Keynote Speaker for your next Conference, meeting or event

Keynote and Conference Speaker who makes a Difference!
Ilja creates memorable Change Experiences

Top Speaker for YOUR next Event

If you are looking for an experienced and inspiring keynote speaker on the topics of change management, leadership or digitalisation, you’ve just found him. Ilja Grzeskowitz’s (pronounced Graesch -ko -witz) keynote speeches are full of research based content, strong messages with an impact and always humorous and entertaining.

Whether in front of 30 or 3,000 participants, whether at your location or virtually from his own professionally equipped studio – he inspires your audience and creates a magical change experience and provide them with practical tools and takeaways for their daily business His keynote speeches are content rich, scientifically sound and always entertaining. Why this special combo? Because Ilja’s big goal is to make your event a huge success.

Keynote Speaker Ilja Grzeskowitz changes hearts and minds

“Germany’s No.1 change expert” (OÖ Nachrichten) is one of the leading and renowned speakers on change management, leadership and digitalisation.

▶︎ Topics: New work, digital transformation, modern leadership, generational change and the psychology of change

▶︎ Former top manager for Karstadt, Wertheim, Hertie and IKEA

▶︎ Author of 13 books (including 3 bestsellers)

▶︎ Economist, behavioural scientist, former lecturer at the Berlin School of Law and Economics

▶︎ 2-time TEDx speaker

▶︎ Honoured as CSP (USA) and FPSA (United Kingdom), as well as many other awards

Keynote Speaker Mindset
topics and contents of Ilja's Presentations

Keynote Change

Making. Change. Happen. Creating the Future together as a Team

Keynote Leadership

Leading Change - Modern Leadership in Times of Change

Keynote Mindset

Das Changemaker Mindset - Turning Problems into Opportunities

Keynote Digitalisation

The Digital Mindset - Success Strategies for the digital Transformation

Keynote Speaker Mindset & Change
Inspiring. Entertaining. changing.

Global Keynote Speaker – Let’s make your next Event a HUGE Success

When you hire Ilja Grzeskowitz as the keynote speaker for your next event, conference or meeting, you can be sure: With his presentations he will inspire, influence and educate your audience. As an economist, former corporate executive and bestselling author of ten books, he combines strong content with lots of practical expertise.

But it is his passion for the topic of change that makes him such an authentic speaker. As the keynote speaker for your event, you’ll get a presenter who walks his talk. With strong messages, thought-provoking ideas and lots of real-world examples. Ilja inspires, shakes up and motivates to change perspectives. He will make you laugh, think and most of all take action. You’ll get emotional stories, engaging impulses and practical advice on how to make change happen, roll up the sleeves and actively create the future together as a team.

A Top Speaker who lives and breathes Change and ignites a Spark of Passion

When you book Ilja, you get a speaker who is passionate about his topic. With clear messages, bold ideas and a lot of passion, the change expert inspires, shakes you up and carries you away. He will make you laugh, think and, above all, put your ideas into practice. You will receive memorable examples, immediately realisable impulses and many personal stories that will encourage you to dare to change, roll up your sleeves and actively shape the future as a team.

Happy Customers
Key Speaker Ilja Grzeskowitz inspires, Moves and Changes hearts and Minds

Six Good Reasons
Keynote Speaker Change - What separates Ilja from others

1.

No Bullshit

Iljas big strength as your keynote speaker is the combination of his deep expertise and the passion for the topic of change. And he uses exactly this expertise to provide the best possible content for you and your audience. Listening to his stories, you will learn, laugh and you just cannot help to take the necessary action. And because Ilja has been a store manager for Karstadt and IKEA, he knows all the sorrows, miseries and challenges your audience might go through. As a meeting planner, you can be certain that he will address every audience in a very individual way.

2.

Custom Tailored Content

Because Ilja has presented in nearly every industry, for global organizations and also for traditional, middle sized companies, his experience has taught him: Even when a lot of the messages are universal, every audience and every event is different. Therefore Ilja does intensive briefing calls before every speech, so he can customize the titel, content and key messages to your specific needs and expectations. Perfectly fit for every group size, occasion or target audience. Suitable for every group size, every occasion and every target group.

3.

You as the client are the star

You´re going to love working with Ilja as your keynote speaker. He is totally uncomplicated, humorous and very enthusiastic. No wonder, because he is there for you during the preparation and follow-up, but especially on the day of your event, and not the other way around. The result: The technicians appreciate his professionalism. You can fully concentrate on your host role. And your team and guests will feel like rock stars.

4.

International Experience

You´re planning a multi-cultural event with guest from all over the world? No matter if you invite people from 3 or 50 different countries, you can relax, because as a global keynote speaker, Ilja has already spoken on 5 different continents, to people from all over the world. The experiences from his travels not only used for his change work, but also make sure, that your international conference is going to be a huge success.

5.

The Secret Ingredient

Ilja’s lectures and keynote speeches have that “certain something”. They are entertaining, thought-provoking, packed with practical tools and methods, and contain messages that will change people’s minds. You want to know what “that special something” is? It´s hard to describe with words, you simply have to experience it.

6.

Virtual. Hybrid. Remote. live

COVID-19 has massively changed the meeting landscape. Conferences, meetings and events take place in a wide variety of formats: live (yes, we all love it), virtual (at your place, in the studio or from Ilja’s studio) or hybrid (a small audience on site, the main part is remote via stream.) However, there is one point that should not change: the quality. As a professional, Ilja is not only happy to advise you, but also makes your virtual event a real highlight.

Change becomes simple
when you simply make a change.

Keynote speaker for change, mindset and motivation

Mr. Change turns your event into an experience.

Vita

Überblick über Iljas bisheriges Berufsleben
  • 1975: Geboren in der schönen Hansestadt Lübeck
  • 1994: Abitur am Carl-Jacob-Burkhardt Gymnasium zu Lübeck
  • 1994: Zivildienst am Universitätsklinikum Lübeck: Arbeit mit behinderten und lernschwachen Kindern in einer integrativen Einrichtung.
  • 1995 – 2001: Studium der Wirtschaftswissenschaften in Greifswald, Mannheim und Hamburg. Schwerpunktfächer: Marketing, Wirtschaftspädagogik und Organisationstheorie. Abschluss: Diplom Kaufmann
  • 1995 – 2001: Diverse Jobs, u.a.: Dolmetscher für amerikanische und nigerianische Unternehmen, Barkeeper, Businessplan Schreiber, Consultant für Start-Ups, Business Development Manager
  • 2002 – 2008: Geschäftsführer für insgesamt zehn Standorte von Karstadt, Hertie und Wertheim
  • 2008 – 2009: Storemanager IKEA in Hamburg
  • 2009: Gründung von Ilja Grzeskowitz – Veränderung. Einfach. Machen.
  • 2013-2015: Lehraufträge an der Berlin School of Law and Economics und der SRH Hochschule
  • Seit 2009: Internationaler Keynote Speaker, Bestsellerautor von 12 Büchern und Change Berater
  • Seit 2013: Initiator und Gastgeber des Change Awards
  • 2023: Gründung der Change Leaders Academy

Mission

Unternehmensphilosophie

Die Unternehmensphilosophie basiert auf unserem gesamten Denken, Handeln und Wirken. Unternehmen verändern sich, wenn die Menschen sich verändern. Deshalb glaube ich fest an zwei Dinge: An die Kraft der individuellen Persönlichkeit und die Magie einer von starken Werten getriebenen Veränderungskultur. Wenn sich die individuellen Bedürfnisse der einzelnen Menschen mit den übergeordneten Organisationszielen im Einklang befinden, entsteht ein magischer Cocktail aus Leidenschaft, Commitment und operativer Exzellenz. Dies haben wir in unserem Mission Statement zusammengefasst:

“Mein Businessansatz ist radikal menschlich, denn ich bin der festen Überzeugung, dass der Mensch in Zeiten der immer schneller werdenden Veränderung der wichtigste Erfolgsfaktor der Zukunft ist. Ich helfe Menschen dabei, ein auf Selbstbestimmung, persönlicher Freiheit und Sinnhaftigkeit basierendes Leben zu führen. Ich unterstütze Organisationen und Unternehmen, die großen Chancen der Veränderung zu nutzen und eine Change Kultur zu etablieren, die von geteilten Werten, Diversity und Sinn geprägt ist. Die individuelle Definition von Erfolg ist dabei der kraftvolle Fixstern, der Weg dort hin die Veränderung.”

Werte-Codex

Diese Werte treiben uns an
  • Verantwortung: Nur wenn jeder persönliche Verantwortung übernimmt, können wir gemeinsam erfolgreich sein.
  • Dankbarkeit: Wir gehen mit einer Attitude of Gratitude durchs Leben. Wir geben, bevor wir nehmen.
  • Diversity: Wir respektieren jeden Menschen so wie er ist und behandeln ihn individuell.
  • Integrität: Wir lassen Taten sprechen und tun, was wir angekündigt haben.
  • Unterstützung: Niemand gewinnt allein. Deshalb ist uns das Team heilig.
  • Familie: Erfolg hat bei uns eine klare Reihenfolge: Family First, dann kommt das Business.
  • Bedeutung: Für uns ist Job nicht nur Job. Unser gesamtes Wirken beruht auf Sinnhaftigkeit, um die Welt jeden Tag ein Stück besser zu machen.
  • Humor: Wir lachen gerne und viel, besonders über uns selbst. Denn für uns muss Arbeit vor allem eins: Spaß machen!
  • Qualität: Wir haben hohe Ansprüche an unsere Produkte, unseren Service, besonders aber an uns selbst.
Natürlich gibt es für uns auch einige NO-GO‘s:

Gleichgültigkeit. Beliebigkeit. Feigheit. Egoismus. Rumeierei. Zynismus. Humorlosigkeit. Schwarzmalerei. Gewalt. Hass. Dogmatismus. Besserwisserei. Opportunismus.

Vision

Diese Überzeugungen treiben uns an
  • Wir glauben, dass Unternehmen sich verändern, wenn die Menschen sich verändern.
  • Wir glauben, dass eine Kultur der Veränderung jede noch so ausgetüftelte Strategie schlägt.
  • Wir glauben, dass wir für unsere Ergebnisse verantwortlich sind. Für die guten, wie die schlechten.
  • Wir glauben, dass in jedem Problem eine Chance steckt.
  • Wir glauben, dass Motivation auf Sinnhaftigkeit und Werten basiert und nicht auf externen Faktoren.
  • Wir glauben, dass in jedem Menschen ein großes Feuer lodert, das nur darauf wartet, entzündet zu werden.
  • Wir glauben, dass sich alles verändert, wenn Sie sich verändern.
  • Wir glauben, dass innovatives Denken, harte Arbeit und Commitment die Grundlage für Erfolg bilden.
  • Wir glauben an Individualität und Diversity statt an Gleichmacherei.
  • Wir glauben an einfache Lösungen und nicht an komplizierte Probleme.
  • Wir glauben an Klarheit, Entschiedenheit und Integrität.
  • Wir glauben an Ergebnisse und nicht an Ankündigungen.
  • Wir glauben, dass der Umgang mit Veränderung die wichtigste Schlüsselkompetenz der Zukunft sein wird.

Awards

Auszeichnungen, Awards & Preise
  • 2013: Publikumspreis für außergewöhnliche Rednerleistungen
  • 2013: Rednerpreis „Best Media“
  • 2014: Rednerpreis „Best Performer“
  • 2016: Aufnahme als erster Deutscher in den C-Suite Book Club in New York City
  • 2016: Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), verliehen durch die National Speakers Association in Phoenix/Arizona
  • 2016: Rednerpreis „Best Brand“
  • 2018: Best Business Book Award für über 100.000 verkaufte Exemplare auf der Frankfurter Buchmesse
  • 2019: Fellow of the PSA, verliehen durch die Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland

Awards

Honors, awards & prizes
  • 2013: Audience Award for Outstanding Speaking Achievements
  • 2013: Speaker award “Best Media”
  • 2014: Speaker award “Best Performer”
  • 2016: Admission as the first German to the C-Suite Book Club in New York City
  • 2016: Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), awarded by the National Speakers Association in Phoenix/Arizona
  • 2016: Speaker award “Best Brand”
  • 2018: Best Business Book Award for over 100,000 copies sold at the Frankfurt Book Fair
  • 2019: Fellow of the PSA, awarded by the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland

vision

These beliefs drive us
  • We believe that companies change when people change.
  • We believe that a culture of change beats even the most elaborate strategy.
  • We believe that we are responsible for our results. For the good and the bad.
  • We believe that in every problem lies an opportunity.
  • We believe that motivation is based on purpose and values and not on external factors.
  • We believe that in every human being there is a great fire just waiting to be ignited.
  • We believe that when you change, everything changes.
  • We believe that innovative thinking, hard work and commitment are the basis for success.
  • We believe in individuality and diversity instead of equality.
  • We believe in simple solutions and not complicated problems.
  • We believe in clarity, decisiveness and integrity.
  • We believe in results, not announcements.
  • We believe that dealing with change will be the most important key competence of the future.

code of values

These values drive us
  • Responsibility: We can only be successful together if everyone takes personal responsibility.
  • Gratitude: We go through life with an attitude of gratitude. We give before we take.
  • Diversity: We respect everyone as they are and treat them individually.
  • Integrity: We act and do what we promise.
  • Support: Nobody wins alone. That’s why the team is sacred to us.
  • Family: Success has a clear sequence for us: family first, then the business.
  • Meaning: For us, a job is not just a job. Everything we do is based on meaningfulness in order to make the world a little bit better every day.
  • Humor: We like to laugh a lot, especially about ourselves. For us, work has to do one thing above all: be fun!
  • Quality: We have high demands on our products, our service, but especially on ourselves.
Of course there are also some NO-GO’s for us:

Indifference. arbitrariness. Cowardice. Egoism. bumbling. Cynicism. lack of humor black painting. Force. Hate. dogmatism. know-it-all. Opportunism.

mission

corporate philosophy

The corporate philosophy is based on our entire thinking, acting and working. Businesses change when people change. That’s why I firmly believe in two things: the power of individual personality and the magic of a culture of change driven by strong values. When the individual needs of each person are in line with the overarching organizational goals, a magical cocktail of passion, commitment and operational excellence is created. We summarized this in our mission statement:

“My business approach is radically human, because I am firmly convinced that in times of ever faster change, people are the most important success factor for the future. I help people to lead a life based on self-determination, personal freedom and meaning. I support organizations and companies to seize the great opportunities of change and to establish a change culture characterized by shared values, diversity and meaning. The individual definition of success is the powerful fixed star, the way there is change.”

resume

Overview of my previous professional life
  • 1975: Born in the beautiful Hanseatic city of Lübeck
  • 1994: Abitur at the Carl-Jacob-Burkhardt Gymnasium in Lübeck
  • 1994: Civilian service at the University Hospital in Lübeck: work with disabled and slow-learning children in an integrative facility.
  • 1995 – 2001: Studied economics in Greifswald, Mannheim and Hamburg. Main subjects: marketing, business education and organizational theory. Degree: Diplom Kaufmann
  • 1995 – 2001: Various jobs, including: interpreter for American and Nigerian companies, bartender, business plan writer, consultant for start-ups, business development manager
  • 2002 – 2008: Managing Director for Karstadt, Hertie and Wertheim with a total of ten locations in Lübeck, 2x Hamburg, Kassel, Mönchengladbach, Frankfurt/Oder and 5x Berlin
  • 2008 – 2009: Store Manager IKEA in Hamburg
  • 2009: Foundation of Ilja Grzeskowitz – change. Simple. Do.
  • 2013-2015: Lectureships at the Berlin School of Law and Economics and the SRH Hochschule
  • Since 2009: International keynote speaker, bestselling author of 12 books and change consultant
  • Since 2013: Initiator and host of the Change Awards
  • 2020: Founding of the Solopreneur Club