Olaf Dupke, born in Lübeck, has more than 26 years of experience in sales and human resources in the international hotel industry. His career has taken him through Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where he has established himself as a manager with a strong focus on values, humanity and employee development.
Two cancer diagnoses in 2021 and 2025 fundamentally changed his life and became a turning point in his personal and professional orientation. Today, Dupke works as an HR leader, author and cancer resilience speaker. In his lectures and books – including ‘Tagebuch eines Vogels’ (Diary of a Bird) and ‘Cancer Mindset’ – he conveys the central message: ‘Giving up is not an option.’ His focus is on resilience, value-based leadership and hope as a strategic force. He inspires people and organisations to develop mental strength, actively shape change and redefine meaning in life and work.
Interview with Olaf Dupke
1. What are the core subjects of your keynote speeches?
The topics of my lectures are what my cancer taught me:
“RESILIENCE is not a gift – it is a CHOICE!”
Set your focus on:
- Gratitude
- Self-Responsibility
- Courage
2. Which audiance or which branch do you reach with your speech?
Developing the right mindset is essential for long-term success.
My goal is to engage audiences who are committed to cultivating a stronger positive mindset and enhancing their resilience.
This message is directed both at the healthcare sector and at organizations more broadly, particularly those seeking to embed resilience into their employee retention and development strategies.
3. Are you a PREMIUM SPEAKER? Where do you get your insights from?
I am a Premium Speaker because I do not simply deliver content — I aim to create lasting impact.
My mission is to inspire individuals and organizations to strengthen their mindset and to implement resilience as a strategic success factor. In doing so, I combine the insights gained from experiencing two cancer diagnoses with practical examples and a clear, motivating style of communication.
4. What will be in the future? Does «time» play an important role in your work?
The fear of the fact that the cancer could return is your constant companion. Therefore you learn to focus on the moment instead of thinking about what will happen in the future.
5. Tell us your life motto? What do you want to give your listeners to take with them?
RESILIENCE – in every situation – is not a gift. It is a CHOICE!
We must return to ourselves. We must focus inward.
Gratitude: Celebrate what you already have, instead of chasing what is missing.
Responsibility: Own your life. Stop giving away your power by blaming external factors.
Courage: Every action begins with courage. Every journey ends with happiness.