KEYNOTE Presenter BiographY

Hanlie van Wyk is a psychologist, researcher, and leadership consultant whose work explores how people communicate and connect across deep cultural, ideological, and historical divides. With more than two decades of international experience across Africa, Europe, and the United States, Hanlie works at the intersection of social psychology, organizational leadership, and intercultural dynamics—helping leaders, teams, and families find constructive ways to engage through difference.

She developed the Four Powers Model—a practical framework for understanding and shifting power dynamics in conversation, bridging the gap between self-awareness, social systems, and ethical action. Hanlie’s work draws from her global research on hate studies, cultural intelligence, and trust, offering evidence-based tools for dialogue in polarized and emotionally charged contexts.