The Surprising Powerful Way to Win in a Complex World
We live in a world where competition and change are increasing to unprecedented levels.
Our organizations are facing mind-boggling challenges, from game-shifting technologies to supply chain disruption to global terrorism.
How do we best lead in this complex, messy, ever-changing environment that is our new world?
Drawing on his experience as Military Peacekeeping Commander, highly acclaimed Ultra-Endurance Competitor, and sought-after Executive Coach, Urs makes a compelling case: leadership principles from volatile peacekeeping operations and “last-man-standing” ultra-endurance competitions also apply to today’s turbulent world of business.
Leadership for High Performing Teams
Never have the demands placed on leaders been higher and more challenging. Change and competitive disruption are rising to unprecedented levels.
Are the leadership tactics of the past still the best way to build a successful team and organization? Or is it time to re-think how we lead in this complex, messy, ever-changing, new world?
Drawing on his experience as Military Peacekeeping Commander, highly acclaimed Ultra-Endurance Competitor and sought-after Executive Coach, Urs Koenig makes the compelling case that it’s time to make a real change.
Leading in high-pressure, complex, ever-changing environments requires humility, relentless focus, the ability to fail successfully and a strong commitment to continuously improve one’s leadership.
Urs Koenig is an internationally recognized leadership keynote speaker, former ultra-endurance champion, military peacekeeping commander, and seasoned executive coach known for his no-nonsense approach to driving measurable behavioral change. His career defies convention. After a standout professional skiing career and multiple championship wins as coach of the Swiss University Ski Team, Urs sought new challenges through ultra-endurance cycling and adventure racing, earning victories and course records around the world. His relentless curiosity and performance mindset later propelled him into academia, where he served as assistant professor and research fellow at the University of Zurich and Australian National University, as well as adjunct professor at Seattle University. During this period, he became a widely published researcher and an in-demand global speaker.
Transitioning into leadership development, Urs spent the last 20 years coaching more than 250 leaders and numerous teams across three continents. His evidence-based, practical framework helps leaders navigate complexity, strengthen decision-making, and create cultures defined by accountability and action. True to his commitment to stretch himself, Urs re-entered the military at age fifty, serving as a Military Peacekeeping Commander in a NATO mission in the Balkans. That experience sharpened his insights on leadership under pressure and leading diverse teams in high-stakes environments.
For Urs Koenig, challenging people to help them achieve top performance and bringing transformation is at the heart of everything he does.
His journey has been non-traditional at every step. After his highly successful skiing career, he coached the Swiss University Ski Team and won numerous championships worldwide. Always eager to challenge himself as well as others, he entered the world of ultra-endurance cycling and adventure racing. He has won numerous races and holds several course records.
Urs Koenig combines his endurance energy with strong intellect. He has been an assistant professor and research fellow at the University of Zurich, Switzerland and at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, as well as adjunct professor at Seattle University. During that time, he published widely and was a sought-after speaker around the globe.
After his academic career, Urs built a highly successful leadership development practice. Over the last 20 years, he has coached more than 250 individual leaders and dozens of leadership teams across three continents. His no-nonsense approach continues to deliver measurable behavioral change for leaders.
Always looking to stretch himself, Urs re-entered the military in 2017 (at age 50!) and served as Military Peacekeeping Commander in the NATO mission in the Balkans.
Urs Koenig is a recognized thought leader and leadership keynote speaker focusing on how to lead to win in a complex world. With Urs, audiences learn to challenge today’s leadership paradigms and leave inspired, with actionable, no-nonsense take-aways, helping them to answer this crucial question: What should I do differently on Monday morning?
Having started his career in professional sport, Urs brings the same passion, drive, and team approach to everything he does. He is on a mission to help people and organizations unlock their leadership potential. And yes, he still kicks it on skis.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
A compelling five-minute keynote reel where leadership expert Urs Koenig illustrates how humility, failure, and high-stakes experiences—from NATO peacekeeping to ultra-endurance racing—shape resilient, high-performing leaders.
In this keynote showcase, Urs Koenig introduces his trademark no-nonsense approach to leadership by emphasizing that leaders are “always on stage.” He explains that every moment, especially the ones leaders think go unnoticed, shapes trust, culture, and team performance. His message is grounded in a career spanning business leadership, elite endurance competition, and military peacekeeping.
Urs recounts rejoining the military at nearly fifty and being thrust into demanding training with much younger soldiers. In one defining moment, he accidentally drops his bulletproof vest on a cold winter morning in Switzerland and is sharply reprimanded by a sergeant twenty-five years his junior. Despite holding superior rank and having just left his family in Seattle, Urs swallows his pride, picks up the vest, and stays silent. The experience becomes the first of many lessons in humility during his nine-month deployment.
He highlights that humility is rarely discussed or modeled within military culture, yet it is essential for effective leadership. It forces leaders to ask deeper, more challenging questions. Urs shares how this shift in thinking helped him consider whether peacekeepers might sometimes stand in the way of conflicts resolving themselves—an example of how humility leads to sharper insight and better decision-making.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Ekaterina Walter is a globally recognized thought leader, author, and keynote speaker in the fields of social media, marketing innovation, and business transformation. With over a decade of experience in helping businesses harness the power of digital platforms, she has become one of the most sought-after experts in social media strategy. Her passion for inspiring […]
After years of conversations and consultations, research and interviews regarding diversity & inclusion, Risha Grant has learnt that companies don’t have diversity problems; they have people problems. For too long, diversity has been blamed for loss of productivity, discrimination and a litany of other workplace faux pas, but diversity has never been the issue. It can’t […]
Karen McCullough is a nationally known keynote speaker and expert on change, generational opportunities and workforce trends. Karen helps organizations cut through the generational biases and get back to reality by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on workplace trends, employee […]
Sarah Wells is an Olympic 400m hurdler, Pan Am Games silver medalist, and powerhouse keynote speaker whose high-voltage energy and authentic storytelling have electrified audiences across the globe. From the track to the stage and even the set of The Amazing Race, Sarah’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, bold ambition, and redefining what excellence […]
Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, known for her passionate leadership in advancing social causes on a global scale. As the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, Claudia has dedicated her career to promoting unity, empowering underrepresented communities, and championing Hispanic voices around the world. With over […]
Peter Sheahan is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and best-selling author specializing in business transformation, innovative leadership, and growth in the face of disruption. As the founder and CEO of Karrikins Group, Peter has worked with some of the world’s most prominent brands, including Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, helping them navigate change, […]
Shep Hyken is an Award-winning Keynote Speaker and World-Renowned Keynote Speaker in Customer Service & Customer Experience. Shep has worked with the world’s best brands to help them build a culture centered around the customer. His presentations consistently get rave reviews for being engaging and informative. The National Speakers Association inducted Shep into it’s Hall […]
Tracey Spicer is a prominent figure in Australian journalism, celebrated for her impactful work as a journalist, broadcaster, author, and advocate for gender equality. With multiple Walkley Awards to her name, Spicer’s career spans across various media platforms, including television, radio, and print. Beyond her journalistic achievements, she is renowned for her advocacy efforts, particularly […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
