My Why

We are all born creative. We are born with amazing imaginations, are full of curiosity, and carry this remarkable built-in tool known as intuition.

But somewhere along the way, these four fundamental skills begin to disappear. As we grow, go to school, and eventually move on to corporate life, these traits become diluted – and for some – even go mute.

My mission is to remind everyone of these core skill sets we are born with, and teach people how to use these skills to innovate business.

Whether speaking, training, or consulting – working with whole teams or one-on-one with executives – my daily responsibility is simple: help people and businesses tap into their inner entrepreneur, giving them a simple set of tools that everyone can use to innovate at scale.

This passion drives everything I do. And if you’re reading this, it’s my sincerest hope that one day I’ll have the chance to help you too.

We are all born creative. We are born with amazing imaginations, are full of curiosity, and carry this remarkable built-in tool known as intuition.

But somewhere along the way, these four fundamental skills begin to disappear. As we grow, go to school, and eventually move on to corporate life, these traits become diluted – and for some – even go mute.

My mission is to remind everyone of these core skill sets we are born with, and teach people how to use these skills to innovate business.

Whether speaking, training, or consulting – working with whole teams or one-on-one with executives – my daily responsibility is simple: help people and businesses tap into their inner entrepreneur, giving them a simple set of tools that everyone can use to innovate at scale.

This passion drives everything I do. And if you’re reading this, it’s my sincerest hope that one day I’ll have the chance to help you too.

My Why

Whenever I receive an email, text, or message over social media I am inspired and reminded of why I do what I do. Therefore this section is called, “My Why”… and showcases some of the feedback and experiences attendees have had after taking part in one of my keynotes or workshops.

Original:

collection of comments from workshop attendees

Art from attendees

Through innovative keynotes, workshops, and ideation sessions, Duncan Wardle will empower your organization with the skills needed to consistently drive innovation, giving your company the edge it needs to compete in today’s time of disruption.

Join me at Disrupt – An Innovation Masterclass

I’d like to invite you to join me for a one day Innovation Masterclass, called DISRUPT.

Why Disrupt? Disrupt is a unique innovation masterclass on creativity, innovation & disruption.

Join me for an 8 hour hands on workshop where you will learn my design-thinking tools that you can take back to the office the next day and start to build a culture of innovation and creativity at your company. This course has been successfully deployed over the last few years by leading global brands from Apple to Disney, to being taught at Yale to help boost their innovation potential to new heights.

Regardless of your industry or background, this groundbreaking approach and tools, and the innovation toolkit you take away from this class will empower you and everyone in your team to develop a culture of disruptive creativity. Learn more by clicking: Innovation Masterclass

collage of sketch art drawn from attendees of Duncan Wardle's workshops

Duncan’s workshop sparked our creative minds and gave us the tools that will pay dividends for years to come. My team was thoroughly captivated, fully engaged, energized and inspired. Look no further than Duncan for one of the best investments you will ever make in your business.

-Lisa Cotter, VP of Marketing for Orlando Magic

We had the immense pleasure of having Duncan conduct an "Innovation workshop" with our newly formed creative team at Apple. Duncan energized the room within minutes and had the undivided attention of all 25 participants. His ideas and activities around innovation are methods we still use in our creative brainstorming exercises and have resulted in much richer results.

- Suchi Parikh-Crandall, Creative Director of WW Channel Sales for Apple

Thank you so much Duncan.

The feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive. I think you really helped us break through and we will make the changes we need.

Thank you for giving us the tools to set us up for change, innovation and success.

- Laura Molen, President of NBCU Advertising and Partnerships

In one word I would explain Duncan’s creativity training as transformative. One day with Duncan created more than a year of conversation and fresh approaches to brainstorming throughout our agency.

-Tom Coyne, CEO of Coyne PR

Duncan has a unique way of connecting with an audience and challenging them to approach creativity in a radically different approach. Considering that many of the people in the audience are creative people by nature and job description, that is fairly remarkable. Duncan’s insights and sense of humor keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

-Paul Noland, President & CEO International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions

We've had the pleasure of having Duncan speak at three different events in 2017. Each time, he was the audience favorite, hands down. His presentations are work sessions designed to be fun, interactive, and fast-paced. Duncan is true wealth of creative knowledge and inspiration, and he helped our members stretch their out-of-the-box thinking.

-Mike McMahon, President & Executive Director, Path to Purchase Institute

Duncan has amazed all of us and our audience during his visit to Colombia. Addressing to an audience of over 1,000 people he was able to land innovation and creativity in very simple and practical steps, and in a very fun way also! It is obvious that his over 20 years of experience with outstanding results in his back has given us also proven results of his proposed methodology. As a speaker, he comes across very simple, clear but with an incredible passion that is so contagious, you don’t realize how time goes by in his presentation!

-MARCELO CATALDO, CEO, Tigo Une

Duncan was an inspiring part of TEDx. His knowledge and experience are matched by his enthusiasm for delighting the audience with his wit and charm. I look forward to working with Duncan again- learning & exploring, in-depth, through his design workshops!

-Cassaundra Melgar-C’de Baca, Executive Producer, TEDxLadyBirdLake

If your company is looking for ways to continuously improve, engage your employees to think differently and have fun along the way, you’ll find inspiration in Duncan’s Innovation Emporium., Not only have our teams returned from Duncan’s workshops with a newfound excitement and a belief that they have what it takes to be innovative, they’ve also generated tangible ideas that are moving into the implementation phase.

-Laurie Giammona, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer - Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Duncan Wardle's interactive presentation breathed a new life of excitement into our Driven Brands Marketing teams. Immediately following his innovation seminar, we all created desktop screensavers with little tidbits or quotes from his lessons ensuring we would be reminded every day to "find the yes" or "get out of our river of thought"... and to "share early and often". We started having breakfast meetings where we idea shared. Ultimately Duncan's teachings continue to remind us that innovation is such a vital part of jobs and we can also have a lot of fun doing it.

-Hannah Ross, Sr. Marketing Manager, Carstar

Duncan’s power comes from his engaging exercises, energetic delivery and the memorability of his tools. When a 100 year old brand starts replacing stagnant approaches with expansive language like “how might we?” or “Yes, And,” - you know the culture is beginning to shift.

-Lori Geoffrey, Director of Digital Experience Pacific Gas and Electric

In true Disney fashion, Duncan’s teaching methods are educational and entertaining. He has successfully introduced new ways of thinking into our company, paving the way to invigorating and enhancing our culture of continued innovation and creativity.

-George Scammell, Director of Interior Design, Princess Cruises

The tools Duncan teaches in his Masterclasses are truly impactful. We have incorporated many of them into our strategic and annual planning exercises as well as ideation and hackathon sessions. As a result our employees are becoming more innovative and transformative - something every organization needs to be sustainable. I highly recommend Duncan’s sessions!

- Alex Kostenko

While Duncan spoke to a large and packed room, people were inspired and hung on his every word. Many claimed it was one of the best presentations they'd ever experienced. If you're looking for an amazing speaker who can motivate others to innovate, then look no further than Duncan Wardle.

-Michael Stelzner, Founder Social Media Examiner and Social Media Marketing World

Thank you for everything that you do and who you are.

And thank you for all of us who you have helped create amazing things and gave us the courage to bring our ideas into the world.

- Penney Fox

My head and heart just exploded. Thank you @DuncanJWardle for reminding us all the power of innovation and creativity. Loved your stories, loved your ideas, love love how you’ve ignited something in me. #getamplified

-Lucy Gibson

WOW! @DuncanJWardle is keynoting #TheSummit2020 by @TAGthink. This is BEYOND cool. If you don’t know Duncan, you don’t know innovation and imagination

-Arketi Group

Hi Duncan, thanks so much for the fantastic sessions today. From someone who has been taught to believe I don’t have a creative fiber in my body you have given me the belief that at least some of my ideas are pretty good. I am looking forward to using some of the things you went through back in the office

-Karen De Lore

I loved your intervention and the way you shaked us! As a mother of two boys, I’ve been thinking a lot about how parents and society block children’s creativity. I’m now on a process to reduce that influence as much as possible

-Carolina Bilbao Serrano

You’re amazing! I consider myself so very fortunate to have witnessed your brilliance up close, and only wish I worked for you longer. Keep dreaming and inspiring!

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-Mark Jaronski

Attended Disrupt in Vancouver w/ Duncan and was blown away by the amount of next-day implementable tools he provided. The learn & do format of the day was right at my level meanwhile challenging some of my entrenched thinking. A great workshop presented by class act of a human.

-Ryan Sawatzky

@DuncanJWardle, great to hear you talk so passionately about Thinking Differently in the digital transformation journey. Already have some radical ideas to start my day tomorrow. And btw, you’re easily one of the best speakers I’ve ever heard on stage. Truly inspired!

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-Jimmy Eapen

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful presentation and challenging us to think bigger. AND giving us tools to do it.

-William Hodges

This keynote speaks to my soul...looking at everything we do in the workplace from the objective and exciting perspective of “What if” Thanks @DuncanJWardle #corenetglobal

-Annemarie C. Henton

Duncan’s Musings

Let There Be Light: Overcoming Innovation Barriers

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… [...]

18 February, 2021|

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 [...]

08 January, 2021|