The long-overused mantra: “fake it till you make it,” has greatly been used to encourage people to put up a front and at least pretend as if they know what they’re doing until they’ve achieved their goals and ambitions. That’s something that won’t stand for Yael Geffen.
As the CEO and shareholder of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, Yael is no stranger to leadership. In fact, she’s the youngest CEO among South Africa’s top property brands and the only female leader in the top three. But here’s the thing—she’s not just crushing it in real estate. She’s also skyrocketing as a public speaker, taking the stage at the likes of TEDxDurban, the World Leaders Summit, and even rubbing shoulders (figuratively speaking) with Reese Witherspoon at a women-in-business panel.
Yael’s rise as a speaker isn’t just about sharing her story—it’s about demolishing outdated mindsets. She’s taking aim at three things:
1. Fake It Till You Make It? No, Thanks.
You know that phrase people love to toss around when they have no idea what they’re doing? Yael thinks it’s absolute nonsense. Authenticity, she says, is the real currency. If you’re going to promote yourself, do it in a way that doesn’t make people (or yourself) cringe. Confidence should come from competence, not pretence.
2. Women in Leadership: You Don’t Have to ‘Think Like a Man’ to Win.
The corporate world has long told women that success means playing by a man’s rulebook. Yael? She’s lighting that rulebook on fire. Leadership isn’t about imitation; it’s about authenticity. Women shouldn’t have to adjust their leadership style to fit a mould—they should break the mould altogether.
3. Resilience Isn’t a Roaring Tiger—It’s…a Fungus?
Yes, you read that right. While most people think of resilience as a roaring, battle-ready beast, Yael sees it differently. She compares it to fungi—something that grows in the dark, finds its way through the mess, and ultimately flourishes. Resilience isn’t about brute force; it’s about adaptability and quiet strength.
While Yael has always had a presence on stage, she credits Story-To-Stage for helping her refine her message. It wasn’t all smooth sailing—she even had an existential meltdown during the process (totally relatable). But she came out the other side knowing exactly who she is and what she stands for.
Her big goal? Taking it global. She wants to be the female version of Simon Sinek—sharing ideas, inspiring people, and maybe, just maybe, finally getting around to writing that book (here’s to joining the 5 AM writer’s club!).
