Cyriel Kortleven

About Cyriel Kortleven

Change is inevitable. But why do we often make it so complicated for ourselves? Cyriel Kortleven helps organizations and leaders make change simpler, more human, and above all, more fun. For over twenty years, he has been inspiring organizations like IKEA, NASA, and Unilever to look differently at change, uncertainty, and complex challenges. His pragmatic approach earned him the nickname ‘The Simplifier’.

As an international speaker on change mindset, leadership, creativity, and innovation, Cyriel shows that successful change isn’t just about strategy and processes. Ultimately, people need to think and act differently. His keynotes provide not just inspiration but, more importantly, practical techniques, new language, and concrete tools that participants can immediately put to use.

Cyriel is convinced that in an increasingly complex world, we need simple perspectives. Instead of magnifying problems, he helps people view them from a different perspective and turn them into opportunities. His approach involves temporarily letting go of judgments, looking at issues from new perspectives, and taking small, concrete steps. His well-known ‘Yes And Act’ approach is a key principle here: first, create space for new possibilities, then look at things differently, and finally, take action.

This makes Cyriel particularly suited for organizations dealing with change management, transformation processes, digital transformation, innovation, uncertainty, or changing market conditions. He focuses on leaders, HR professionals, communication professionals, and teams that truly aim to mobilize people. His sessions are interactive and energetic, combining humor with substance. Participants are invited to break fixed thinking patterns, think more creatively, and take personal responsibility for change.

Cyriel has spoken in over 40 countries and, according to UHasselt, delivers more than 50 keynotes per year. He combines his international experience with a distinctly practical style: no complicated models for the sake of models, but insights and techniques that can be applied the same day.

In addition to his work as a keynote speaker, Cyriel is active as a workshop facilitator, and Master of Ceremony. He facilitates brainstorming sessions and interactive programs around creativity, change, and innovation.

Don’t mind the Change. Change your Mind.

Cyriel is also the author of several books on creativity, simplicity, and change. His most recent bookazine, The Change Mindset, offers professionals practical insights to remain flexible, recognize opportunities, and develop a creative and entrepreneurial mindset.

His professional expertise is underscored by two significant titles. In 2015, he earned the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and in 2018, he was named a Global Speaking Fellow by the Global Speakers Federation. This latter distinction is awarded to a select group of experienced international professional speakers.