Gerriet Danz has been one of the most recognised experts on innovation and creativity for more than two decades. The lectures given by this passionate rule-breaker, multiple start-up founder and best-selling author (CAMPUS/Randomhouse) are as inspiring and unusual as the mix of his experiences.
He initially worked as creative director at the international advertising agency BBDO, supporting global players in the development of innovations. His second career took him to television, where he developed new TV formats and hosted the classic quiz show JEOPARDY. Motivational, humorous and practical, his presentations show companies how to create the perfect climate for innovation and overcome barriers to creativity. ‘One of the best in his field!’ writes Computerwoche, ‘Ideas are flying thick and fast…’ says GQ. And SPIEGEL asked him, ‘…what really matters.’
Innovations are the oxygen for business!
Gerriet Danz is a lecturer at Steinbeis University Berlin, a lecturer at the Management School St. Gallen, advises the European Patent Office in The Hague, among others, is a member of the German Speakers Association and winner of the CONGA Award in the category ‘Speakers & Trainers’.
Gerriet Danz Lecture topics
- Try heart! How New Work generates new revenue.
In the 1930s, Walt Disney introduced an innovation to his studio offices: air conditioning. Lectures were regularly held on the company’s campus – by famous musicians, architects and artists. Disney built a golf course for his employees. Was he a pioneer of New Work? Or an empathetic philanthropist? Or simply a boss who knew how to motivate, inspire, value and retain people – in order to turn talent into revenue? In his lecture, Gerriet Danz shows that New Work is not so new. And how you can use current research to create a digital future from human interaction.
- Silicon China
Create, don’t copy. For decades, the Chinese economy has mercilessly copied innovations. But now the Middle Kingdom is leaving us in the dust – with its burgeoning innovative strength in areas such as artificial intelligence, electric mobility and mobile payments. What can we do? Going back to copying is hardly desirable from a political standpoint. Are there, moreover, cultural factors that explain China’s rapid rise, from which local SMEs and corporations can learn? In his talk, innovation expert Gerriet Danz takes you on a journey through the new People’s Republic of Ideas and explains how Germany can once again become the ‘Land of Smiles’ when it comes to innovation.
- Expedition Innovation!
On the road in Silicon Valley – the success codes of the rule breakers. An inspiring business travelogue: Gerriet Danz researched the success strategies of international innovation leaders in Silicon Valley. What can medium-sized companies learn from Apple, Google & Co.? How do corporations benefit from the wild ideas of lightning-fast start-ups? Find out why failed entrepreneurs gain creditworthiness on the US West Coast. And why so many global successes begin with a ‘No!’.
- Utopia generates sales!
Think the impossible to achieve the possible. Helmut Schmidt used to say that anyone who has visions needs to see a doctor. Today, anyone who has no visions needs to see an undertaker: ‘Innovate or die’ is the motto. In his lecture, he shows why business models need to be regularly questioned, why radical thinking is a must – and presents international examples of how utopias can be turned into revenue.
- Fail. Move on. Be cheerful.
Why more mistakes lead to more innovation. Children fall 3,000 times before they can walk. Ninety-nine per cent of all living creatures on this planet have failed miserably, namely by becoming extinct. Many global successes are the products of fatal failures. Conclusion: we fall, we learn, we get better and better. But why is failure rewarded with awards in some companies – and with dismissal in others? Inspiration on the topic of error culture – in this lecture!
References and press
- ‘One of the best in his field!’ Computerwoche
- ‘Ideas are pouring in…’ GQ
- ‘…unorthodox approach!’ LEADERSHIP
- ‘That’s exciting!’ SalesBusiness
- ‘Gerriet Danz ignites brand turbo!’ TLZ
- ‘With charm, style and method.’ EVENT
- ‘Gerriet Danz’s methods work!’ DUB Entrepreneur Magazine
- ‘Knows how to stand out from the crowd: Gerriet Danz…’ NWZ Newspaper
‘I found Gerriet Danz’s presentation particularly impressive.’ Stephan Fuchs, Adobe Create Now
‘Gerriet Danz’s presentation was one of the best I’ve seen in a long time!’ Markus Dollinger, nachbelichtet.com
‘I really enjoyed your presentation!’ Michael Söls, Continentale Versicherung
‘… isn’t it nice to notice during the presentation how the audience reacts, listens attentively and waits to see what happens next? The response and enthusiasm showed that it was worth it … Thank you!’ Oliver Kreth, KYOCERA, Marketing Director