Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva: The Reinvention Guru

Reinvention strategist and global business educator Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva equips leaders and organizations with actionable frameworks to innovate, adapt, and thrive amid constant disruption.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Called “The Reinvention Guru” and “The Queen of Reinvention”
    • Advisor to global companies including Coca-Cola, IBM, CISCO, Erste Bank, Henkel, and more
    • Former executive overseeing enterprise-wide transformation at ENRC PLC (now ERG)
    • Educator of 5,000+ executives across 60 countries and 20 industries
  • Formats: Reinvention, Leadership, and Organizational Transformation Keynote Speaker
  • Audiences: Corporate leaders, innovation teams, executive education programs, industry conferences, and organizations undergoing strategic transformation or preparing for future disruption.
  • Outcomes:
    1. A practical reinvention roadmap for navigating change and building resilient, adaptive systems.
    2. Leadership tools for cultivating innovation, sustainability, and strategic clarity.
    3. Actionable insights that empower teams to embrace reinvention as a continuous competitive advantage.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Columbus, OH
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Ask any manager or entrepreneur on planet Earth, “What is your key challenge?”, and you are sure to hear something over and over again: “How do we stay afloat?”

The fast-moving up-and-down economy we live in today makes staying afloat increasingly difficult. Just as we handle one crisis, another appears on the horizon. Artificial Intelligence, block chain, circular economy, digital, Industry 4.0, millennials, new competition, new regulations, political turmoil, sharing economy, substitute products, you name it – the waves of disruption come crushing faster and faster, fundamentally changing the way we work, compete, and profit.

With such speed and scale of change, how do we survive— and even thrive?

In this exciting, yet pragmatic research-based talk, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva shows you how business reality has changed – and how to take advantage of these changes.

That includes ground-breaking insights into:

  • Why you need to reinvent yourself and your company every 3.5 years
  • What are the key trends driving the speed and scale of change and how to address them
  • What are the best practices across industries and geographies that help companies not only survive the speed of change, but use it to build new unmatched competitive advantage
  • How to combat resistance to change and develop a continuous reinvention mindset
  • How business systems should be redesigned – including budgeting, operations, R&D and much more – to address the speed of change and increase your company’s agility and preparedness

Why companies sink and how to reinvent your way out of any disaster

In addition to a focused keynote on reinvention, many companies ask to follow up with an in-depth workshop. Designed as a hands-on experience, this workshop can be delivered in few hours or few days – with a help of proprietary tools, high-end workbooks, and practical exercises.

Using unknown elements of the famous story of the Titanic as a powerful business metaphor, this workshop creates a safe space for corporate leaders to explore difficult truths about their companies and themselves.

The story of the Titanic is one of the most known and recognized worldwide, so it is hard to imagine that it can repeat itself. Yet, every year with remarkable consistency we see companies large and small calling SOS amidst serious business crisis. In fact, you might be surprised how many companies end up crushing, getting acquired, declaring bankruptcy, or worse – never recovering – in the process.

One statistic best illustrates the low survival rate of “unsinkable titans of business”: of the 500 mighty companies originally included on the Fortune 500 list, only 60 survive today. That is a sinking rate of 88%.

In this workshop we explore the Titanics of the 21st century – Kodak, Nokia, Blockbuster, Lehman Brothers, Toys “R” Us and many others – and contrast their disasters with companies that managed to prevent a crush.

This includes:

  • A diagnostic “Is your company suffering from the Titanic Syndrome?”
  • Proprietary framework for 15 ways to reinvent your business
  • Hands-on exercises prototyping reinvention projects
  • Custom-made facilitated discussions around your reinvention risks and opportunities

This is a talk for leaders.

We all know the next big crisis is coming. We don’t know when, why, or what will take place, but history is clear: business is cyclical, and a new crisis is just around the corner. How do we prepare?

Companies and their leaders talk about getting ready. But let’s face it: when the rubber hits the road, we get overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks, KPIs, and the endless to-do lists. Thinking about a bright new tomorrow is exciting, but the bosses are waiting, the customers are calling, and the shareholders are demanding results today. How can we lead reinvention without losing our minds?

After personally educating, coaching, and developing nearly 10,000 executives, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is ready to share in-depth framework for how to lead in our new VUCA reality – the volatile, uncertain, complex ,and ambiguous world.

During this talk, Nadya will teach leaders how to design their own leadership reinvention cycle. At the heart of surviving and thriving in the accelerating markets lies the art of defining what should be changed and what should be kept. Using the tested methodology, in this talk Nadya shows you pragmatic ways to make reinvention a habit, a system, a powerful life hack.

This includes answers to such questions as:

  • How can executives embed reinvention and renewal into their everyday leadership
  • What leadership solutions – including specific approaches to strategy, organization, and change management – best fit today’s business reality
  • What does a healthy reinvention cycle look like and how can executives start building one today
  • How do you lead reinvention if suddenly it is you who needs to make it happen

Talent Short Bio

Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is an internationally recognized reinvention expert, speaker, educator, and business leader renowned for helping organizations navigate disruption and build sustainable, future-ready strategies. Known as “The Reinvention Guru” and “The Queen of Reinvention,” Nadya brings unmatched depth of experience drawn from decades of advising global corporations, leading transformation initiatives, and shaping the next generation of executives through world-class education.

As a business owner, she oversees companies across real estate, investment, and consulting. As a sought-after consultant, she has supported reinvention efforts for organizations including The Coca-Cola Company, IBM, CISCO, Erste Bank, Henkel, Knauf Insulation, Vienna Insurance Group, and others seeking to innovate products, processes, and leadership systems. Her hands-on corporate expertise deepened further when she joined the executive team of ENRC PLC (now ERG), guiding a comprehensive transformation program during the company’s transition from public to private ownership.

Called ‘The Reinvention Guru’ (In Ventures magazine) and ‘The Queen of Reinvention’ (TEDx Navasink), Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is a business owner, educator, speaker and author — specializing in reinvention.

As a business owner, Nadya oversees a group of companies active in real estate, investment, and consulting. As a consultant, Nadya has helped such organizations as The Coca-Cola Company, ENRC PLC, IBM, CISCO, Erste Bank, Henkel, Knauf Insulation, Vienna Insurance Group and many others to reinvent their products, processes, and leadership practices.

Nadya also appreciated an opportunity for corporate experience when a long-term client, a 75,000-employee mining and metals company, ENRC PLC, invited her to join the executive suite to curate business transformation efforts. From 2013 to 2016, Nadya Zhexembayeva oversaw all aspects of the transformation as the company went from public to private and from a financial to a hands-on operational holding under the new brand, ERG. She continues to support the Group in an advisory role.

As an educator, Nadya personally contributed to the development of nearly 5,000 executives from over 60 countries and 20 industries teaching and developing via small group executive education sessions, custom-made seminars, and long-term corporate reinvention projects.

She served as the Coca-Cola Chaired Professor of Sustainable Development at IEDC- Bled School of Management, an executive education center based in the Slovene Alps, where she continues to teach courses in leadership, strategy, change management, design thinking, and sustainability. In addition to IEDC, Nadya has taught in other business schools, including CEDEP-INSEAD (France), Case Western Reserve (USA), and IPADE Business School (Mexico).

As a speaker, Nadya has shared her insights with audiences worldwide through keynotes, panel presentations, and workshops. She has delivered three TEDx talks in Austria, Slovenia and the US. Over 100,000+ professionals saw Nadya speak publicly.

A daughter of Kazakhstan, Nadya and her family split their life between the US and Eurasia.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

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.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (8)
Johnny Cupcakes: Branding Marketing Guru

If you dream of inspiring cult-like brand loyalty and especially the kind that involves mile-long queues and even permanent tattoo then Johnny Cupcakes is for you. The founder of the world-renowned tee-shirt brand Johnny Cupcakes, Johnny’s known for helping other people create blueprints for building brand loyalty, creating memorable experiences, and inspiring innovation. With global […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Branding Speakers
  • (49)
Jessica-Cox-3

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in […]

  • Travels from: Tucson, AZ
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (22)
Paula Stone Williams

Dr. Paula Stone Williams is an advocate and renowned globally for her tireless work in championing gender equity, LGBTQ rights, and religious tolerance. As a transgender woman, Paula brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her endeavors, shedding light on the profound disparities inherent in societal structures. A dynamic keynote speaker, Paula’s story of transition […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • LGBTQ Speakers
  • (19)
  • (6)
Phil Hansen

Phil Hansen is a world-renowned keynote speaker who empowers audiences to rethink innovation by embracing their limitations. As an accomplished artist known for his unique, boundary-pushing creative methods, Phil inspires people to view constraints as opportunities for ingenuity. Through his keynote presentations, he brings the art of overcoming obstacles into focus, teaching individuals and organizations […]

  • Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
  • Creativity Speakers
  • (48)
Lisa-Marie Burnside

Lisa-Marie Burnside has a passion for life, something that is apparent the moment you meet her. An avid fitness enthusiast and former marathon runner, she found herself on the hunt for something that would allow more self-expression and creativity, while still getting a great workout. Aerial dance was the answer. With over 10 years of […]

  • Travels from: Altadena, CA
  • Aerial Performers
  • (48)
Meridith Elliott Powell

Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate leadership and sales, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. Meridith worked her way up from entry-level to earn her position in the C-Suite. She is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, […]

  • Travels from: Asheville, NC
  • Sales Speakers
  • (11)

Ken Schmidt is one of the world’s most admired authorities on competitive differentiation, brand loyalty and the power of authentic human connection in business. Best known for his leadership role in the legendary turnaround of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, he helped pull the brand back from the brink of collapse by reigniting passion, rebuilding trust and […]

  • Travels from:
  • Customer Experience
  • (31)
  • (1)

Madeleine Black is a powerful keynote speaker, author, and advocate whose compelling journey of survival and resilience has transformed countless lives worldwide. Known for her courage in breaking the silence on sexual violence, Madeleine uses her story as a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to confront trauma, embrace forgiveness, and foster understanding. Her work centers […]

  • Travels from: Edinburgh
  • Inspirational 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 2026.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.