John Vlismas
South African comedian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Vlismas (born 3 May 1973)[1] is a South African stand-up comedian, academic and DEI strategist.
Research Class Room
Board RoomJohn Vlismas | |
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Vlismas in 2026 | |
| Born | 3 May 1973 |
| Education | Henley Business School Africa |
| Notable work | How to manage the workplace diversity dilemma - a Henley White Paper |
| Comedy career | |
| Medium | Stand-Up
Research Class Room Board Room |
| Genres | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion |
| Subjects | Politics Everyday life |
| Website | www |
Comedy career
Vlismas won the 2007 South African Comedy Award for best stand-up comedian of the year and was a finalist in the 2008 Yuk Yuk's Great Canadian Laugh Off.[2]
In 2010, Vlismas appeared in the comedy film Outrageous alongside fellow South African comedians Barry Hilton, Joey Rasdien, Loyiso Gola, Mark Banks, Riaad Moosa and Krijay Govender.[3]
In April 2014, Vlismas was part of the panel for Comedy Central Africa's Roast of Kenny Kunene and Steve Hofmeyr.[4]
He has also appeared in several Comedy Central productions, including solo specials and additional Comedy Central Roast programmes.[4]
Vlismas has performed internationally at venues including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Sydney Modern Art Museum and the Tempodrome in Berlin.[4]
He was appointed as a 46664 Ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.[4]
Academic and business career
Vlismas was awarded a scholarship at Henley Business School Africa, where he completed an MBA.[5]
During his MBA studies, he received distinctions in Strategic Marketing and Relationship Marketing.[6]
He works in the field of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), leadership, culture and community building through his business, OGO Creative, where he serves as co-founder and Head of Strategy.[7]
Vlismas has collaborated with Henley Business School in the co-design and facilitation of course material and contributed to the transition of marketing and learning activities to virtual delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]
In 2023, he co-authored a white paper with Henley Business School on workplace diversity.[9]
In 2024, he presented a work titled Player Zero at LeaderEx and at academic and industry conferences.[10]
