Cohen brings gurus to SA television

PETER FELDMAN

This authority on human potential insists that on the speaking circuit, it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it that impacts on people’s lives.

Cohen (43), is an impressive communicator and well-known on the speaking and conference circuit. As a member of the South African Speakers Hall of Fame, he has travelled to more than 20 countries in a career spanning 17 years, speaking and training in motivation, sales, customer service and leadership.

Now, in his latest project, a TV series called Gurus on CNBC Africa, he gets other experts on success from around the world and gives them a platform and then asks them the tough questions. He has been passionate about this concept for years and is very excited to have been able to make this possible.

“Most talk shows are just interviews. Gurus has a keynote presentation in front of a live audience, followed by an interview. So, we have all the sizzle and excitement of a live audience.

“These are not just subject matter experts; they are expert communicators, so I want people to see them in their natural element. Afterwards I put them in the hot seat to dig even deeper into their keys to success.”

Cohen features experts like Gambian-born London-based business guru and renowned motivational speaker, René Carayol who has helped Bill Clinton, David Cameron and Richard Branson unleash their strengths.

The experts on his show include: Robert Kiyosaki, author of the bestselling personal finance book of all time, “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, Michael Jackson, the world’s leading expert on change, and South Africa’s Siphiwe Moyo, an expert and author on human capital development and nipping the culture of entitlement in the bud.

Cohen says he is in the fortunate place of doing work that “is more fun than fun”.  

He added: “My purpose is to equip and inspire people and organisations to unleash their potential. Isn’t that what life is all about? Growing, developing, being the best that you can be.

“That’s what gets me up in the morning, that’s what drives my passion.”

The author of four books and seven audio books, Cohen has hosted TV shows in which he interviews the world’s top experts on success.

A few minutes in his company and you feel the energy and the snap, crackle and pop that make him such a dynamic speaker.

When asked whether he is South Africa’s answer to self-help, he cringes a little. “I would not be so arrogant as to say this. There are many great speakers and authors on the South African speaking circuit. My aim with Gurus is to bring those speakers to a wider public.”

From a background in music and drama – he attended the National School of the Arts and studied psychology at Rhodes University – Cohen found his purpose in life and he is helping others in the process.

As for Gurus, Cohen was thrilled to connect with some of the world’s leaders in his profession. However, he was deeply impacted by the success of Moyo, a former Orange Farm informal settlement resident, who had absolutely nothing in life, but who uplifted himself to become a corporate superstar.

“It’s not just that he made it, but how he made it,” says Cohen.

Moyo speaks out about how both black and white South Africans need to get over their sense of entitlement and take personal responsibility, if they are to ultimately succeed.

• You can catch Gurus on Thursday at 21:15 on CNBC Africa (DStv channel 410) and online atwww.cnbcafrica.com/tv/shows.