Dr. Deanne De Vries
professor | author | advisor | speaker
Inspiring the curiosity and growth
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Professor
Bringing the business and political worlds to life in the classroom, pulling from 35 years’ experience in the corporate and non-profit worlds working at the intersection of leadership, business, politics and culture.
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Speaker
Helping audiences leave behind the outdated notions of Africa and understand why now is the time to expand into and across Africa.
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Author
Pick up one of my Wall St. Journal Best-Selling books sharing my research and insights on the intersection of business, politics, leadership, resilience and culture
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Advisor
Helping organizations, investors, and entrepreneurs discover and capture new sources of growth across Africa.
Delivering in-person + virtual keynotes
TEDx Women Lake Shore Drive, Dec. 6, 2021
Africa: Open for Business
Through the wisdom and insight of 7 of her favorite proverbs from around Africa, audiences let go of outdated notions they may have about talent, market opportunities and data, as well as misconceptions of corruption or safety. In its place, a certainty grows that Africa is not only desirable but essential to companies looking for growth opportunities. A continent where vision and hard work leads to successful and sustainable commercial ventures.
Political Leadership in Africa: In Their Words
Ever wonder if Heads of State across Africa’s 55 countries are really as bad as everyone makes them out to be? Dr. Deanne decided to find out and interviewed Heads of State across the Continent to hear directly from them what political leadership in Africa is all about.
Based on her findings, she offers audiences an opportunity to reimagine political leadership and imagine a new framework and narrative from which to view and discuss Africa’s political leaders.
Books
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Africa: Reframing Political Leadership
Through face-to-face interviews, I delve into political leadership in Africa based on the stories, opinions and experiences of those who are and were Heads of State across multiple countries in Africa.
These are not theories of statecraft, these are real life accounts of political leadership across Africa.
Available on all Amazon country sites in print, audio and e-book.
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Africa: Open for Business
Now is the time to take your business to Africa. It’s as simple as ABC.
A is for the Appetite to get on the ground and learn first-hand about this vibrant and diverse continent. B is for the Bandwidth to build relationships, find local leaders and understand the best market entry strategy and location. This will ensure you make the wisest decisions on where to invest your C for Capital.
Available on all Amazon country sites in print, audio and e-book.
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Leading in Complex Worlds
The complexity of living and leading in a globalized world is greatly facilitated by knowing the role of culture and history of leadership and leadership roles both where you come from and where you are working.
Based on 30+ years working across Africa, I highlight the importance of discovering everyone’s cultures and history as that influences their leadership and how they do business. Together you and your company can then create a blended culture and raise up globally-astute leaders.
Available on all Amazon country sites in paperback.
Advisor
I build thriving businesses that capitalize on the African growth story
Set against global perspectives, Africa clearly stands out as where future economic development lies. It is easy to get excited about the economic opportunities and mind-blowing statistics on arable land, youthful population, natural and human resources, entrepreneurship, fintech and more.
However, success in Africa is grounded in the micro-level understanding of the nuances of each country, each market, each corridor, that can only be discovered by being on the ground.
I match clients’ visions with local understanding and provide the insights, analysis, connections, and operational awareness to build successful companies for the long term that don’t just grow their bottom line, but also improve the communities in which they work.
Join me and 1.3 billion Africans in the growth story of the African continent.
Welcome to AfriCAN – the can-do continent.
Media & Interviews
Looking to interview someone who doesn’t just spout the standard fare about Africa? You’ve come to the right place.
Deanne offers refreshing, honest and thought provoking commentary and insight on Africa based on 30-plus years of personal experience. She is an engaging story teller who knows exactly how to tailor her responses and stories to your audience.
Equally at home in print or online media, Deanne has done live TV interviews, talk shows, news commentaries and analysis as well as Q&A and panel discussions. Deanne’s media appearances will engage your audience and generate clicks and shares.
Topics Deanne can discuss on interviews: Setting up and growing your business * Political leadership * Trade * Corruption * Entrepreneurship * Women in Africa * Cross- and multi-cultural acumen * AfCFTA
What people are saying about Dr. Deanne
“A leading voice in the Africa story.”
— Mariam Al Foudery, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Agility
“Dr. De Vries not only knows Africa and loves Africa, but she understands Africa – the heart, the soul and the opportunities of Africa. She’s not just a fan, she’s an objective commentator.”
— Rayola “Rhysce” Osanya, Author “Go in the Strength You Have”
“…incredibly passionate and so accomplished.”
— Barbara Mommen, Coalescence Consulting/Maputo Corridor
Dr. Deanne De Vries
—who has spent much of the past thirty years working and living across Africa for startups (including her own), global non-profits and international organizations, venture capital firms as well as one of the world’s Top Ten logistics firms
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looks at life, and Africa, differently.
She is as comfortable climbing to Everest Base Camp to fundraise to build a maternity hospital as she is addressing an audience at Madison Square Gardens, interviewing Heads of State across Africa for her PhD, or crossing on foot the South Sudan border with Uganda to understand the situation her truck drivers face daily.
Dr. Deanne looks to understand the “why” of the on-the-ground reality so she can raise others up as well as introduce everyone to
AfriCAN: the can-do Continent.
Email Dr. Deanne directly at drdeannedevries@icloud.com
Get in touch.
Wondering if Africa is the right place for you to invest in? Let’s talk.
I help companies find and grow their Appetite and Bandwidth for Africa so they’ll make the best decisions on investing their Capital across the continent.
I do this as a Venture Partner, Board Member or Board Advisor, as well as through my keynote speeches and advisory services.
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“People see risks, we see opportunities. We go for opportunities and see how to mitigate the risks. Your idea can transform Africa. Let’s stop talking and let’s start doing.”
– Tony Elemulu, African businessman, mentor and philanthropist