Jo-Ann Strauss

As Master of Ceremonies and International Speaker, there are few people who can boast the varied and successful career which Jo-Ann Strauss has built up over the past 18 years. In the past 12 months alone, she has hosted international events in Barcelona and Dubai for BMW, paneled a discussion with global entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson and social media sensation, Caspar Lee as well as hosted the first charitable fundraiser in Monaco for Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene. Both in South Africa and worldwide, she is renowned for her ability to seamlessly integrate her witty charm and take audiences on an insightful and entertaining journey throughout the proceedings she hosts.

She is the brand ambassador of Lufthansa, Samsung and BMW in South Africa and also sits on the boards of Media24, M&C Saatchi Abel, Village and Life as well as the advisory board of one of Africa’s top business schools, Stellenbosch University Graduate School of Business. She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has even designed a clothing range which raised funds to feed over 8000 families. She is expecting her third child with her husband, an orthopedic surgeon, and has an inspirational blog called “Modern Mommy.” Her social media credentials are also worthy of mention, as well as the fact that she produced #SocialStar, a media property that enables young influencers to carve profitable and sustainable businesses in the new sphere of media. She has about 600 000 followers across the most popular platforms.

She has MC’ed conferences for bespoke brands on 4 continents and traveled extensively as a television host and producer. Her innate sense of style has earned her a number of awards and magazine covers. She is passionate about entrepreneurship and creating an environment in her home country which helps people grow their own businesses.