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Leadership, culture & AI strategist

Daniel Strode

Daniel Strode helps organisations navigate AI transformation without losing their human core. An adjunct professor at IE University and author of four books, he serves clients including ABB, NielsenIQ, and AECOM as a leading AI keynote speaker and leadership culture expert.

Trusted by ABB, NielsenIQ, AECOM

Daniel Strode, Speaker | Leadership, Culture, And AI
Daniel Strode

Daniel Strode

Madrid, Spain

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Madrid, Spain

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£11k–25k

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Daniel Strode's biography

At a glance

  • Expert in AI transformation and organisational culture
  • Adjunct professor at IE University Business School Madrid
  • Led Santander's global culture transformation across 32 countries
Daniel Strode is an author, leadership strategist, and AI expert who helps organisations reshape culture and leadership as technology transforms the way people work and make decisions. As an adjunct professor at IE University Business School in Madrid, Daniel combines academic insight with practical leadership experience. He led the global culture transformation at Santander, supporting 220,000 employees across 32 countries through its shift to a digital banking model. He is the author of four books, including The Quiet Reckoning and The Culture Advantage. Daniel's work focuses on the gap between strategy and behaviour, showing organisations why transformation programmes often fail and how leaders can create lasting change. Drawing on experience advising executive teams and delivering programmes worldwide, he helps leaders respond to AI by redesigning work, strengthening trust, developing capability, and building cultures that support innovation. His signature framework, The Quiet Reckoning, identifies five shifts that AI is forcing on every leader and every HR function, whether they notice or not. Audiences leave with a clearer understanding of how AI is changing leadership and HR, practical tools for embedding culture into business strategy, and straightforward ways to improve decision-making, innovation, and organisational performance. Daniel equips leaders with approaches they can apply immediately within complex organisations. For businesses preparing leaders, strengthening culture, or navigating AI-driven change, Daniel brings practical experience that translates directly into business action.

Daniel's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

The Quiet Reckoning For HR
Daniel Strode argues that AI isn't threatening HR but revealing what it was always meant to be. As automation absorbs administrative work, HR leaders must evolve across five dimensions: from process owners to work designers, service providers to strategic interpreters, policy enforcers to trust architects, training coordinators to developmental debt owners, and compliance functions to culture stewards. Attendees will leave with a clear map of these five shifts, language to articulate AI's impact on their roles, and one concrete next move.
The Quiet Reckoning For Leaders
Daniel Strode argues that AI doesn't change what leadership is; it reveals whether you were actually doing it. In this session, he walks through five critical shifts every leader must make, from Work Delegator to Work Designer, and from Tool Adopter to Culture Steward. The work that used to fill the day is disappearing, and what remains is the work only you can do. Attendees will leave with a personal diagnostic across all five shifts and a clearer sense of where their leadership attention belongs right now.

Why we recommend booking Daniel

Daniel brings a sharp diagnostic lens to leadership and HR teams grappling with AI-driven change, grounded in his Quiet Reckoning framework and firsthand experience leading Santander's transformation across 32 countries and 220,000 colleagues.

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Trusted by ABB, NielsenIQ, AECOM

Testimonials

Thank you again for your session at the MD Forum - it was a real highlight for the group. The feedback has been very positive overall. Leaders found your content highly relevant and thought-provoking, and really valued the practical examples and clear link you drew between AI and leadership.

Liav Sayegh

NIQ

Featured Projects

Daniel Strode - The Culture Advantage book cover
Daniel Strode - The Quiet Reckoning book cover
Daniel Strode - The Innovator's Edge book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Daniel Strode for my next event?
Email daniel.strode@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Daniel's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Daniel Strode structures his sessions around a five-shift diagnostic framework drawn from his book The Quiet Reckoning, which maps the transitions AI forces on leaders and HR functions — such as from Work Delegator to Work Designer and from Policy Enforcer to Trust Architect. Attendees receive a personal diagnostic tool to assess their position across all five shifts and identify one concrete next action.

What is Daniel Strode's speaking style like?
Daniel Strode structures his sessions around a five-shift diagnostic framework drawn from his book The Quiet Reckoning, which maps the transitions AI forces on leaders and HR functions — such as from Work Delegator to Work Designer and from Policy Enforcer to Trust Architect. Attendees receive a personal diagnostic tool to assess their position across all five shifts and identify one concrete next action.

Daniel Strode structures his sessions around a five-shift diagnostic framework drawn from his book The Quiet Reckoning, which maps the transitions AI forces on leaders and HR functions — such as from Work Delegator to Work Designer and from Policy Enforcer to Trust Architect. Attendees receive a personal diagnostic tool to assess their position across all five shifts and identify one concrete next action.

What topics does Daniel Strode specialise in?
Daniel Strode speaks on AI's impact on leadership and HR, the five shifts redefining how leaders and HR functions must operate as automation absorbs administrative work, and the relationship between organisational culture and lasting transformation. He led the global culture transformation at Santander across 220,000 employees in 32 countries and is the author of four books, including The Quiet Reckoning, while serving as an adjunct professor at IE University Business School in Madrid.

Daniel Strode speaks on AI's impact on leadership and HR, the five shifts redefining how leaders and HR functions must operate as automation absorbs administrative work, and the relationship between organisational culture and lasting transformation. He led the global culture transformation at Santander across 220,000 employees in 32 countries and is the author of four books, including The Quiet Reckoning, while serving as an adjunct professor at IE University Business School in Madrid.

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What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

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Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.