“Never burn a bridge!” – Liezel Van Der Westhuizen

Liezel van der Westhuizen is one of those celebrity personalities that captures the true essence of what being in the spotlight is all about. A seasoned professional, Liezel has graced our television screens for many years, entertained us for many hours on radio, and brought us captivating digital content that will be remembered for many more decades to come.

Liezel was nicknamed “the giraffe” in designer Craig Jacobs’ Sunday Times column in 2009 when she and her even taller sister Monique appeared in killer heels and succeeded in towering over other attendees at a Radisson Blu fashion event. Although the moniker was not meant entirely flatteringly at the time, this clever entrepreneur went on to incorporate it into everything she does, having also recently launched The Giraffe Brand Academy. This latest initiative has been set up to assist business folks all over the world in building a powerful and authentic personal brand, which should see her students taking their businesses to great heights.

As only the second woman in the world to present Idols, Liezel became a familiar face on the popular reality show during Seasons Five and Six, as well as during her time as a presenter on SABC3’s daily breakfast show, Expresso. Liezel has presented TV shows for channels SABC3, SuperSport, SABC Sport, MNET, DSTV, and SABC 2, and lists her career highlights as Idols, Expresso, The Lunchbox, and Soundcheck.

She continues to impress with her daily fitness feature on KFM94.5 and a Fitness Fridays segment on Radio 702 and CapeTalk, a radio station that is broadcast in Cape Town. With so much going for her, it’s hard to believe it has been just a few years since Liezel was “discovered” by Jacaranda FM after the programme manager heard her working as a Makro announcer after serving her TUKSFM apprenticeship.

But beyond the light, cameras, and all the action, Liezel is a true homebody and enjoys spending time with her fiancé Mike, and their beloved dogs, Leia and Luke.

We sat down with Liezel and got to know her a bit more, this is what she had to say.

How many years have you been in the industry?
It has been a decade that I have been working across the Media industry.

What an achievement! With each passing year, we see so many new influencers come and go, how does it make you feel to still be so in-demand and “popular”?

It is a gratifying feeling to know that my work and efforts are so impactful to people. There is no security in this aspect of my work, when you consider how quickly “popularity” can fade. So, I continue to strive to give my eagle-eyed eager audiences content of value to them. It’s a rewarding challenge.

Looking back, where did it all start?

As everything usually does, my journey began with people. Communication has always been something I’m passionate about and engaging people has become part of those passions. Through using my passion, qualifications, and working within the PR & Communications industry, I have evolved my career path. I am now a Virtual MC, Personal Branding Coach, presenter, Global Speaker, voice over artists, and actor. This whole journey began with people.

What has been one of your biggest career highlights?

Being a record-breaking presenter as only the second female in the world, to have presented the reality television singing competition Idols.

How has the industry changed over the years?

The industry is brilliantly, much more saturated with talent. There is still more diversity needed, of course. So many stories are being told, and slowly these stories are being told in varying and vivid ways, by the right people. It is thrilling to witness the growth of the industry in the people behind the camera, and in front of it.

How have you been able to remain consistent and relevant?

Personal Branding! When you define yourself as the go-to person for a certain interest, service, or industry, then you have a valuable asset to leverage with – that’s what I do. I remain consistent and relevant because I know what I’m about, and I do not try to be everything to everyone, but rather the right gatekeeper of knowledge, for people who share an interest I’ve incorporated into my lifestyle and career path.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?

I would raise the standard of everything across the board – demanding quality and innovation of an even higher caliber, even for regulating policies. We can always do better, think differently, tell something more intriguing, and bring in more sharp minds, as well as better our raw and established talents. 

Knowing what you know now, is there something you would have done differently?

Considering where I am today, no. I appreciate the lessons now, as they have shaped me most incredibly…maybe I’d invest in Apple stock though!

You’ve adapted your brand over the years, and created The Giraffe brand – 

The Giraffe Brand is a testament to my will to overcome years of bullying about my height, and not standing tall.

I was once cattily nicknamed ‘The Giraffe’ by designer Craig Jacobs, within his Sunday Times society column in 2009. My statuesque sister Monique and I, had stolen the spotlight in killer heels that had us towering over other attendees, at a Radisson Blu fashion event. Although the moniker “Giraffe” was not meant entirely flatteringly at the time I got the label as a media personality, my ingenuity went on to incorporate the label into everything I do  – including the eponymously titled The Giraffe Brand Academy. This initiative I launched, keeps to my unending personal drive to offer value to those around me, as a means of assisting business folk all over the world, in building a powerful and authentic personal brand.

You’re not only predominant in the entertainment space but also and an award-winning Global Branding Specialist and Marketing Mogul. How do you balance it all?

…with a healthy dose of sleep, coffee, and workouts! Honestly, my balance is something I’m constantly working on, and is helped along by the interesting clients I get from around the world, the thrill of challenging projects, and a really amazing support structure that includes family, friends, and other connections.

What one life lesson have you learnt after all these years in the entertainment industry?

Never burn a bridge! Leave a situation in the most amicable way you are able to – even when greatly wronged, do your best to retain some measure of rapport, dignity, and poise. 

To what do you lend your success to? 

Investing time, money, and genuine love, into my personal brand. It has sustained me, and helped me grow and thrive too!

Follow her journey