TALKS & WORKSHOPS

TALK TOPICs

While customised talks are most often requested, Dave has developed a few keynote themes that always work well and can be adapted for your context & industry.

  • We don't resist change, we resist the story we're telling ourselves about it. 

    Dave shows you how to:

    • Storytelling for change leaders

    • Shift narratives from fear-driven to opportunity-focused

    • Find your people and build the belonging that carries you through uncertainty

    • Take courageous action when the old playbook no longer works

    Walk away knowing how to move forward together.

  • Every leader is being hit with AI noise, urgency, and hype. In this keynote, Dave shares a memorable framework to cut through the overwhelm: Truths – what will always matter; Trends – the real shifts worth investing in now; and Trifles – experiments that are still playing out. Leaders leave with sharper language for navigating AI transformation, clearer priorities, and are energised to bring more real intelligence into everything they do. 

  • A Behavioral Science Approach to Making Change Stick

    Change doesn't fail because of bad ideas. It fails because we forget how humans actually work.

    Dave reveals the behavioral science behind movements that last:

    • People – use social norms and identity to make change feel inevitable, not individual

    • Story – reframe the narrative so action feels urgent and possible, not overwhelming

    • Action – design baby steps and nudges that turn intention into momentum

    This isn't theory. It's the practical playbook Dave has used across campaigns that reached billions and raised $100m+—from ocean protection to renewable energy to health access.

    Walk away with a behavioral toolkit you can use immediately: how to shift what people believe is normal, how to frame choices so they feel irresistible, and how to design the small steps that create unstoppable change.

    Life-changing for individuals. Transformative for teams. Powerful for systems.

  • The essentials of brand, marketing, and sales for non-marketers, or marketers who want an energising, and inspiring refresher.

    We cover everything from the 4ps (+3), to sales funnels, to how you build a brand that moves people in the age of nanobanana.

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talks and workshops on the ground in 25 countries across industries and sectors.

Facilitation

Dave learned the art of facilitation at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, where for over a decade he has hosted workshops and gatherings for their Executive Education unit. He has also chaired high level panels with top leaders in forums like UNESCO in Paris and the World Economic Forum in Davos. His toolkit includes techniques to ensure people are not only engaged, but have the chance to do their best thinking and sense-making together.

TESTIMONIALS

  • “Your presentation on our Business Leaders Series was widely regarded as one of the most relevant, informative and engaging presentations of the year. With the rapid changes that are happening in the digital and social networking space it was terrific to have someone so informed and expert in the field share with us such cutting edge knowledge of recent developments. Truly inspirational.”

    — Professor Alison Preston, Director of Curtin Graduate School of Business Australia

  • “We thoroughly enjoyed having you to speak at last weeks event! Your honest, insightful and entertaining style of presentation made for such a warm and inclusive environment and vibe - exactly what are aiming to create!”

    — Gina Flash, Executive Director at Mensch

  • “Dave Duarte has added both energy and inspiration with his Tech Feature on the Lifestyle Show. His warmth and humour have made engaging with the future seem so easy! I would not hesitate to recommend Dave as an entertaining and stimulating speaker at diverse events.”

    — Michelle Constant | Host, SAFM Lifestyle Show | CEO, Business and Arts South Africa

  • “You were awesome! Beyond insightful.”

    — Lewis Pugh | UNEP Patron of the Oceans, endurance swimmer, and maritime lawyer

  • “I found your presentation hugely enlightening and inspiring.”

    — Daniel Guasco, Chairman at Silicon Cape

  • “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I could see the benefit of your talk on Monday almost immediately. The report backs were glowing and so positive. The generous spirit in which your shared your knowledge has already had a positive impact on the people that attended. And as a rising tide lifts all the boats up so will the knock on effect positively impact our region.”

    — Mary Ashford | Chairperson, Cape West Coast Tourism

  • “I cannot speak highly enough of Dave Duarte’s digital media and marketing course. A small step to a giant leap forward. Mind blown wide open!”

    — Cathy Lund | Content Director, Woolworths

  • “Thank you Dave for a wonderful presentation. Well done!”

    — Madhu Nutakki, Global Chief Digital Officer, Nissan

  • “Thank you so much for starting our Day of Inspiration on such a high note. Your content was so thought provoking, and I so enjoyed the audience participation. You created a safe and stimulating space for people to engage with each other and with the subject matter.”

    — Cheryl Lazarus, Principal at Herzlia Schools