Dr Steve Harris, known as “The Mind Doctor,” is an internationally experienced motivational speaker, performance expert, author and facilitator specialising in mental toughness, resilience, leadership and high performance.
Steve combines an unusual mix of academic research, elite sport, entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. He holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town, where his research focused on business performance improvement, as well as a PhD focused on Mental Toughness and its impact on performance.
His credentials extend well beyond academia. Steve is a former World Champion in Surf Lifesaving, an award-winning entrepreneur and previously served as a General Manager within an international FMCG organisation. Significantly, he also worked as a mental performance coach to the Springbok rugby team, applying the principles of psychological resilience and peak performance within elite sport.
Today, Steve is CEO of eta University College and works with organisations and teams to develop the mental strength required to perform effectively through pressure, uncertainty and change. His signature work explores the transition from “Surviving to Thriving,” providing practical strategies that audiences can apply to business, sport and everyday performance.
Steve is also the author of Mental Toughness as a Force Multiplier: From Surviving to Thriving and Rainbow Road. His presentations combine research with compelling personal experience, practical tools and humour, making complex performance psychology accessible and relevant to corporate audiences.
Key Speaking Topics: Mental Toughness • Resilience & Performing Under Pressure • High Performance • Leadership • Surviving to Thriving • Team Performance & Culture • Sales Motivation • Managing Change & Uncertainty • Mental & Physical Wellness
Highlights: PhD in Mental Toughness • MBA, UCT • Former Springbok Mental Performance Coach • World Champion Surf Lifesaver • Award-Winning Entrepreneur • CEO, eta University College • Author • International Motivational Speaker
