Magdalena Gschnitzer KEYNOTE SPEAKER · CONSERVATIONIST · AUTHOR

THE COURAGE TO CHOOSE

On Courage, Hope and the Choices That Shape Us.


COURAGE ISN'T A THEORY.
For more than 13 years, Magdalena's work in ocean and animal conservation has repeatedly put her values to the test. She has stood in freezing water, between whales and whalers. Led international teams in unpredictable situations. Faced threats, arrest - and a shotgun pointed at her. She wasn't fearless. But there were moments when she had to decide: What do I stand for - and what am I willing to do about it?
Those experiences didn't just shape her work. They shaped who she became.
Today, they form the foundation of her signature keynote: THE COURAGE TO CHOOSE.
BEYOND INSPIRATION. PERSPECTIVES THAT STAY.
Magdalena doesn't bring ready-made answers to the stage. She brings stories that open up questions - about courage, values, responsibility, resilience and who we become when life doesn't go according to plan.
No motivational clichés. No formulas for success. Instead, she offers perspectives that invite audiences to reflect on their own choices, challenges and possibilities.
THE SITUATIONS ARE EXTRAORDINARY. THE QUESTIONS ARE UNIVERSAL.
Magdalena's stories take us to places that, at first glance, seem far removed from the everyday reality of an organization. But the questions behind them are ones we face everywhere: What do we do when we don't have all the answers? What happens when our values are put to the test? How do we move forward when the original plan no longer works? How do we take responsibility without being able to control every outcome?
And when we are responsible for others: What choices are we making possible for them?
WHAT THE AUDIENCE TAKES HOME
Your audience won't leave with a list of motivational rules.
They will leave with powerful perspectives they can apply to their own choices, challenges and responsibilities — long after the keynote ends.
IDENTITY
Choices shape identity.
Our choices don't just shape what happens next. They shape who we become.
VALUES
Values require choices.
Values become visible when acting on them becomes uncomfortable.
COURAGE
Courage is often quieter than we think.

Courage doesn't mean being without fear. It means deciding that something else matters more.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership creates possibility.
The strongest support doesn't carry people forever. It helps them discover what they are capable of themselves.
AGENCY
We can choose what we carry forward.
We can't control everything that happens. But we can choose what we make of it.
FOR LEADERS.
FOR TEAMS.
FOR PEOPLE NAVIGATING CHANGE.
The Courage to Choose is particularly relevant for organizations navigating:

Leadership & responsibility
when choices influence far more than results.

Change & transformation
when the familiar no longer works.
Values & culture
when principles need to become behavior.

Resilience
when moving forward requires more than simply staying strong.

Personal responsibility
when waiting for someone else to act is no longer enough.

Purpose & impact
when people want their work and their choices to mean something.
THE COURAGE
TO CHOOSE
How our choices shape who we become.
A cinematic keynote combining extraordinary real-life experiences with powerful perspectives on courage, values, resilience, responsibility and leadership.
Maggy, as a person and as an activist, is an essential part of our sustainability strategy. She explains with warmth, credibility and the necessary seriousness the situation in our oceans, and that every one of us must truly look beyond our own horizon. Seeing the hope and the good in all of this motivates us in the financial services industry to take new paths, so that our children and grandchildren can also live on this beautiful Earth.
Irmi Dietmair
Maggy puts her whole heart into what she does. Her stories about her path and her calling moved and motivated me deeply. It is important to believe in your own ideas and to find the courage and strength to put them into action. We can make a difference, JUST DO IT!
Hildegard Weger
I have rarely read such an inspiring, exciting and moving book. Maggy's stories make you feel as if you are right in the middle of what's happening. Her examples and ideas show us a way to proactively step into action ourselves. The illustrations matching each chapter fit the topics beautifully. From my side, an absolute recommendation!
Matthias Durst
The one thing about Maggy which is immediately noticeable is her integrity. That is something in short supply today. She's as close to a perfect human being as is possible. I have yet to hear anyone say a bad word about her. It is with tremendous pride and privilege that I not only call her a colleague, but my friend as well. I would support her anytime, always.
I know Magdalena Gschnitzer as a powerhouse and warm hearted environmental activist. Her talks are absolutely captivating. For me and many others she has been a role model for years, and I look forward to every new book of hers.
Andre Bublitz
ONE KEYNOTE. ONE SCHOOL.
Every corporate keynote opens the door to another stage - one that may never have the budget for a professional speaker.
For every corporate keynote Magdalena delivers, she gives one school talk free of charge — encouraging young people to question, to care, to take responsibility and to believe in their ability to make a difference. Because the choices shaping our future are also being made by the generation growing up today. Schools are where Magdalena's journey as a speaker began. Today, corporate stages allow her to keep returning to them. YOUR STAGE HELPS OPEN THE DOOR TO THEIRS.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this a keynote about ocean and animal conservation?
Who is this keynote for?
What makes this keynote different from typical motivational talks?
What will our audience take away?
Is this keynote suitable for corporate and leadership events?
Can the keynote be tailored to our industry or event theme?
Does the keynote work for international audiences?
team@magdalenagschnitzer.com