Florian Astor: Courage, change and attitude – a path off the beaten track

“Courage doesn’t mean not being afraid – it means going ahead anyway.” – Florian Astor

Florian Astor knows the security of a regular life – and the uncertainty of leaving that security behind. At 30, he was one of the youngest department heads at a DAX-listed company, enjoying recognition, financial success – and a vague feeling that there had to be more. Two years, 8,500 kilometers, and countless borderline experiences later, he returned—without a plan B, but with a clear attitude: Change is inevitable, but we can decide how we respond to it.

The path into the wilderness

What began as a break led Florian Astor across New Zealand—on foot, alone, and with light luggage. Over 3,000 kilometers on the Te Araroa Trail and other hikes in rough terrain pushed him to his physical and mental limits. He talks about nights in a tent in howling winds, days when the rain never stopped, and moments of complete silence:

“In solitude, it becomes clear how loud everyday life usually is.”

These experiences became an intense self-experiment: What happens when you let go of control and take the next step into the unknown? The answers continue to shape his work as an entrepreneur and keynote speaker to this day.

Florian Astor: Change that inspires – not overwhelms

Florian Astor is not a classic motivational speaker. His lectures are not to-do lists, but emotional impulses. He knows what he is talking about – 15 years of corporate experience, international responsibility, restructuring, decision-making pressure. He knows the worries and fears in companies, but also the opportunities that change brings.

In his keynotes, he emphasizes:

• Leaving your comfort zone: “The best things happen beyond routine.”
• Have the courage to change: It’s better to take the first step yourself than to be pushed.
• Maintain your ability to act: Recognize options, even if goals are unclear.
• Show attitude: It’s not the circumstances that matter – it’s our reaction to them.

One of his favorite stories is about a day when the path was blocked. Instead of turning back, he looked for a new path – and discovered a view he would otherwise have missed. “Sometimes detours are the most valuable routes in our lives.”

Or the encounter with a family in a remote village who, despite language barriers and without any expectations, provided him with a meal. For Astor, this was proof that trust and encounters also work outside the usual systems – often even better.

From corporate manager to founder

After his return, Florian Astor did not quit – he started afresh. Today, he is an entrepreneur, founder of a digital start-up and sought-after keynote speaker. His topics: shaping change instead of suffering it, attitude as a leadership tool, building trust, meaning and self-management.

He challenges his audience to think flexibly about goals and redefine security: “I used to have everything secured – and yet I was still insecure. Today, I live with less security, but more inner peace.”

Why Florian Astor is a compelling speaker

• Authentic: All his ideas come from his own experiences – honest, tangible, relatable.
• Inspiring: He opens up new perspectives without lecturing.
• Business-savvy: He speaks the language of companies and understands their dynamics.
• Emotional: Stories that stick in your mind – and inspire action.

Book Florian Astor through Premium Speakers

Whether it’s an executive conference, change management workshop, or innovation forum, Florian Astor leaves his audience feeling inspired. Those who experience him go home with the feeling that the first step into the unknown is not the end, but the beginning of an exciting journey.

Courage, change, attitude

Florian Astor shows that courage, change, and attitude are not buzzwords, but principles that are lived out in practice. He invites us to shift our focus from the goal to the journey—and to discover what is essential along the way.

“Change begins with the first step. The rest will follow along the way.”

Book Florian Astor for a lecture via Premium Speakers: 1 (704) 804 1054 or florian-astor@premium-speakers.com