Dr. Dean Allen | Motivational Historian Storyteller

Empire, War and Cricket – The Incredible Story of Matjiesfontein

Based upon my best-selling book, Empire, War and Cricket, this fully illustrated talk has entertained and inspired international audiences around the world. It tells the story of James Logan, a young Scottish entrepreneur who made his name and fortune in South Africa during the late 1800s. An important figure culturally and politically, at the age of just 24 Logan created the famous Victorian town Matjiesfontein in the Karoo. He was also responsible for bringing international sport to South Africa.

The talk, which can be shaped to meet the needs of the clients, teaches us important lessons from history, in terms of business, entrepreneurship and overcoming barriers to achieving one’s goals. It is a controversial yet thought-provoking story of opportunism and destiny from which many lessons and comparisons can be made today.

Rugby & Reconciliation

Sport and the game of rugby in particular are intrinsic to the character of South Africa. With the recent success of the Springboks, this new talk has huge significance right now. 'Rugby & Reconciliation' tells the amazing story of the 1906 Springboks - the first-ever team to tour outside of the country. Incredibly, this tour took place only 4 years after the South African War and fielded players who had fought against each other in this most bitter of conflicts! Fast-forward to 1995, and who could forget that momentous image of President Nelson Mandela handing Springbok captain Francois Pienaar the World Cup trophy? And, now, in 2019 we have a new hero in World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi
Based upon years of research, this fully illustrated talk will reveal the incredible story behind the game of rugby in South Africa and how it has been used throughout history to unite a nation. It is an inspiring presentation that contains many important messages about the indomitable spirit of people and how to work together by overcoming differences. Suitable for anyone who enjoys informative and entertaining history, this is a story not to be missed!

Ten Years On: Was it Worth It? The Legacy of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Based upon my first-hand experience as the lead author and researcher of the 2010 Cape Town legacy report, this illuminating and thought-provoking talk focuses on the successes and challenges of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and examines the social and economic legacy for South Africa. With the use of data and interviews conducted at the time, a decade later we are able to reflect, during this talk, on the hosting of this ground-breaking African tournament and ask ‘was it worth it’.

Sport and the Evolution of Society

Sport is big business and an important part of modern society. This fully illustrated talk takes the audience on a fascinating journey through history from the Greek and Roman Empires to the creation of modern sport in the Victorian era to the multi-billion dollar industry that sport has become in today’s world. The talk, based upon the speaker’s years of teaching at leading international universities, provides the audience with lessons from history in terms of business development, society change as well as inspirational stories of the human ability to develop and adapt.

Lessons from History: Economic Opportunities in a Post Covid-19 World

You are invited to join renowned economic commentator Andre du Toit and best-selling author and historian Dr. Dean Allen as they present their new talk exploring Lessons from History: Economic Opportunities in a Post Covid-19 World. With the planet gripped by uncertainty and economic concerns over the current Covid-19 crisis, du Toit and Allen will offer us their expert insight into the current challenges facing businesses as well as the possibilities for economic growth in the future. Examples from history including past pandemics and economic recessions will be explored in order to provide guidelines for coping mechanisms as well as future growth and re-structuring strategies. Both popular public speakers in their own right, du Toit and Allen have combined to offer this talk to international audiences in a variety of sectors. This is a talk not to be missed.

Lessons from History: The Spanish Flu and Recovery 

Dr Dean Allen the distinguished historian and author will describe the lessons learnt from this pandemic that infected over a quarter of the world’s population with a death-toll as high as 100 million. The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920 remains the planet’s worst natural disaster. Dr Allen’s engaging delivery will hold your attention as he brings to life the tragedy of those times while drawing valuable parallels with our current plight. This talk has been delivered to audiences around the globe and is not to be missed!

All my talks can be adapted in terms of length and style to meet the needs of the clients. Other themes include:

Sport and Empowerment

What disadvantaged communities can teach us.

The Business of Sport

Have we sold our souls? A look back to when sport was a passion, not a pay cheque.

Teamwork or Synergy?

Is this the discipline of sport changing?

Sport in Business

Embracing effective teamwork by valuing the contribution of others.