Sönke Iwersen is one of Germany’s leading investigative journalists. With over 20 years of experience in investigative journalism, he has uncovered some of the biggest economic scandals of recent decades – from Cum-Ex and Dieselgate to internal abuses at Tesla. As head of the Investigative Research department at Handelsblatt, he played a key role in shaping modern business journalism and has received numerous awards, including the Henri Nannen Prize and the German Reporter:innenpreis.
In his lectures, Iwersen provides a unique look behind the scenes of white-collar crime and shows how investigative research works. Particularly exciting: his current research on Tesla and Elon Musk, which will be published in the book Die Tesla Files. With meticulous attention to detail, exclusive data and a gripping narrative style, he reveals what is really behind the facade of the tech billionaire.
Interview with Sönke Iwersen:
1. What are the core subjects of your keynote speeches?
In my lectures, I talk about investigative research, economic crime and the responsibility of the media. I show how scandals such as Cum-Ex, Dieselgate or illegal corporate practices come to light – and what consequences they have. It’s not just about revelations, but also about power, manipulation and the question of who is really in control in our society.
One particular topic is my latest book, Die Tesla-Files, in which I reveal what lies behind the façade of Elon Musk and his company: security risks, broken promises and a frightening level of influence. I explain how I obtained 100 gigabytes of internal data and what it reveals about Tesla and its boss.
My research shows that investigative journalism plays a key role in exposing wrongdoing. In my talks, I share my experiences, talk about the challenges of this work and give insights into the dark side of business, politics and global power.
2. Which audience or which branch do you reach with your speech?
- Those captivated by intriguing stories and real-world business thrillers
- Enthusiasts of true crime
- Individuals with a keen interest in business and finance
- Executives and decision-makers concerned with economic risks and regulatory compliance
3. Are you a PREMIUM SPEAKER? Where do you get your insights from?
As an investigative journalist, I write about dubious real estate deals or questionable transactions in the defense industry, then move on to abuse of power in the financial world or cyberattacks on German companies. Between researching Elon Musk and Russian spies, I’ve learned that starting from scratch every day isn’t frustrating – it’s a privilege. I gain unique insights that I want to turn into stories that read like crime novels. What I aim for in writing also applies as a speaker: mood can be conveyed without emojis.
4. What will be in the future? Does «time» play an important role in your work?
Journalism is constantly evolving. In the past, investigative reporters were lucky to receive a single lever-arch file, which would gather dust in a drawer after the article was published. Today, we are regularly handed large datasets that often contain the potential for hidden connections. For example, in the Tesla Files, we found information about Wirecard’s fugitive ex-board member Jan Marsalek, and in the Wirecard data, we discovered documents related to real estate entrepreneur René Benko and Russian oligarchs.
The future of investigative economic journalism will increasingly be shaped by technology and data analysis. Time is a crucial factor in this process. Investigative journalism combines the ability to respond quickly to new information with the discipline to dig deeper and uncover patterns.
5. Tell us your life motto? What do you want to give your listeners to take with them?
Motto: It’s not about knowing all the answers, but about asking the right question.
Message: Good journalism is more important than ever. It is the mirror of our society, showing where we stand and where we are headed. It uncovers hidden connections that would remain concealed without it. Every truth that comes to light has the potential to change the world.