Speaking & Facilitation
Engaging, evidence-based talks that combine the psychology of leadership with two decades of lived experience at the sharp end of complex organisations. Built to leave your audience with ideas they can actually use.
The Speaker
About Ute as a Speaker
Ute Thomas is a former Lidl director with 24 years senior leadership experience, a leadership coach, organisational development specialist, and speaker who helps leaders build high-performing teams and cultures where people thrive.
With a background in psychology and Masters qualifications in executive coaching and High Performance Leadership, Ute works with leaders who want to develop the self-awareness, clarity, and courage needed to lead in complex environments.
Her work focuses on the real challenges leaders face today: navigating uncertainty, leading people through change, and creating workplaces that balance performance with humanity. She is known for an engaging, insightful style that combines evidence-based insights with relatable stories and practical takeaways.
24 Years
Senior leadership experience
ILM Level 7
Executive Coaching certification
2 Masters
Exec Coaching & High Performance Leadership
Bilingual
English & German speaking available
Topics
Speaking Topics
All topics are available as keynote presentations, panel contributions, or interactive facilitated sessions. Each is tailored to your audience and event context.
People Don't Work for Companies, They Work for Leaders
What separates a team that performs from one that simply complies? This talk unpacks the human reality of leadership — why people follow individuals, not organisations, and what leaders can do to build genuine loyalty and discretionary effort.
Leadership Presence: The Difference Between Being Heard and Being Followed
Authority comes with a title. Influence is earned. This session explores how leaders at every level can develop the presence, communication, and authenticity needed to genuinely inspire — not just instruct.
The Power of Belonging: Why Inclusion Drives Performance
Inclusion is not a HR initiative — it is a performance strategy. Drawing on psychology and lived leadership experience, this talk demonstrates how psychological safety and belonging directly drive team resilience, creativity, and output.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
Organisations talk about succession planning. Very few do it well. This talk offers a practical, human-centred framework for spotting, developing, and retaining the leaders your organisation will depend on tomorrow.
The Leadership Shift: From Firefighting to Intentional Leadership
Most managers are trapped in reactive mode — running from crisis to crisis, never quite getting ahead. This session explores what it takes to step out of firefighting and into the kind of clear, intentional leadership that transforms teams and organisations.
Thriving as a Female Leader in Male-Dominated Environments
For women navigating systems not built for them — this talk is direct, honest, and practical. It covers the real challenges female leaders face and offers evidence-based strategies for building authority, confidence, and influence without losing yourself.
These topics serve as a starting point. Ute also collaborates with organisers to develop bespoke sessions around your event theme, your team's challenges, or a specific leadership moment in your organisation.
Booking
Speaking Fee & Format
Keynote Speaking Fee
Flat fee per in-person speaking engagement. Expenses include travel, accommodation where applicable, and any event requirements.
Suitable for
- Conferences and leadership summits
- Leadership away days and team events
- Professional development days
- Women in leadership events
- In-house leadership programmes
What to Expect
- 01
Enquiry Call
A 20-minute conversation to understand your event, audience, and goals.
- 02
Proposal
A tailored topic recommendation and brief outline sent within 48 hours.
- 03
Preparation
Ute researches your sector and customises the content to your specific audience.
- 04
The Session
An engaging, practical talk that leaves your audience with real, usable ideas.
Free Leadership Content
YouTube Channel
Ute's YouTube channel features free leadership insights, practical coaching tips, and reflections on modern leadership challenges. A supplementary resource available to anyone who wants to explore these ideas further.
Enquire About a Speaking Engagement
Whether you are organising a leadership conference, an away day, or an internal development event, get in touch with your date, location, and audience to start the conversation.