Siya Kolisi is a world champion rugby player, humanitarian, and history-making leader who became the first Black captain of the South African national team - the Springboks - in 2018. Under his leadership, South Africa won the 2019 Rugby World Cup, delivering not only a dominant performance but also a unifying symbol for a nation still healing from racial and economic divides.
Born in the township of Zwide near Port Elizabeth, Kolisi’s rise from poverty to the pinnacle of global sport is a story of resilience, talent, and purpose. He has become an international icon of leadership, admired for his strength on the field and his humility and authenticity off it.
Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation with his wife, Rachel, to support vulnerable communities in South Africa. The foundation focuses on food security, education, gender-based violence prevention, and youth development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it played a critical role in distributing essential resources to families in need.
As a speaker, Siya shares compelling messages about overcoming adversity, the power of inclusive leadership, mental toughness, and servant leadership. His story resonates across borders and industries—whether addressing sports teams, C-suite executives, or students - because it speaks to the universal challenges of identity, resilience, and unity.
Siya is also the author of Rise, a bestselling memoir that chronicles his personal and professional journey. He is an ambassador for global brands and frequently appears in forums discussing leadership, sport, and social justice.
Kolisi’s impact extends far beyond the pitch. He embodies the values of courage, empathy, and action - leading with heart in a world hungry for purpose-driven role models.
Languages: English
Country: South Africa
Talks
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