Monika Sattler is a world-record-holding cyclist, keynote speaker, and expert in guiding workplaces through times of uncertainty. Her story of following her dreams, defying the odds and becoming the first woman in history to complete the full 3000km Tour of Spain has underscored her knowledge of performing under pressure. Now, Monika is teaching organisations how to navigate difficult decisions and not only achieve, but also sustain great results.
From studying security sciences with a focus on nuclear weapons in the US, Monika began her career with the International Monetary Fund. She then moved to The World Bank, before serving as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, whilst pursuing both an MSc in Kinesiology and a lifelong dream of becoming a professional cyclist. During the preparation for completing two major endurance records, Monika moved through strategy roles at both IBM and DT. In 2018, she rode every kilometre of the Vuelta a España route, a professional male-only race that covers over 3000km of cycling, only hours ahead of the professional peloton. She then cycled all 124 Swiss Mountain passes in just 26 days, which she also filmed a documentary of. Her experiences of extreme endurance provided the foundations of her leadership discussions: committing when things feel hard, continuing when your environment changes, and maintaining performance over time. Monika secured PR, sponsorships, and fundraising for her impressive feat, as well as worldwide media attention, being featured in over 10 countries and 5 National TV channels. In 2026, Monika will be taking on the 30 Swiss Summit Challenge, which entails climbing 30 summits in 30 days, with over 400km of elevation gain, a true testament to her determination, drive to push human endurance, and overcome the hardest challenges that life has to offer.
Monika has since served as a Marketing Manager for DT Swiss and a coach for Advance, delivering workshops on finding your ambition to female managers in the top Swiss companies. From 2022, she has acted as Managing Director of Sattler Consulting, offering keynote speaking, executive coaching, and performance training. Monika has also released three books, including 'Unleashing My RAD Potential!' 'Adventure Gravel Transalp', and 'Because Success Is Not What You Think It Is'.
Today, Monika works alongside leaders and teams, offering them actionable plans to face hard decision face on and extend the phases of execution under pressure. She has also delivered the TEDx Talk 'How To Pursue Those Goals That Scare Us', explaining how fear of failure keeps people stuck and the mindset shifts needed to overcome that. Perfect for a multitude of events, Monika connects with a variety of audiences, inspiring them to succeed despite uncertainty and find the drive to push through difficulties.
Books
Unleashing my RAD potential!: From corporate life to setting a world record
Abenteuer Gravel-Transalp: Von leicht bis heavy
Because Success Is Not What You Think It Is
Monika Sattler's official speaking topics are listed below:
Making Difficult Decisions
Decisions are more complex today than ever before. We live in a world of constant change, technological upheaval, and growing uncertainty. Often, it's unclear what the right decision is – and that's what makes making decisions so challenging. And even when a direction becomes visible, that's where the real challenge begins. Deciding means committing – with consequences. With loss. With responsibility. Without guarantees. These moments are the focus of this keynote: when keeping options open would be more convenient, but not deciding is already starting to take its toll.
Monika shows:
- Why most people don't fail due to a lack of knowledge, but rather due to a lack of commitment
- Why not deciding is the most expensive decision
- How to make sound decisions even without guarantees. The audience leaves the keynote with greater clarity, more confidence in their actions, and a willingness to take responsibility – even when the next step is uncomfortable.
Executing When Things Get Difficult
Whether it's a marathon, a transformation project, or ambitious sales targets, the most challenging part begins after the decision: execution. Along the way, energy fluctuates. Motivation wanes. The path becomes longer and more complex than expected. Setbacks and obstacles slow progress. How do you stay on course?
Monika shows:
- What progress truly looks like and how to make it visible,
- Which crucial aspect of performance is often overlooked
- Why motivation isn't the decisive success factor - and what it really is
- How to regain the ability to act after setbacks
- How the principles of competitive sports can be effectively transferred to the business world
- How to win over people who weren't involved in the decision-making process. The audience leaves the keynote with a realistic view of execution, greater confidence in their own approach, and the ability to remain effective even in complex situations.
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"Monika Sattler has left a lasting impression not only on me, but also on our IT decision-makers. With a strong business acumen, academic background and extensive consulting experience, she combines a tireless drive to inspire others - shaped by her path as an extreme athlete - with a great passion for new challenges. As a speaker, Monika raised our customer event to a new level - her content and her captivating personality will be remembered. It was certainly not the last time we saw her on our stage!" - Madeleine, Chief Marketing Officer, Open Systems
"We were able to experience Monika as a keynote speaker at our HR orientation at the end of the year. Her energy carried us away from the very first minute. I admire her courage to pursue her purpose so consistently and to consciously leave her comfort zone to do so. With her authentic nature and strong connections to our daily business challenges, she inspired and impressed us. Monika's presentation was an enrichment - an inspiring energiser that noticeably enlivened our event." - Luana, Head of HR, Member of the Executive Board
"Monika was the keynote speaker at our last event. We brought our entire sales team together and wanted to inspire them with a story about perseverance and the courage to raise the bar. Thanks to the thorough preparation and discussions we had with Monika in the run-up to the session, she was able to seamlessly align her contribution with our central message and the content of the rest of the program. Monika's presentation starts with a personal touch, which ensures that you are immediately drawn into her story. At the end, she provides a helpful and clear structure on how to define and achieve personal goals. So you leave the keynote not only inspired, but also with some very specific tips. We highly recommend Monika Sattler as a speaker for organisations that are looking for a professional speaker who has an excellent understanding of the context and objectives of an event." - Christian, CEO, House of HR Germany
- 2026 - 30 Swiss Summit Challenge
- 2024 - Published 'Because Success Is Not What You Think It Is'
- 2023 - Published 'Abenteuer Gravel-Transalp: Von leicht bis heavy'
- 2022 - Managing Director, Sattler Consulting
- 2021 - Coach, Advance
- 2020 - Marketing Manager, DT Swiss
- 2019 - TEDx Talk
- 2018 - Published 'Unleashing my RAD potential!'
- 2018 - Completed a 300km cycle across Spain, becoming the first woman in history to do so
- 2014 - Senior Strategy/Digital Marketing Consultant, IBM Australia
- 2012 - Research Assistant, The University of Minnesota
- 2011 - Data Analyst, The World Bank
- 2010 - Staff Assistant to the Division Chief of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Turkmenistan, International Monetary Fund
How to hire Monika Sattler
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Monika Sattler 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.
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