In 2025, Professor Jonathan Jansen stands as one of the most influential voices in global education and public thought leadership. A Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University, he is celebrated not only for his academic achievements but also for his powerful contributions to ethical leadership, institutional transformation, and the advancement of diversity and inclusion in complex environments.

For organisations seeking a world-class speaker on leadership, ethics, transformation, or inclusion, Professor Jonathan Jansen delivers unmatched expertise, insight, and impact.

Currently serving as the Chin Yidan Global Fellow at Harvard University, Professor Jansen continues to shape global discourse on education reform and leadership in divided societies. He is the immediate past President of the Academy of Science of South Africa, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Educational Research Association, and the Academy of Science of the Developing World.

An electrifying speaker, Professor Jansen is known for his ability to engage diverse audiences, from corporate executives and government leaders to educators and young professionals. His keynote addresses are renowned for their clarity, authenticity, and bold insight. Whether addressing ethical leadership, organisational culture, inclusive governance, or transformation in education, he draws on decades of experience, extensive research, and his personal journey through South Africa’s transition to democracy.

Professor Jansen’s presentation style is straight-talking yet deeply thoughtful, blending academic depth with accessible language, humour, and humility. He ensures every audience leaves with three memorable and actionable insights, crafted specifically for the client’s context. His talks are consistently rated among the best at conferences and leadership gatherings around the world.

He is the author of over 30 influential books, including Knowledge in the Blood (Stanford University Press), The Decolonization of Knowledge (Cambridge University Press, 2022), and Corrupted: A Study of Chronic Dysfunction in South African Universities (Wits University Press, 2023). These works examine the moral and institutional challenges facing education systems and offer visionary paths forward, grounded in ethics, empathy, and justice.

Professor Jansen began his career as a high school biology teacher in the Cape Flats and went on to earn his PhD from Stanford University. He holds honorary doctorates from leading institutions including the University of Edinburgh. His numerous accolades include the Education Africa Lifetime Achiever Award (New York, 2013) and the Spendlove Prize for Social Justice, Tolerance and Democracy from the University of California.

In addition to his academic and speaking work, Professor Jansen is a prominent columnist and commentator, contributing regularly to The Times and other major platforms. His voice continues to challenge the status quo while inspiring hope and courageous action.