Ian has been a professional speaker for more than 15 years. He has travelled internationally and spoken in more than 25 countries. After completing a Bachelors degree in Business, he followed his calling and worked as a wildlife guide in Southern Africa , specialising in tracking lions. Ian attained the highest tracking and guiding qualification possible, that of "Scout", which was awarded to him by "The Field Guides Association of South Africa". The award recognises excellence in guiding in big game areas, weapon handling and tracking. He was the first person to achieve this distinction.

During his time as a guide he discovered that he had a talent for teaching and storytelling, which led to a career in public speaking. One of his core beliefs is that people have a lot to learn from nature. Sound business sense is linked to a knowledgeable insight into how nature thrives. His presentations assault the senses with stunning photographs, thunderous roars, lots of humour and his ability to tell and act out the story - driving the message home.

Audiences leave enthralled and repeat the stories to friends and colleagues, which further entrenches the message and results in immense take home business value.

Ian has been a guest on radio and television, discussing subjects such as teamwork, goal setting and how to minimise risk. Ian is a member of the National Speakers Association USA and SA. He is known for a sound business message and is recognised internationally as one of the world's top motivators and keynote speakers. He is the author of the book "The Power of the Pride" and has clients in Europe, Asia, USA and Africa .

THE POWER OF THE PRIDE

Ian presents a riveting and informative account of how lions, the only cats that hunt in teams, can be compared with how businesses operate as teams.

Lions form teams in order to hunt the vast herds of antelope that evolved onto Africa 's savannahs. The strategy of using teams to ambush these herds was extremely successful.

Individual lions and lionesses benefited from this association and the prides became extremely powerful. The presentation is based around this point - that the success of the team is because of the individual and the success of the individual is because of the team.

THE SPOOR OF SUCCESS

Ian Thomas, while working as a game ranger, discovered that his guests predominant request was to see lions. In order to satisfy his customers, he set out to find the lions on a daily basis.

The strategy conceived was both fun and a financial success. The reason for the success was its whole thrust - that of competitive advantage - was seen from the customer's point of view.

ADAPTING TO CHANGE

The only real security that exists in an era of dynamic and rapid change, is the ability to read the change and devise a plan to thrive within it.

Change can present itself either as a threat or an opportunity.

Ian illustrates how lions successfully avoid the dramatic and dangerous threats that occur during their lives, while creating opportunities to thrive on.

He believes that within these stories there are lessons that both businesses and individuals can learn about thriving in an era of dynamic change.