A double win as PSASA members receive global recognition

South African speakers have been positioned on an international stage, with two of its local speakers recognised at the Global Speakers Federation.

The Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) has, this past week, celebrated a double win, with two of its members receiving recognition at the Global Speakers Federation (GSF).

PSASA supports speakers, moderators, trainers, coaches, and facilitators, among others in the profession, by sharing expertise to optimise members’ businesses. It is one of 17 associations belonging to GSF, a collective that connects, supports and advances the speaking community worldwide, where PSASA is also a longstanding member.

During the GSF’s AGM held in July, two local PSASA members were recognised “for their exceptional work to date”.

Joni Peddie, who was PSASA’s immediate past president before handing over to Charlotte Kemp, was awarded the President’s Award for Service for her contribution to the industry during the 2020/21 year serving on the GSF steering committee.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has been appointed as vice president of the GSF. This makes her the first representative from PSASA in addition to being the first African to be appointed to the role.  

“I am utterly delighted and honoured to be elected to this role… I have already enjoyed the privilege of having a remarkable role model in Joni Peddie and know firsthand that her award is richly deserved. Now, I get to work with additional amazing people, such as John B. Molidor, PhD Paul ter Wal LLM CSP, (outgoing past president), Martin Laschkolnig, and incoming GSF president, Steve Lowell CSP, not to mention the wonderful Shari Bricks as well!” enthused Charlotte.

In her new role, Charlotte will connect with other speaking associations in different parts of the world and encourage them to join the GSF.

“For Joni and I to be acknowledged in this way is a triumph, both for us personally as well as for the Association and its representatives. I am excited to extend my work into this space, connecting speakers to associations and being able to support their speaking career paths. It is a challenge that I can’t wait to get to grips with,” Charlotte adds.

An official statement sent on behalf of PSASA notes that this “not only recognises the abundant talent and strong leadership skills within the Association but firmly positions southern Africa as a global contributor to the speaking industry.”

About Charlotte and Joni
Joni Peddie (resilientpeople.co.za) is a professional speaker, executive coach, strategic facilitator and behavioural strategist. She has a specific interest in resilience and well-being and is a longstanding and well-respected member of PSASA. She headed up the association for the past year, stepping down in June 2021 when incumbent Charlotte Kemp was elected PSASA president for this current 2021/22 year.
Charlotte Kemp (www.charlottekemp.co.za) is a futurist, author, podcaster and keynote speaker who has made an indelible mark on the speaking community. She served on PSASA’s executive council for three years before being appointed as its president. She is the first representative from PSASA and the first from Africa to be appointed to the role of vice president of the GSF.