45 min
NL, EN
Intentions are invisible, behavior is not. And that is exactly where choices are made every day.
There is a lot of talk about leadership, but rarely about what people actually show when things get tense.
- In meetings where there is silence when something should have been said.
- In decisions that are delayed because no one takes responsibility.
- In complex organizations where interests clash and someone always has something to lose.
While that very thing determines who has influence, who is followed and who slowly loses himself in systems larger than one person.
Damla Kartal talks about leadership that begins not with titles, plans or good intentions, but with visible behavior and the conscious choices people make every day.
Her perspective has been shaped by moving between worlds. As a child of immigrants, she grew up between cultures, expectations and unwritten rules. Early on, she learned that what someone says is less decisive than what someone shows. That adaptation is sometimes necessary, but can also be exactly the moment when influence disappears.
She later saw that same dynamic in organizations when she worked at Amazon and wehkamp. In MT and management positions. And
with her in the family business where loyalty, power and history intertwine.
Everywhere she sees the same pattern: smart, hard-working professionals who get stuck. Not for lack of talent, but because they keep adapting, waiting or shifting responsibility, often without being aware of it.
Damla Kartal's work is not about motivation. Not about working harder or trying harder. It's about behavior about what becomes visible when things get tense. And about the choices that guide position, influence and leadership every day.
In her keynotes, she is the mirror for what often goes unsaid:
- How behavior under pressure is interpreted
- How choices, and failure to make them, are read
- How leadership arises without formal power
Not as theory, but as reality. Recognizable, sharp and immediately applicable.
The content of her lectures is based on her book The Guts to Do.
This book forms the content basis of her keynotes: about visible behavior, conscious choices and taking responsibility when things get exciting. Not as a summary, but as depth.
Whoever hears her speak will not get an inspiring story to feel good about.
What does emerge is recognition, sharp conversations and behavior that is no longer non-committal.
Damla Kartal speaks for organizations that understand that influence is not created by words, but by deeds. For leaders, teams and professionals who feel that more is possible, and know that this requires something of themselves. Because leadership is not a role you are given. Leadership is what you show. Every day.
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!
€ 3.499,-
act price ex 21% VATThe request is non-committal.
Artist will respond with question/proposal.
After that, you can complete the booking.

