Dr. Katja Unkel: Rethinking leadership with resilience and humanity

Dr. Katja Unkel has been shaping the discussion on modern leadership, resilience, and transformation for over two decades. She is a speaker, trainer, author, and coach—and a voice that offers guidance in times of uncertainty and change.

Her conviction: “Change begins within us – and then becomes visible.”

Over 20 years of leadership experience

Katja Unkel has more than 20 years of experience in supporting executives, board members, and organizations. She has guided hundreds of companies through change processes, made teams more resilient, and supported leaders on their path to sustainable effectiveness.

Her approach: Leadership is more than numbers and methods – it begins within, in attitude and awareness. “Authenticity and humanity are not soft factors, but hard success factors,” she repeatedly emphasizes.

Science meets practice

Unkel combines scientific depth with practical implementation. She works with neuroplastic methods, i.e., techniques that promote the brain’s adaptability. These methods are key to not only understanding resilience, but also living it.

She criticizes superficial trend models and “leadership hypes” that have no long-term effect. Instead, she values sound research and practice-oriented approaches. Leadership should be effective, humane, and sustainable.

Katja Unkel – Key topics of her keynotes

Katja Unkel addresses topics that are central to companies undergoing digital and social change:

• Resilience in leadership: from simple stress management to true mental strength
• Trust-based leadership & values: how living humanity forms the basis for performance.
• Transformative leadership & meaning: how leadership creates motivation and commitment by creating meaning.
• Authenticity & professionalism: how leaders show clarity without losing empathy.
• Burnout prevention & mental health: ways for organizations to remain productive without overburdening people.

Her presentations are clearly structured, easy to understand, and always provide inspiration for action.

Publicist and thought leader

In addition to her work on stage, Katja Unkel is also an active author. With her book “Social Competence – A Manager’s Fairy Tale?”, she has reignited the discussion about social skills in leadership. In it, she critically questions common assumptions and highlights the importance of genuine social competence for leadership success.

Presence on international stages

Katja Unkel is regularly booked for international conferences, leadership events, and corporate events. Her lectures are aimed at board members, top executives, HR managers, and teams who want to actively shape change.

She impresses with her ability to explain complex issues in an understandable way and with a presence that immediately inspires confidence. Feedback from her audience sums it up: “Katja Unkel inspires with clarity and depth – and manages to get you to take action immediately.”

Why companies rely on Katja Unkel

• Depth and substance: Unkel brings scientific models into everyday business life.
• Long-term impact: Her approaches are not short-lived, but designed for sustainability.
• Experience at the top: She knows the challenges faced by executives firsthand.
• Attitude: Her authenticity makes her credible and approachable.

Her work is valued by organizations that take change seriously and are not just looking for superficial programs.

Dr. Katja Unkel stands for a new kind of leadership: resilient, human, and effective. She brings clarity to complex situations, courage in times of change, and tools that managers can use immediately.

Those who invite her onto the stage get more than just a lecture – they receive inspiration that transforms leadership.

Book Katja Unkel – at Premium Speakers: 1 (704) 804 1054 or katja.unkel@premium-speakers.com