Speaking
Keynotes and talks that challenge conventional thinking about universities, learning, and education in the age of AI. Grounded in 20+ years of building and transforming educational institutions — not just theorizing about them.
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Keynote Topics
Every talk is customized to your audience, context, and goals. These are signature themes I draw from — not rigid scripts.
The University of Tomorrow — Why We Need to Rebuild, Not Renovate
The lecture-exam-credit model was designed for the industrial age. It worked when knowledge was scarce and jobs were predictable. Neither is true anymore. Drawing on my experience founding CODE University and transforming Witten/Herdecke, this keynote presents a concrete, proven vision for universities built around curiosity, agency, and real-world challenges — and the courage it takes to get there.
For: University leadership, education policy makers, conference main stages
Duration: 30-60 minutes + Q&A
Languages: German, English
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Learning in the Age of AI — What Remains Uniquely Human
When AI can write essays, pass exams, and generate code, what is education actually for? This talk goes beyond the "AI in the classroom" conversation to ask a deeper question: what kind of learning becomes more important, not less, when machines can do the cognitive heavy lifting? The answer reshapes everything — from curricula to assessment to the role of professors.
For: University audiences, corporate L&D, EdTech conferences, future-of-work events
Duration: 30-60 minutes + Q&A
Languages: German, English
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Curiosity as a Superpower
Curiosity is the most undervalued competency of the 21st century. In a world of constant change, the ability to ask good questions matters more than having the right answers. Based on my TEDx talk and years of designing curiosity-driven learning environments, this keynote explores how to cultivate curiosity — in universities, schools, organizations, and ourselves.
For: General audiences, TEDx-style events, education conferences, corporate innovation teams
Duration: 20-45 minutes + Q&A
Languages: German, English
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From Strategy to Practice — Making University Transformation Real
Every university has a transformation strategy. Very few have transformation practice. After leading change at two universities I founded and advising dozens more through Hochschulforum Digitalisierung's peer-to-peer program, I share what actually moves institutions: it's not technology, not strategy documents, and not top-down mandates. It's culture, courage, and starting before you're ready.
For: University leadership retreats, change management events, ministry workshops
Duration: 45-60 minutes + Q&A
Languages: German, English
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Project-Based Learning at Scale — Lessons from CODE University
A deep dive into how CODE University replaced lectures with projects, exams with competency assessments, and curricula with individual learning paths — for 600+ students across three degree programs. What worked, what failed, what we'd do differently. Practical, honest, and applicable to institutions far beyond CODE.
For: Education innovators, curriculum designers, faculty development, university leadership
Duration: 45-90 minutes (talk or workshop format)
Languages: German, English
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Custom Topic
Have a specific theme or challenge in mind? I'm happy to develop a tailored keynote around your event's focus — whether it's future skills, digital transformation, entrepreneurial education, or something at the intersection. Let's discuss.
