showbird.com is the largest marketplace
for LIVE entertainment of NL en BE
for LIVE entertainment of NL en BE
45 min
NL, EN
Everything we do is shaped by the choices we make every day.
The choice to speak up or keep quiet. The choice to stay put or get moving. The choice to take responsibility or wait for someone else.
Those small choices seem innocent, but ultimately determine our growth, our impact, and our ability to change.
Damla Kartal helps people, teams, and organizations make better choices using the flywheel model: Motivation, Mindset, and Courage. Based on her book "The GUTS to Do It" (in collaboration with BOOM Publishing), she demonstrates how growth, change, and impact emerge when people understand why they do something, keep moving forward when things get tough, and take action without guarantees.
Progress doesn’t happen on its own. It requires three elements:
1. Motivation: knowing why something is important enough to take action.
2. Mindset: being able to deal with resistance, mistakes, and uncertainty.
3. Courage: daring to take action before you have all the answers—especially when it might come at a cost.
When motivation, mindset, and courage come together, agency emerges. And agency leads to growth, change, and impact.
With inspiring stories from her career at Amazon, Wehkamp, and totaalBED, combined with her experience as an entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and speaker, Damla shows how people and organizations get moving. No complicated theories, just practical insights that can be applied immediately in work and daily life.
KEYNOTE 1: The GUTS to Act - The choices
that create personal growth.
How do you get yourself moving so that growth and opportunities aren’t dependent on external factors?
For: professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, education, healthcare, and events.
KEYNOTE 2: No GUTS, No Change - The choices that make change possible.
How do you get others moving so that change moves from PowerPoint to practice?
For: Management Teams, Executive Boards, HR, and Change Managers.
KEYNOTE 3: More GUTS, More Impact - The choices that increase impact.
How do you take responsibility for your influence so that you make a greater impact in your work and environment?
For: teams, team leaders, HR, and management teams.
Why Damla Kartal?
Damla Kartal knows from personal experience how crucial choices are for the direction of your career, impact, and life. As the daughter of immigrants, she grew up navigating different worlds. Later, she worked in international corporations, built a career across multiple countries, and made choices whose outcomes were far from certain.
From leaving her comfort zone for international opportunities to entrepreneurship and living abroad: time and again, the same question was central: Do I stay where I am, or do I have the courage to make a move?
These experiences formed the basis for the LEF om te doen model: Motivation, Mindset, and Courage.
As the author of "The Courage to Act," Damla now helps people, teams, and organizations make better choices. Not by adding more knowledge, but by providing insight into the behaviors that enable growth, change, and impact.
What does this keynote offer?
✓ An inspiring keynote with immediately applicable insights
✓ A practical model (motivation, mindset, courage) that participants will remember and use
✓ Relatable examples from work, career, and leadership
✓ Concrete tools for growth, change, and impact
✓ A keynote that inspires action
Themes
• Behavior, leadership, and change in organizations
• Career and taking control
• Motivation, mindset, and courage
• Breaking patterns and creating momentum
• Making choices and speaking up when things get challenging
Experience
• 10+ years of experience in international corporations (including Amazon, Wehkamp)
• Chief Marketing Officer at the family-owned business totaalBED
• Author of *The Courage to Act*
• Background in media (including BNN, Veronica, podcast host)
• International experience (including Luxembourg, US – UC Berkeley)
Previously served as a moderator for organizations such as the Royal Netherlands Army, DPG Media, Emerce, BMW, TEDx, Channable, and Valantic
Available for
• Keynotes (30–60 minutes)
• Interactive sessions available
• Events, conferences, and leadership days
Languages: Dutch and English
Reviews
, Danny Blijenburg
For our very first e-commerce espresso talk, we had chosen Damla because of her extensive experience within retail. That was a choice that turned out incredibly positively. In addition to her relevant retail experience, Damla is proactive, communicatively strong, positively critical and can handle changing circumstances well. She led the conversation in a very professional manner and put everyone in their power, all with great enthusiasm and a good vibe. We are therefore very satisfied with the final result. So for a next edition there is no doubt that we will choose Damla again to lead our talk!
, George (BMW)
With her positive attitude and enthusiasm, she quickly convinced us that she was the right presenter for our event. From the first to the last moment, the collaboration was characterized by professionalism. Damla took a lot of time for the preparation and also reacted confidently to last-minute changes. On stage, she quickly connected with the speakers and the audience, helping to create a positive, relaxed and easy vibe for the event. At the same time, she skillfully guided both speakers and audience through the event. We can only recommend Damla to everyone. Thank you for the great collaboration!
, Lieke
To be honest, I wasn't sure if our event needed a chairperson for the day but I can now say with certainty that Damla took the event to the next level. Her preparation was tremendously good and also made the content of our programme better. On the evening itself, she was the one who made sure the speakers took the stage with confidence, asking interesting questions and also sharing her own insights and personal stories. While she also moderated, admirable! Every event needs Damla.
, Hanna
Damla chaired our HR day at the Army with verve. When you ask her as day chairman, she will prepare and guide the day with all enthusiasm, professionalism and attention. She thought along with us on a detailed level and, in addition to her role as chairman of the day, gave a piece of advice on the design of the day. Her energetic, cheerful and open attitude were refreshing for our audience and contagious!
, Maartje
It is with great pleasure that I write this review about Damla, who was moderating at our recent event. Damla's adaptability was truly remarkable; she effortlessly navigated the diverse challenges and cultural differences that our event presented, showcasing a level of flexibility that is crucial in any dynamic environment. One of Damla's standout qualities was her ability to strike a perfect balance between firmness and creating a positive atmosphere. She managed to assert control and maintain order without ever compromising the overall positive sphere of the event. Even when addressing difficult or personal issues, she approached the matters with sensitivity, ensuring that everyone involved felt respected and heard. Damla's enthusiasm was contagious. Her passion for her role as a moderator was evident in every interaction she had. She proved to be an excellent co-operator, effortlessly collaborating with both speakers and organizers. What truly set her apart was her talent for making people feel at ease. Attendees, speakers, and organizers alike felt comfortable approaching her, creating an open and inclusive atmosphere throughout the event. During the event, Damla demonstrated an impressive dedication to its improvement. She constantly brainstormed ways to enhance the experience for everyone involved, working closely with the organizers to implement these improvements seamlessly. Her proactive approach and insightful suggestions undoubtedly contributed to the event's overall success. In summary, we are incredibly happy with her valuable contribution, and I wholeheartedly recommend Damla for any future moderating. Her professionalism and expertise are truly commendable.
, Johanna
Damla accepted a last-minute request to host our event and we were so lucky to end up with such a professional. She prepared a lot before the show and was flexible with the material she was given. Big success!
June 2023, PACT
Damla was moderator at a dinner meeting for 30 key associates of our client. She did a great job: professionally relaxed, flexible and tight within the program. 5 stars!
, barbara
Damla has alot of charisma on the stage as presenter and is warm and engaging in her message and connection with her audience. As a panel host, she tries to make all panelists look good and facilitate a rich discussion. If you are looking for a female presenter that will make a strong impression and impact, Damla will meet your expectationd.
, Sophia
Damla is a radiant, warm personality with a great sincere interest in others. People quickly feel at ease in her presence, including those with less public experience. Damla comes on stage well prepared and knows how to steer the conversation with humor and charm.
, Kim Sue
With her vibrant energy and radiant appearance, Damla is the ideal presenter for events. It was a pleasure working with Damla and she knew how to set the tone of our event perfectly. We will definitely find her again for our event next year!
, Andrea
I would definitely recommend Damla for events that require an engaging and experienced moderator. She is easy to get along with which makes it a pleasure to work with her. She is self-confident and has a warm personality which creates a nice atmosphere for the audience. Damla is also approachable because of her open attitude which is beneficial during interviews and when facilitating discussions. With her charisma and professional attitude, Damla makes every event one to remember.
, Puck
I attended the TedX show where Damla was the presenter. Damla as a presenter is a delight! She combines her charm with humor, shows genuine interest in speakers and knows how to direct audience attention. With a lightness that breaks the ice, both for the audience and the speakers, and depth on topic that grabs your attention, she is a great presenter!
, Marck
We worked with Damla Kartal as anchor for the online live program Impact Makers Live. During the program, she had to interview two top executives responsible for successful digital events, and it was clear that she was well prepared for her role. Her expertise was evident during the interviews, and she was able to improvise well and stick to the briefing. What stood out most about Damla's performance as a presenter was her ability to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Her self-assurance and natural charisma made her a joy to watch, and it was clear that she took her role seriously. In addition, she was very professional and reliable, adhering to predetermined time limits and other agreements.
, Helen
Damla is a charming, warm-hearted presenter who makes the entire audience feel welcome. In a natural way, she gets the audience involved from the beginning. She makes sure she goes on stage well prepared and is able to deliver in perfection.
, Milou
Not only a fresh, sharp and intelligent chairman of the day, but also involved and creative in the preparation and design of the event. Her insights and experience help make your event even better. Wonderful to work with. Highly recommended!
, Lynn
Energy, attention and humor! Damla was the chairperson/presenter for the Regio Zwolle congress together with Rick Nieman. She knew how to balance, bring peace and energy. An informative afternoon with nice show elements!
€ 3.500,-
act price ex 21% VATThe request is non-committal.
Artist will respond with question/proposal.
After that, you can complete the booking.
Artist responds normally within 2 hour
Artist responds normally within 2 hour.
