About Dr. Gustav Gous

Shaper and Leader in Transformation

Dr. Gustav Gous is an internationally renowned inspirational speaker, executive coach, and corporate consultant celebrated for his profound expertise in both the intra- and interpersonal dynamics of business and life. He specializes in designing new pathways for individuals, teams, and organizations, enabling them to achieve purposeful living and integrated success. As the founder and Managing Director of Short Walk Seminars (Pty) Ltd, his work focuses on transforming internal potential into external brilliance.

About Dr. Gustav Gous

Shaper and Leader in Transformation

Dr. Gustav Gous is an internationally renowned inspirational speaker, executive coach, and corporate consultant celebrated for his profound expertise in both the intra- and interpersonal dynamics of business and life. He specializes in designing new pathways for individuals, teams, and organizations, enabling them to achieve purposeful living and integrated success. As the founder and Managing Director of Short Walk Seminars (Pty) Ltd, his work focuses on transforming internal potential into external brilliance.

Core Expertise:

 Shaping Life, Teams, and Self

Dr. Gous's interventions are built on proprietary techniques designed to unlock performance and foster harmony in complex environments. His key areas of specialization include:

Global Speaker & Industry Leader

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) - a prestigious certification received in 2010. Dr. Gous rates amongst the best motivational speakers globally, having delivered impactful keynotes on five continents. His thought leadership has been presented across diverse international markets, including Southern Africa, the Middle East, Far East, Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

He is widely known for his powerful transformational executive leadership programmes, including the unique ‘Short Walk to Freedom’ interventions held on Robben Island. His influential keynotes cover critical themes such as:

• Get-a-Life
• The Diamond Dream Team
• Motivation Beyond the Summit
• Diversity Intelligence: The 6 Ways to Relate to People

Dr. Gous’s commitment to the speaking profession is evident in his service as past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) (2009-10) and past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Namibia (2016-2017). He was also induced in the speakers Hall of Fame (HoF).

Global Speaker & Industry Leader

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a prestigious certification received in 2010 - Dr. Gous rates amongst the best motivational speakers globally, having delivered impactful keynotes on five continents. His thought leadership has been presented across diverse international markets, including Southern Africa, the Middle East, Far East, Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

He is widely known for his powerful transformational executive leadership programmes, including the unique ‘Short Walk to Freedom’ interventions held on Robben Island. His influential keynotes cover critical themes such as:

• Get-a-Life
• The Diamond Dream Team
• Motivation Beyond the Summit
• Diversity Intelligence: The 6 Ways to Relate to People

Dr. Gous’s commitment to the speaking profession is evident in his service as past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) (2009-10) and past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Namibia.

Global Speaker & Industry Leader

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a prestigious certification received in 2010—Dr. Gous rates amongst the best motivational speakers globally, having delivered impactful keynotes on five continents. His thought leadership has been presented across diverse international markets, including Southern Africa, the Middle East, Far East, Europe, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

He is widely known for his powerful transformational executive leadership programmes, including the unique ‘Short Walk to Freedom’ interventions held on Robben Island. His influential keynotes cover critical themes such as:

• Get-a-Life
• The Diamond Dream Team
• Motivation Beyond the Summit
• Diversity Intelligence: The 6 Ways to Relate to People

Dr. Gous’s commitment to the speaking profession is evident in his service as past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) (2009-10) and past President of the Professional Speakers Association of Namibia.

Proven Corporate Counsel & Executive Coach

Gustav’s extensive corporate experience is a cornerstone of his coaching practice. He acts as a dedicated life coach for a number of senior executives, utilizing his Life Mapping© method to fully integrate life and career planning. His coaching practice includes specialized inter-cultural intelligence coaching, often working with expat-executives and cross-cultural teams.

Prior to his current work, he served as a dedicated company counselor for the international petrochemical company Sasol for nine years. This experience led him to develop and present highly regarded ‘train-the-counselor’ programmes, including ‘Counseling Skills in Corporate Context.

His broad clientele includes an impressive roster of blue-chip organizations such as: Nestlé, Bayer, Toyota, Pfizer, Nedbank, De Beers, Sasol, Distell, Airbus Helicopters, and Telkom.

Proven Corporate Counsel & Executive Coach

Gustav’s extensive corporate experience is a cornerstone of his coaching practice. He acts as a dedicated life coach for a number of senior executives, utilizing his Life Mapping© method to fully integrate life and career planning. His coaching practice includes specialized inter-cultural intelligence coaching, often working with expat-executives and cross-cultural teams.

Prior to his current work, he served as a dedicated company counselor for the international petrochemical company Sasol for nine years. This experience led him to develop and present highly regarded ‘train-the-counselor’ programmes, including ‘Counseling Skills in Corporate Context.

His broad clientele includes an impressive roster of blue-chip organizations such as: Nestlé, Bayer, Toyota, Pfizer, Nedbank, De Beers, Sasol, Distell, Airbus Helicopters, and Telkom.

Proven Corporate Counsel & Executive Coach

Gustav’s extensive corporate experience is a cornerstone of his coaching practice. He acts as a dedicated life coach for a number of senior executives, utilizing his Life Mapping© method to fully integrate life and career planning. His coaching practice includes specialized inter-cultural intelligence coaching, often working with expat-executives and cross-cultural teams.

Prior to his current work, he served as a dedicated company counselor for the international petrochemical company Sasol for nine years. This experience led him to develop and present highly regarded ‘train-the-counselor’ programmes, including ‘Counseling Skills in Corporate Context.

His broad clientele includes an impressive roster of blue-chip organizations such as: Nestlé, Bayer, Toyota, Pfizer, Nedbank, De Beers, Sasol, Distell, Airbus Helicopters, and Telkom.

Academic Foundation and Media Presence

Dr. Gous’s professional work is underpinned by rigorous academic achievement. He obtained his Doctorate (cum laude) in Ecumenical Studies & International Relations from the University of Pretoria, following specialised research in Geneva, Switzerland. He also holds degrees in Philosophy ,Psychology and Theology. He also lectured for four years each at the University of South Africa and the University of Pretoria. Today, he regularly presents modules within MBA and DBA degree programmes on behalf of European Business Schools.

A prolific author, he has written several books, including Fiks vir die Lewe and ‘n Lewe waaroor jy Mal is, and is co-author of the best-selling lifestyle journal, Get-a-Life in 40 Days. His public reach is further extended as a weekly Life coach on national radio programme, RSG’s Fiks vir die Lewe.

Executive Chair of The Leadership Boardroom : South Africa & Namibia

Dr. Gustav Gous is a key leader and Chair at The Leadership Boardroom, a premier community designed for senior executives to engage in meaningful connection and strategic growth. Facilitating both in-person and virtual sessions across South Africa and Namibia, Gustav acts as a seasoned guide for members navigating the weight of leadership.



Leveraging his international experience as a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), he brings a unique blend of psychological insight and business acumen to the boardroom table. Alongside other world-class chairs, he helps members achieve:



• Strategic Insights: Navigating complex business decisions through confidential peer discussions.
• Personal Excellence: Utilizing Diamond Profiling© to unlock executive potential.
• Collective Success: Fostering an environment where leaders help leaders to increase profits and improve life skills.