Mike Saunders

Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur and Author

A love of technology and a heart for people have been the fuel behind Mike Saunders’ entrepreneurial journey. An international keynote speaker, digital thought leader and author.

He has a unique ability to lead business with a crystal-clear leadership philosophy that encompasses “unlocking potential”, “nurturing trust” and “developing narrative.”Mike was recognized on the list of “Top Global Digital Marketing Experts & Influencers in 2019 You Should be Following.” Acknowledged by his peers in 2012, as one of the Top 20 South Africans to follow on Twitter.

Mike was awarded Special Honours at the New Generation Awards for his contribution to the industry. Over the last few years Mike has won the respect of business by his determined approach to helping people navigate a diverse and complicated world of Digital Business.

As an international keynote speaker Mike is able to engage his audience in an interactive, personal and energizing manner by drawing on his life experiences and personal stories. Mike speaks with authority from over 10 years’ experience in the digital industry.

He leaves delegates captivated and inspired about the potential in both technology and people. He has had the privilege of working with some of the most prestigious organisations in the world including Vodafone, Bidvest, Santam, IBM, Toyota, Norton Rose and Exxaro.

Mike delivers customized presentations around the following themes:

• Fourth Industrial Revolution

• Digital

• Marketing Brand and Innovation

• Entrepreneurship

• The Millennial Generation

• Motivation

Entrepreneurial Journey

Mike believes technology helps innovate a new future, accelerates growth potential and scales business. According to Mike, “technology unlocks our future and is a fundamental driver of our success.” It’s his belief in technology and people that spurred him to founding DigitLab.

DigitLab has grown to be one of South Africa’s premier digital marketing agencies and was voted one of South Africa’s best Digital Agencies in 2012. DigitLab provides services in Social Media, SEO, Advertising, Digital Research, Mobile App and Web Development. The agency is proud to include a variety of national and international brands on their client list including KPMG, Nedbank, Alexander Forbes, Beiersdorf and City Lodge.

In 2015 Mike launched The Digitlab Academy; to educate marketers and support the academic industry with sound digital strategy education material. A powerful partnership with Vega, School of Branding, saw over 150 people run through the academy in its first quarter. Today The DigitLab Academy educates over 1000 people a year.

Digital Swarm, a nationwide digital community that fuels the growth of the digital marketing industry is another brainchild of Mike’s. The swarm hosts quarterly events in Durban and JHB and has attracted speakers from SA’s top brands like KFC, AXE and Google.

TESTIMONIALS

‘It is with great pleasure that I recommend Mike Saunders to be a keynote speaker at any of your event/s. Mike has spoken at our events, inclusive of our 2018 Annual Convention and Property Exhibition which garners close to 1400 delegates in attendance. The delegates were positively captivated with his vast array of knowledge about his subject matter and he is concise, vibrant and interesting and keep his audiences enthralled. I would recommend him to speak at any of yourevents without reservation’

– Jane Padayachee, Marketing & Services Manager, SAPOA (31/07/2019)

‘We had the pleasure of hosting Mike Saunders as Keynote speaker for our national conference on board the MSC Musica. Speaking on the topic of Online Personal Branding, Mike delivered a presentation that was relevant, current and insightful. He is not conventional, nor is he traditionally corporate in style or approach, but that’s what makes him effective and engaging. Mike is a thinker, an observer, and his ‘out-the-box’ approach offers a perspective that is unique and, more importantly, real. Nothing in his material appears contrived or self-validating, and it quickly becomes clear that Mike’s main objective is to make a significantly positivecontribution to his audience. And he certainly does!’

– Gary Gueli, Director, AutoMatrix (01/08/2019)

‘Mike made the effort to understand our industry and when he spoke he made everyone in the audience feel like he was speaking to them directly. His presentation was professional, exciting, amusing and so informative. I would highly recommend Mike to any organization.’

– Darius Koekemoer, TBN Africa at the ACM Conference (07/08/2019)

‘We really enjoyed Mike’s talk and it gave the members great relevant direction and lots to speak about!’

– Cheryl Lotter, Paint Club (16/08/2019)