Former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, Duncan Wardle, is one of the best original thinkers that businesses can learn from. From creating an idea to developing it into a reality, Duncan has spent twenty-five years as a leading creativity expert. Now, he helps audiences to generate revolutionary ideas through his results-driven techniques. As an authority on delivering magical customer experiences, he teaches businesses how to nurture closer connections with their consumers.
Working at Walt Disney from 2004 until 2017, Duncan’s key role as the Head of Innovation and Creativity was to consult on ideas. Utilising Disney’s out of the box thinking strategies, he was responsible for continually adapting company methods to encourage creativity and provide a culture where employees could flourish. Problem-solving, effective training and creating a lasting impact were all elements of Duncan’s day to day role, and his contributions will forever positively change the global brand of Walt Disney.
With a unique insight into one of the world’s most magical companies, Duncan began working as an innovation keynote speaker and creativity consultant for businesses in 2017 under the brand, Ideate. Proven to have an original way to approach Design Thinking, Ducan has propelled companies to new heights with his workshops, covering how to overcome challenges with alternative thinking. As part of his Ideate teaching, Duncan has inspired the next generation of students, delivering innovation master classes at Yale, Harvard and Edinburgh University.
Duncan has received a number of awards, including an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University, The White House American Citizen Award, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and was the 2022 Speaker Contest Winner at the Nordic Business Forum.
As an expert, Duncan has been invited to the TED stage on multiple occasions. Sharing his passion for innovation, Duncan performed a TEDx talk in 2017 on ‘The Theory of Creativity’ and again for a TEDxAUK discussion on the topic of adventure and voyage. In 2019, Duncan explored how experiences enhance engagement with a popular TEDx titled ‘Creating Relationship Magic’. With the belief that creativity, innovation and sharing ideas are key to driving personal and professional growth, Duncan provides audiences with tools for "thinking the Disney way". In 2022, Duncan became a Professor of Innovation at Yale University.
As a webinar speaker, few can rival Duncan's energy and enthusiasm. Combining cutting edge virtual technology, like live polls, breakout rooms, whiteboards and real-time team exercises, with his eye-catching flip charts and visual recaps, he holds his audience's attention from start to finish. For remote staff, Duncan is the glue that unites their thinking under one common focus - turning "my idea" into "our ideas". Duncan believes that diversity is innovation, an ideology that improves cohesion within a corporate team.
Engaging, inspiring and a true joy to witness present live, he can reach audiences of all sizes, from all over the globe, as a keynote webinar speaker. The man responsible for sending Disney’s Buzz Lightyear up on the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery, Duncan does not believe in limits. With decades of industry experience and a lifetime of creative ideas, Duncan’s keynote speeches and workshops will leave a lasting impression on your business and employees. When booked for events, his understanding of a winning creative culture drives profitability and productivity in corporate audiences. When looking to hire Duncan Wardle, contact his official speakers agency Champions Speakers today!
In June 2020, we (virtually) sat down with Duncan and discussed his role at Disney, innovation and technology. Read our interview with Duncan Wardle and get to know him a little bit better.
In April 2023 we sat down virtually again with Duncan Wardle and discussed his thoughts on current technological advancements including Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Duncan Wardle.
How to hire Duncan Wardle
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Duncan Wardle for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Duncan's official speaking topics are listed below.
- Thinking Differently
- Embedding Innovation in Everyone's DNA
- Creating Customer Experience Magic
- Your Thinking Toolbox
- Preparing Your Business for the Metaverse - How to Apply This Amazing New Technology to Create One-Of-A-Kind Experiences of Your Own
Take a look at the feedback that Duncan received from the events in which he appeared:
“We booked Duncan Wardle on behalf of a corporate client who was looking for an engaging session as part of an exclusive experience week for a group of awards winners and Duncan certainly delivered! He was fun, engaging, entertaining and had everyone hooked from the start! He challenged our delegates and made them think outside of the box. Especially for a virtual meeting, he made sure everyone was involved and felt part of the session. We had nothing but positive feedback for Duncan and would definitely recommend! Thank you Duncan and the Champion Speakers team!” - WRG Creative Communications
"We had the session with Duncan today and it was wonderful!" - Erica, AmSSA Corporate Functions DBS Head, BAT
"In one word I would explain Duncan’s creativity training as transformative. One day with Duncan created more than a year of conversation and fresh approaches to brainstorming throughout our agency." - Laurie, Pacific Gas & Electric Company
"You beat me to the email I was just drafting. I know it was difficult for you to get the feedback during the session, but to reassure you, that it was awesome and the team was blown away with some of the succinct insights you shared and the tools & techniques you suggested. When we collect the final feedback at the end of the workshop, I will share the relevant comments on your session. Thanks again for your time. I look forward to attending your session in person in the near future." - Tejas, Global Integration Lead, PeTra
"We got lots of positive feedback from the attendees. They really enjoyed your session and thanks again for taking time this morning. We really appreciated it!! Looking forward to attending some more sessions in the future." - Kaikini, British American Tobacco
"I wanted to thank you for your participation in our virtual workshop. You have inspired the team greatly, and given them great ideas on how IDT can lead innovation @ BAT.…working already on the plans to how we can bring the rest of the organisation to be curious, never stop at the first “why”, create time to think and ensure we borrow outside of our industry. #diversity is innovation! The visual recap of your session has already got to us all!" - Marina, CID
"He was fabulous! The team loved him and the feedback was really, really positive. We also did an after session 5 star feedback and the majority (99%) were 5’s. I hope you will pass on our appreciation for the work he did to make this a success and we look forward to other opportunities to work together in the future." - Nicole, GSK
- 1981 - Received the Duke of Edinburgh Award from HM Queen Elizabeth II
- 2008 - Received The White House's American Citizen of Choice Award
- 2004 - 2017 - Head of Innovation & Creativity for Walt Disney
- 2008 - Responsible for sending Buzz Lightyear into space aboard NASA's Discovery space shuttle
- 2017 - Presented a TEDx Talk titled 'The Theory of Creativity' in 2017
- 2022 - Appointed a Professor of Innovation at Yale University
