John Vlismas

John Vlismas continues to reinvent himself as the SA comedy landscape evolves. His staying power was especially evident at the Just For Laughs Festival, Montreal recently, where he was selected to appear in a television special at the invitation of Comedy Central, which earned him a meeting with Warner Brothers execs. While stand-up comedy remains his enduring passion, John has begun a significant pivot in his trajectory with an academic slant. John was awarded an MBA scholarship at Henley Business School in 2017, and is in the process of completing this degree. His involvement at the prestigious school has seen him appointed as an associate faculty member and co-designing and facilitating course material with Dr Puleng Makhoalibe, John was also invited to speak at the Henley Global Masterclass Series in Lagos in 2018 with the Deans of Henley Africa and Global.

The award-winning comedian still uses his public appearances to push the boundaries and broach taboo subjects. His ability to synthesize complex teaching material with crisp presentations and humour has been rewarded with excellent feedback from executives who have attended his Henley sessions. His insightful presentation on the ability of performers to size up a crowd and move them using a heightened sense of empathy, “The Shared World” has earned rave reviews from the increasing number of companies that have hired him to present during their leadership and strategy sessions.

In 2014, John was part of the panel at Comedy Central Africa's Roast of Kenny Kunene and Steve Hofmeyr. He was even invited to speak at a Nedbank Biz Seminar on the topic of entrepreneurship in the creative industry, and was the only local speaker at the prestigious DSTV Creative Seminar at the 2014 Loeries. John is described by those who attend his talks and learning sessions as a gifted disruptive thinker who is able to articulate complex concepts in a way that is accessible and enlightening.

Education

• Henley Business School - Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management Nov 2021
• Durban University of Technology - Diploma, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General 1991 - 1993