Ilja Grzeskowitz: Change Expert

  • With a track record as Germany’s youngest managing director at Karstadt and IKEA, Ilja offers actionable strategies derived from real-world success.
  • Ilja’s expertise leads to motivated and committed teams, boosting productivity and creating a dynamic work culture.
  • Discover how Ilja’s strategies have created positive cultural shifts in organizations, elevating them to new heights of success.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Berlin, Germany
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

How to Dream Big, Act Bold And get the Results you want
Keynote Speech Change: Seizing Opportunities & Shaping Change Together
Change isn’t what’s happening around you, it’s how you deal with it. In this Change Management presentation by keynote speaker Ilja Grzeskowitz, you will learn how to recognize and seize the opportunities of change even in uncertain times.

Inspiring. Inspiring. Changing.
In doing so, the former retail executive not only talks about change management, but also lives change in an infectious way. From his time at Karstadt and IKEA, the book author knows what it takes to whet people’s appetites for new ways of doing things and actively shaping the future.

The keynote speech Change Management: Desire for Change
Using practical examples, inspiring stories and messages tailored to the audience, you will receive ideas, tools and methods that you can implement directly and apply in your everyday life. In this way, you are in a position not only to passively let change management processes wash over you, but to actively shape them, position your company for the challenges of the future, and create a culture of openness and willingness to change.

Leading yourself and others through change processes
The result of this individual and at the same time entertaining lecture: A high motivation, distinctive implementation competence and an attitude with which you can use the chances of change even under difficult conditions. In short: you will learn. You will laugh. And after the lecture, you’ll roll up your sleeves and get a lot of desire to make.

Shaping the Future with Passion, Courage and the Will to Change
Keynote The Change Mindset: Why Attitude is everything
What makes people tick? What really motivates us in the long term and how do we focus on the huge opportunities of change? You will learn this and much more in the Mindset lecture by Ilya Grzeskowitz. The former top manager of Karstadt, Wertheim, Hertie and IKEA knows from his own experience what is important if you want to be successful even under difficult conditions: The mindset makes the difference, because change is primarily a matter of attitude.

The Mindset Shift for sustainable motivation
From his time as a managing director in the retail sector, Ilja Grzeskowitz is very familiar with the need for a future-oriented mindset. In his Mindset lecture, it quickly becomes clear: Mr. Change “walks his talk” when he talks about the power of inner attitude and uses inspiring practical examples to make one thing clear above all: change is a matter of attitude – success and failure are always decided between the ears. To achieve this, he shows simple solutions on how really everyone can successfully trim their inner attitude for opportunities, change and success.

Motivating. Engaging. Inviting to roll up your sleeves.
The inspiring mindset lecture offers high practical value, motivates to immediately “roll up your sleeves” and get started and convinces with authentic expert knowledge. Because only when people change, does your company change. With the right inner attitude, it is possible to find solutions even under difficult conditions instead of looking for reasons why something doesn’t work.

The Mindset of Changemakers and Gamechangers
The Mindset presentation is about solutions that invite you to tackle, implement and do. In this keynote, Ilya Grzeskowitz shows how to align your mindset so that change is no longer a threat, but a great opportunity to grow as a personality and succeed as a team. The expert for change and transformation gives courage when he conveys the core message to his audience: It is never the external circumstances that hinder us, but always the way we deal with these challenges.

The Magic of Motivation – The Inner drive for change
Keynote Motivation: Igniting the inner fire for change

  • How do you succeed in inspiring yourself and others for courageous ideas and new ways?
  • How do you deal with resistance to change?
  • And above all, how do you create real motivation that has a lasting effect and doesn’t fizzle out again after just a few days?

Ilja Grzeskowitz addresses all these questions in his lecture Motivation.

Motivating messages and memorable examples
The presentation Motivation by keynote speaker Ilja Grzeskowitz is peppered with personal experiences from his many years as a top manager in the retail industry, exciting practical examples and motivating messages that will remain in the memory for a long time.

Your participants will be enthusiastic and will continue to benefit from this day long after the lecture. But most especially, you’ll feel like implementing, rolling up your sleeves, and integrating a new motto into your daily life: “I’m just going to do it now.”

Real motivation beyond chakka chakka
In the Motivation keynote, you will learn how truly anyone can become a changemaker. How to develop an inner motivation that enables you to take responsibility, actively shape change and be successful together with your team in the disruptive markets of tomorrow.

You will receive ideas, tools and impulses with which you are well-equipped for the challenges of the future. The result: They are happy about new paths, every single change, every single disruption. Because you know: It is a unique opportunity to get better, to develop further and to position yourself as number 1 in the minds of your customers.

Motivation for change – Successful together as a team
Have you noticed it too? Everyone wants change, but no one wants to change. Because everyone is counting on others to do something. But sustainable results can only be achieved together. In a motivated team in which everyone learns from everyone else, everyone pulls together and everyone takes responsibility in their area.

Because the bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what position we have. Each and every one of us can make a huge difference in our place and contribute as a changemaker to transform a team, a company or an organization as a whole. How this works, you will learn in the lecture Motivation

Change Leadership – Modern Leadership in Times of Change
Keynote Leadership: Leading yourself and others through change
When Ilja Grzeskowitz talks about leadership and management, it quickly becomes clear what a wealth of experience the former top manager has.

No wonder, since during his time as managing director for Karstadt, Wertheim, Hertie and IKEA he managed a total of 11 locations throughout Germany, was responsible for a sales volume of more than 500 million euros and managed hundreds of department heads and thousands of employees. His most important insight: good leadership and sustainable results go hand in hand.

Leadership is not a title, but an attitude
The Leadership lecture is packed with practical examples, inspiring stories and modern leadership tools that can be applied immediately in everyday life. And modern leadership is more important today than ever before, as is clear to every entrepreneur, executive and manager. But in times of digitalization, radically new customer needs and permanent change in the VUKA world, leadership requires a completely new skill set and mindset.

From traditional boss to modern leader
On the one hand, as a leader, you have to get used to the changed framework conditions yourself and constantly realign your own patterns of thought and behavior. But that’s not all, because your own employees, team members and customers also want to be guided through this transformation process. They need and expect orientation, transparent communication and empathy.

How leadership in change succeeds
In his presentation Leadership, Ilya Grzeskowitz explains how the balancing act between personal responsibility and team spirit can be achieved on a daily basis. He does not use the famous finger of blame, but instead presents the topic in a way that invites people to question their own ways of thinking and to try out new approaches.

The mixture of well-founded, scientific backgrounds and experience from daily management work provides many “aha” insights, invites a change of perspective and ultimately leads to a leadership culture that puts people at the center without losing sight of the opportunities of digitization.

Embracing change is not merely a necessity in today’s dynamic world—it’s an opportunity for growth and innovation. And at the forefront of this transformative mindset stands Ilja Grzeskowitz, Germany’s Leading Change Expert. With his unique blend of insight, inspiration, and practical strategies, Ilja empowers organizations to not only adapt to change but to thrive amidst […]

Embracing change is not merely a necessity in today’s dynamic world—it’s an opportunity for growth and innovation. And at the forefront of this transformative mindset stands Ilja Grzeskowitz, Germany’s Leading Change Expert. With his unique blend of insight, inspiration, and practical strategies, Ilja empowers organizations to not only adapt to change but to thrive amidst it.

About Ilja Grzeskowitz

Ilja Grzeskowitz is a renowned speaker, author, and consultant who specializes in guiding organizations through the complexities of change management. With a career spanning over two decades, Ilja has established himself as a trusted advisor to companies across various industries, helping them navigate transitions, embrace new technologies, and foster a culture of innovation.

Born and raised in Germany, Ilja’s journey into the world of change management began during his early career in the corporate sector. Through firsthand experiences and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, he honed his expertise in driving successful transformations—a skillset that would later become his calling card as a sought-after speaker and consultant.

 

Ilja Grzeskowitz’s expertise encompasses a wide range of topics related to change management, leadership, and organizational development. Some of his key areas of focus include:

Ilja provides invaluable insights into the role of leadership in driving effective change within organizations. From cultivating a change-ready mindset to leading by example, he equips leaders with the tools and strategies needed to inspire their teams and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Recognizing that organizational culture plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes and behaviors, Ilja helps companies foster cultures that embrace change and innovation. By fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning, organizations can create a fertile ground for growth and adaptability.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival. Ilja empowers teams to unleash their creative potential, break free from conventional thinking, and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Change is inevitable, but resilience is a choice. Ilja guides individuals and organizations in cultivating resilience in the face of adversity, helping them bounce back from setbacks, embrace change as an opportunity for growth, and emerge stronger than ever before.

As technology continues to reshape industries and disrupt traditional business models, Ilja provides guidance on navigating the complexities of digital transformation. From leveraging emerging technologies to reimagining business processes, he helps organizations harness the power of digital innovation to drive sustainable growth.

In conclusion, Ilja Grzeskowitz is more than just a speaker—he’s a catalyst for change, helping organizations embrace new possibilities, adapt to evolving realities, and unlock their full potential. Whether you’re navigating a major transformation, seeking to foster a culture of innovation, or simply looking to inspire your team, Ilja’s insights and expertise can help you chart a course for success in today’s fast-paced world. Book Ilja Grzeskowitz as your next keynote speaker through Speakers Inc and embark on a transformative journey towards a brighter future.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (71)
America Ferrera

America Ferrera is perhaps best known for her fearless portrayal of “Betty Suarez” on ABC’s hit comedy Ugly Betty and “Carmen” in the popular film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Ferrera’s Ugly Betty role earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as ALMA and Imagen Awards. America Ferrera currently produces and stars in […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Celebrity Speakers
  • (49)
  • (2)
Clint Pulver

Clint Pulver is an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and mentor, renowned for his dynamic and impactful presentations that inspire organizations to retain, engage, and lead their people more effectively. With a message that blends storytelling, humor, and real-world research, Clint is not only a motivational speaker but a workplace advocate, addressing critical issues in employee […]

  • Travels from: Pleasant Grove, UT
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (33)
Kay Firth-Butterfield

Kay Firth-Butterfield is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and governance, championing the responsible development and deployment of technology. As the CEO of Good Tech Advisory LLC, she leverages her extensive legal and academic background to guide organizations toward ethical AI practices. Her leadership in this domain earned her a spot among TIME’s 100 […]

  • Travels from: Various Cities
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (60)
Zoe Chance

Dr. Zoe Chance is a writer, teacher, researcher, and climate philanthropist obsessed with the topic of interpersonal influence. She earned her doctorate from Harvard and now teaches the most popular course at Yale School of Management, which is the basis for her international bestseller, INFLUENCE IS YOUR SUPERPOWER. Her framework for behavior change is the […]

  • Travels from: New Haven, CT
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (29)
Gregory Stock

Dr. Gregory Stock stands at the forefront of biotechnology and bioethics, offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of life sciences. As a biotech entrepreneur, best-selling author, and esteemed public communicator, he delves into the intricate interplay between advanced technologies and their societal implications. His compelling narratives challenge audiences to contemplate the future of human […]

  • Travels from: Boise, ID
  • Healthcare Speakers
  • (49)

Dr. Catriona Wallace is a globally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and digital transformation. A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dr. Wallace is one of the few women at the helm of an AI-driven enterprise, leading the charge to create technology that not only solves problems but also fosters positive societal impact. […]

  • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (32)
Steve Gleason

Steve received an ALS diagnosis in 2011. He was determined to thrive after the terminal neuromuscular disease diagnosis. He spends his life encouraging others to life with purpose. He and Michel, his wife, formed Team Gleason, with the mission of bringing ALS to the forefront and inspiring others to overcome the challenges of the disease. […]

  • Travels from: New Orleans, LA
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (19)
Shasta Nelson

Shasta Nelson is a pioneering force in social relationship building, providing insights and guidance on how to cultivate meaningful connections in personal and professional life. With over a decade of experience in friendship development and workplace engagement, Nelson is renowned for her ability to help individuals and organizations understand the art and science of connection. […]

  • Travels from: Grass Valley, CA
  • Culture Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel