Duncan Wardle

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.