bruce will be closely following the spring edition of the World Economic Forum, set to be held in Davos from 22 to 26 May this year. Established in 1971, the World Economic Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The forum strives to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance. In his special Davos edition of The Upside of Down, Bruce will share insights that inform the 2022 World Economic Forum, making this an ideal opportunity for audiences to gain a perspective on the largest gathering of business influence in the world. Cut through the noise of the news, invite Bruce to share his insights with your team or clients. Bruce Whitfield is an award-winning financial journalist, radio host and business speaker.