Keynote on Driving Change in Organisations

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Guerrilla Change

For leaders who are tired of talking about change
and ready to make it happen.

Book a speech
When change gets stuck in the system.
You have the plans.
You have the strategy.
You have stakeholder buy-in.
And yet, nothing really moves.
Guerrilla Change is for leaders and change-makers who see great ideas getting stuck in bureaucracy, endless alignment meetings, and processes that may have made sense years ago but now mostly slow things down.
Change needs people who dare to do things differently - and leaders who create the space for them to do so. Because when everyone stays safely inside the lines, very little changes. And organizations that stand still eventually fall behind.
Guerrilla change to get moving again.
Guerrilla Change shows how small, smart, unconventional experiments can reignite energy, initiative, and momentum. Not by creating another steering committee, but by helping people take action.
Three enemies often stand in the way:
The Rule Mafia - Rules, procedures, and meetings that once added value but now mainly consume time and energy. It's time to challenge what slows progress down.
The Yes-But Brigade - Too much attention goes to the 10% who resist change, while the energy of the 90% who are ready to move gets overlooked. Stop watering the desert. Look for the sparks where change is already happening.
The Doubt Dictator - That voice in your head waiting for permission, certainty, or the perfect plan. The antidote? Small experiments, local action, and the confidence that momentum comes from doing, not from knowing.
Through inspiring real-life stories, you'll discover how leaders created space for guerrilla experiments - and how small actions triggered surprisingly big shifts.
No grand theory. No heavyweight change programme. Just practical insights, memorable stories, and concrete ideas that inspire people to take action immediately.
What will the audience take away?
• See clearly where bureaucracy drains energy in your organisation
• Have concrete ideas to start small, unconventional actions
• Know how to redirect energy to the people who want to move forward
• Understand why momentum matters more than perfection
• Feel new space to approach change in a simpler, lighter way

When and for whom is this keynote ideal?
'Guerrilla Change' is especially suited for situations where change gets stuck in processes or bureaucracy. When several initiatives have already taken place but real movement is still missing. When a strategy or merger is clear, yet the energy to move forward is lacking. Or when HR, change or communication teams feel like they are talking to walls and discussions keep going without concrete action.

This keynote is designed for HR directors, change professionals, communication and marketing teams, and leaders responsible for driving change. Change needs people who dare to do things differently - and leaders who create the space for them to do so.
So, who is Cyriel?
Cyriel Kortleven is an experienced keynote speaker on change and an expert in building a change mindset. He helps organisations look at change in a different way and make it easier to navigate in daily practice.
What you can expect:
More than 20 years of experience as a keynote speaker
Delivered keynotes in more than 40 countries worldwide
Collaborations with international organisations
More than 345 recommendations on LinkedIn
An interactive and energetic speaking style
Practical insights that can be applied immediately
Humour combined with genuine depth
Curious to experience his approach? Watch the 3 minute showreel.
More than 345+ recommendations on Linkedin
Proof that making change simple actually works. Click here to check out the 342 other recommendations.
"Cyriel delivered a splendid and energising keynote presentation for our Change Leaders. As a result new language and tools are now being used regularly. A great experience.“
— Sabine Blanchet
Country HR manager @ Unilever
Internal leadership event (50 pax)

"Cyriel got the highest score of all speakers with a 4,6/5 followed by comments such as 'Absolutely brilliant', 'By far the best inspiration and needed session', 'Excellent thinking',...This says it all and makes my day."
— Michael Nielsen
Managing director - TENEO events
HR Core Academy (200 HR leaders)
"Cyriel is a fantastic speaker to work with. His energy and style, combined with the relevant content of his session ensure the delegates leave the event inspired.”
— Simon Yeowart
Program director - Eventful Group
Reimagining Asset Mgmt (400 pax)
What makes Cyriel different from other change speakers?
Which keynote is the right fit for your event?
What’s the next step?

Guerrilla Change

For leaders who are tired of talking about change

and ready to make it happen.

When change gets stuck in the system.

You have the plans.

You have the strategy.

You have stakeholder buy-in.

And yet, nothing really moves.

Guerrilla Change is for leaders and change-makers who see great ideas getting stuck in bureaucracy, endless alignment meetings, and processes that may have made sense years ago but now mostly slow things down.

Change needs people who dare to do things differently - and leaders who create the space for them to do so. Because when everyone stays safely inside the lines, very little changes. And organizations that stand still eventually fall behind.

Guerrilla change to get moving again.

Guerrilla Change shows how small, smart, unconventional experiments can reignite energy, initiative, and momentum. Not by creating another steering committee, but by helping people take action.

Three enemies often stand in the way:

The Rule Mafia - Rules, procedures, and meetings that once added value but now mainly consume time and energy. It's time to challenge what slows progress down.

The Yes-But Brigade - Too much attention goes to the 10% who resist change, while the energy of the 90% who are ready to move gets overlooked. Stop watering the desert. Look for the sparks where change is already happening.

The Doubt Dictator - That voice in your head waiting for permission, certainty, or the perfect plan. The antidote? Small experiments, local action, and the confidence that momentum comes from doing, not from knowing.

Through inspiring real-life stories, you'll discover how leaders created space for guerrilla experiments - and how small actions triggered surprisingly big shifts.

No grand theory. No heavyweight change programme. Just practical insights, memorable stories, and concrete ideas that inspire people to take action immediately.

What will the audience take away?

When and for whom is this keynote ideal?

So, who is Cyriel?

More than 345+ recommendations on Linkedin

Proof that making change simple actually works. Click here to check out the 342 other recommendations.

"Cyriel delivered a splendid and energising keynote presentation for our Change Leaders. As a result new language and tools are now being used regularly. A great experience.“

— Sabine Blanchet

"Cyriel got the highest score of all speakers with a 4,6/5 followed by comments such as 'Absolutely brilliant', 'By far the best inspiration and needed session', 'Excellent thinking',...This says it all and makes my day."

— Michael Nielsen

"Cyriel is a fantastic speaker to work with. His energy and style, combined with the relevant content of his session ensure the delegates leave the event inspired.”

— Simon Yeowart

What makes Cyriel different from other change speakers?

Which keynote is the right fit for your event?

What’s the next step?