Hein Wagner

Hein Wagner has been blind since birth…and he is an exceptional motivational speaker for any conference event.

Despite this Hein Wagner has many accomplishments to his name. He has completed the Absa Cape Epic, ran the Antarctica Marathon, the Two Oceans and New York Marathons, completed full Ironman,

Hein competed in the World Triathlon Series in Cape Town, finished several Cape Town Cycle Tours, tackled the white waters of the Zambezi River, Climbed the ten highest mountains in the Western Cape, completed the Cape to Rio Yacht Race, holds the World Blind Land Speed Record at 322.52 km/h, and more.

Wagner matriculated at the Pioneer School for learners with visual barriers in Worcester, South Africa.

Hein Wagner parents made the difficult decision of sending their blind five-year-old son to boarding school a hundred kilometres away from their home in Durbanville.

This was a decision the terrified youngster could not understand at the time, yet today he recognises this decision as the best one they could have made in their quest to prepare their son for the real world.

Hein’s first school report is testimony to his adaptive nature and early sense of adventure stating that he ‘is on a constant journey of discovery’.

Hein Wagner teenage years proved to be more challenging as he dealt with the normal pressures of growing up and also struggled with the question of why he had to be born blind.

Not finding the answers he desperately needed made him rebellious and he subsequently made life difficult for those around him.

It took a couple of extreme adventures to make Hein see the light.

Today he sees his blindness as the biggest gift he could ever hope for.

Hein Wagner started his career as a switchboard operator, but the rapidly growing technology sector soon inspired him to enter the IT industry.

He worked for companies such as MWeb and Thawte Consulting, where he quickly worked his way up to international sales manager, managing a team of sighted individuals.

Hein’s unique experiences and out-look on life afforded him numerous invitations to share his story and in 2004 he decided to take up motivational speaking as a full-time career.

Hein Wagner humorous approach to everything in life has illuminated the lighter side of living in darkness and resonates with audiences around the world.

Whether Hein Wagner has his audience rolling with laughter or doing introspection, he aims to leave them with the realisation that they have the capacity to achieve anything they set their minds too.

Hein Wagner | Blind Motivation

Testimonials:

“Without doubt Hein is an exceptional individual. He delivered an inspiring presentation with humour and enthusiasm, touching each individual in the audience with his insight into life and the ways in which he overcame his challenges. Our audience of 400 managers & executives from over 30 nationalities were captivated by his many achievements and energy for life. A huge success!”

Mike DeNoma, CEO, Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered Bank.

“Many of my people have said that they went away with a very different perspective on life.  All too often, motivational talks are once-offs with a one-day impact.  It is nearly a week after your talk and I am pleased to tell you that people are still commenting about your presentation.”

Harry Charlton, Chief Finance Officer, Parliament of South Africa.

“This truly inspires those that can see – to stop and think what we have achieved in life.  His talk was humoristic, grabbed the attention and was really inspirational as it depicted true and realistic examples we all see in our daily situations but never see the detail as experienced by a person who cannot see… ”

Arno Vorster, on behalf of the Institute of Internal Auditors Western Cape.

“Hein is a remarkable young man.  He achieved so much in his life that I wouldn’t even dream of attempting.”

Jody Pearson, PR Manager, Alexander Forbes.

“The time we spent together on Friday afternoon was WITHOUT EXCEPTION the most humorous, uplifting, motivational and inspirational experience that I have experienced during my 18 years with the Company.  The message was clear, practical and relevant to our people and you manage to reinforce a very strong and positive sense of accountability through turning your disability into a massive ability – ‘I am blind … what is your excuse’ …”

Brian Robertson, HR Director, Vital Health Foods.

“Thank you very much for addressing our agents at our AGM last night.  What a huge success.  You truly are an inspiration and I have never before booked a speaker who stirred up such a positive response as last night.  You are a TOTAL delight. ”

Debbie Knipe, Assistant Manager, Institute of Estate Agents.

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