About Duncan Wardle

Duncan Wardle has ideas that are out of this world. Literally…
As Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, Duncan and his team helped Imagineering, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Pixar and Disney Parks to innovate, creating magical new storylines and experiences for consumers around the globe.
He now brings his extensive Disney experience to audiences around the world using a unique approach to Design Thinking, helping people capture unlikely connections, leading to fresh thinking and disruptive ideas
Delivering a series of keynotes, workshops and ideation forums, his unique Innovation toolkit helps companies embed a culture of innovation into everyone’s DNA.
Duncan is a multiple Ted X speaker and contributor to Fast Company, Forbes & the Harvard Business Review. He teaches innovation Master Classes at Yale, University of North Carolina and University of Florida. In 2008 he received the American Citizen of Choice Award at the White House. He holds an Hons. MBA and Hons. Doctorate from Edinburgh University. He also holds the Duke of Edinburgh Award presented by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth

awards
Honorary Doctorate
On July 5, 2019, I was honoured and humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from my Alma Mater, Edinburgh Napier University. The Doctorate was given “In recognition of Duncan’s global and unique approach to design thinking and his dedication to Disney where he spent 30 years leading the innovation and creativity team.” The award was presented at the University’s graduation ceremony. For the full story visit bit.ly/EdNDunc
American Citizen Award
Presented at the White House in 2008 for my services to my fellow immigrants for creating a United States Citizenship ceremony on Main Street USA at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for 1000 new U.S. citizens and their families on July 4, 2000
Hons. MBA Hons. PHD
Awarded on July 4, 2014 by the Chancellor and Dean of Edinburgh Napier University at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland. I was honored to give the commencement speech at my alma mater that day surrounded by family and friends going back many, many years. I even wore my old Rannoch School uniform.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Presented at Hollywood Palace in the presence of H.M Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1981.




Favourites From The Archives

Career Highlights



Duncan’s Musings
Let There Be Light: Overcoming Innovation Barriers
When I ask people, “What are the barriers to being more innovative and creative at work?” I often hear the same three things… [...]
Four Pillars to Set Your Next Brainstorm Up for Success
As published in FastCompany by Duncan Wardle No need to panic at that “brainstorm” calendar invitation. Your next group meeting can rise above an uncontrolled idea exchange [...]

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