What he has done…
Ray develops, implements and manages marketing, brand building and sponsorship strategies at both the local and global levels.
Click to see Ray Wicksell in Action
More about Ray…
What makes Ray a unique and sought-after speaker, trainer, marketing consultant, brand ambassador and developer?
My 30+ years as a businessman, entrepreneur, professional athlete and brand ambassador, has given me a unique perspective on business. I utilize my extensive media, business, and sporting network of contacts to provide a tailor-made, results-driven business and brand solution. I provide the skills required to stand out in an increasingly challenging and competitive environment.
As a former olympic and professional athlete, my major strengths include strong leadership, excellent communication skills, strategic and tactical thinking, motivational speaking, thorough knowledge of the sporting world, comprehensive understanding and application of marketing and media tools, extensive brand building and development, a proven track-record, and a commitment to accomplishing client goals.
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How Ray Builds Brands
Motivational Speaker
Twin City Development Indaba 2021 Ray conveys his vast knowledge of the Customer Service/Sales field through compelling and relatable story telling. He vibrantly illustrates the importance of good marketing, sales and sponsorship to build and maintain relationships. His positive, infectious energy resonates with audiences. He is committed to motivating workforces to increase sales and provide better service. Being a renowned athlete, Ray understands what is required of you to set goals, maintain focus, overcome adversity, adapt to change, and go the distance. He seamlessly relates his journey on the track to that in the business world.
Brand Development
As one of the original Nike senior executives who reintroduced Nike into South Africa after the Apartheid regime, I was responsible for Marketing and Sales, re-establishing Nike as a market leader.
Key areas included new retail distribution, shop-within-a-shop concept, athlete endorsement, sponsorships (including the Springbok rugby team) and brand building.
Marketing Consulting and Product Launch
As part of the core leadership and development team, I was responsible for research consultation, brand development, marketing and relationship building in launching the canned air product Oxycell.
Advertising
As a thought leader and expert in unique product launches, I have been managing the Bus Handle and Wrap advertising across various airport environments since 2007. This extends to setting up the partnership with the relevant airport (bus) service companies, finding local operating partners, pitching to and securing advertisers which has proven to generate additional and sustainable revenue for the operators and gives the advertisers a unique, “up, close and personal” brand experience, which is differentiated from all other products out there in the market.
Media and Marketing Development
I consulted with Virgin Active across a range of business disciplines that included the conceptualization and management of their TV show, Activate, with co-sponsors Nashua Mobile and Cell C.
One of the highlights of Activate was doing a Comrades training program with winners Dimitri Grishine and Andrew Kelehe from Russia. I also met and discussed business ideas with Sir Richard Branson.
Brand Ambassador
My role as business consultant and endorsed spokesperson for the luxury brand Montblanc aided their sales and marketing team in selling and building relationships with high net-worth individuals. I also helped Montblanc secure corporate accounts across their portfolio of products.
Service Training
I have recently conducted workshops which are geared at enhancing customer service and improving their customer focus in the restaurant business for the Cape and KwaZulu Natal regions of Ocean Basket.
Change Management
With a recent regional restructure, I was asked to address a team of senior managers on accepting change, working in a new team, and enhancing performance for Standard Bank.
Commentator
As an athletics commentator for 10 years, I covered highlights such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth and World Championships and the Golden League (now Diamond League). I also had the honour of opening SuperSport Channel 6 with the legendary Kenyan, world marathon record holder, Paul Tergat.
Ray is currently conducting front-line training for the bank in a very easy-to-understand and effective format. The ability to offer high service levels is critical to our business and Ray is helping us achieve this through sales and service training.
Ray’s training of the HP sales and marketing team was to-the-point, interactive, practical, and of high value. I would certainly recommend Ray to anyone looking at any sales, marketing, or relationship-type training.
Ray consulted to Mutual Safes, my senior management team and I found him to be a great asset to our business. Ray encouraged us to think broader then our traditional business model and expand our horizons successfully.
Ray has helped us with many functions at Tuks Sport, acting as an ideal MC, quizmaster or facilitator. He is always professional and well-prepared, engaging with the audience and guest speaker(s) in an appropriate fashion.
Periodically, we get guest speakers to address the students with practical business lessons and Ray’s lecture was extremely well received. His manner of presenting (in clear language with great practical examples) was a hit with the students and we have every intention of inviting him back.
I have known Ray for many years and can vouch for his positive outlook and ability to challenge conventional wisdom. He is constantly looking at new ways to do things and improve business outcomes.
I performed a double knee replacement operation on Ray in January 2011 and found him to be a highly inquisitive, positive and motivated individual. When presented with the option, Ray chose the double knee replacement operation (more painful in the short-term) as opposed to two separate operations; a testament to his character of fighting through the pain to achieve his goals.