What makes us irreplaceable in the age of AI is not what we have learned. It is what we have lost.
The ability to ask. To wonder. To see the bigger picture. Christian Wehner calls this: KIDULT.
Keynote
BECOME A KIDULT
Questions will be more important than answers in the future – the competition of knowledge is over! That's why Wehner humorously challenges us: "Stop training AI to solve problems and start teaching yourself to wonder again." Wehner's thesis is as simple as it is provocative: what makes us irreplaceable in the age of AI is not what we have learned throughout our careers, but what we have lost along the way.
We have been conditioned all our lives to add – and in doing so we have forgotten how to ask questions, to connect dots, to see the bigger picture. Behind this lies the so-called "Additive Bias". Various studies show that people and LLMs alike overwhelmingly prefer adding over reducing – even when leaving things out would be the smarter answer.
For your event, Christian Wehner brings exactly what makes moments unforgettable: scientific substance, hands-on exercises, unvarnished authenticity and a provocative core message: childlike thinking is not a nostalgic look back. It is the most powerful skill a human being can have in the age of artificial intelligence.
Your organisation knows too much. And asks too little. Innovation culture is not built by new programmes. It emerges when we stop unlearning what people naturally bring.
Christian Wehner shows that career paths don't always have to be linear to be impressive.
At 37, he is Senior Director at SAP and guest lecturer at the Brand Academy at EBS University – the Financial Times ranking places it among the top 50 business schools worldwide. He is also a celebrated TEDx keynote speaker and inspires companies such as Siemens and Volkswagen by helping them rediscover their innovative power and creative openness through a childlike perspective.
But his journey began anything but promising: he left school without a qualification, failing his basic school leaving certificate twice despite two attempts. Shortly afterwards came community service hours and acceptance into an organisation for "hard-to-place young people". Yet he has repeatedly proved that a curious mind and unconventional thinking can open doors that remain closed to others. Christian is a former Red Bull manager, early-stage employee at Ryte.com (now part of Adobe) and was a key early-stage employee who helped build Germany's third-fastest-growing technology company, recognised by Deloitte Technology Fast 50. Today he is Senior Director Innovation Strategy at SAP Brand & Creative, a SPIEGEL bestselling author, Ambassador of the School of Future Skills and an independent keynote speaker.
Fun FactChristian learned the craft of public speaking from BJ Bartlett — Steve Jobs' personal presentation coach. At 83 years old, she trained him in expression, focus, and presence.
References
Trusted by Leading Companies
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Testimonials
What People Say
"An invitation to reclaim childlike curiosity and the courage to embrace naivety." — Tim Pollheide, Vice President of Marketing, RED BULL
"For all those who long for a better tomorrow and a new perspective on life." — Dr. Frederik G. Pferdt, First and former Chief Innovation Evangelist @ Google | Author of "Radikal besser"
"A treasure chest hiding a kindergarten for adults." — Prof. Ulrich Weinberg, Founding Director School of Design Thinking, Hasso Plattner Institut
"Mr Wehner took us on an interesting and amusing journey into an innovative future. His creative impulses were a perfect introduction to our leadership workshop." — Dagmar Grübler, RWTH Aachen
"A call to reanimate the forgotten lightness of being." — Dr. Amelie Schoenenwald, German Reserve Astronaut, ESA
"Very likeable appearance with an inspiring message. A clear recommendation." — Benjamin Föll, Theobald Software GmbH
Media
On Stage
Showreel
Keynote Highlights "Become a KIDULT"
Become a KIDULT – TEDxHHL
Publication · SPIEGEL Bestseller
"Everything You Need to Know in Life, You Already Learned in Kindergarten"
The book behind the KIDULT philosophy. Why childlike thinking is the decisive skill in the age of AI – and how we can reclaim it.
I am represented by various speaker agencies in the market – if you prefer to book through an agency, that works perfectly. If you prefer to book directly: send me a short message with the key details – date, venue, format and topic. I typically respond within 24 hours.
How it works
01
Your enquiry with date, venue and desired format
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Proposal and availability within 24 hours
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Briefing conversation – individually tailored to your event
"Christian is simply awesome. His presentations are vibrant and full of creativity and humour. We would book him again every time."
