Trainer

Matthias Clesle

Lead without mercy, but kindly

Matthias Clesle is one of the leading experts in modern leadership development in Germany, as confirmed by Forbes and experienced by thousands of participants. As a multiple award-winning speaker, trainer, university lecturer, and member of the Forbes Coaching Council, he brings leadership back to the point: clear, effective, and practical. In over 200 engagements per year, he shows leaders how they can act "without mercy, but kindly" - with natural authority and emotional intelligence. Matthias Clesle inspires, activates, and transforms at major conferences, leadership seminars, or digital formats. His programs provide tangible methods that have an immediate impact in everyday leadership, with depth, structure, and a touch of provocation. Book Matthias Clesle for keynotes, seminars, or leadership offsites that trigger real change.

Rates

Vita

Leadership That Works – Clear, Consistent, and Human

Matthias Clesle is one of Germany’s leading experts in modern leadership development – recognized by Forbes and experienced by thousands of participants. As a multi-award-winning speaker, trainer, university lecturer, and member of the Forbes Coaching Council, he brings leadership back to what really matters: clarity, impact, and real-world usability.

Practice Over Phrases – Leadership That Truly Delivers

With over 200 engagements per year, Matthias Clesle shows how leaders can act “ruthlessly friendly” – with natural authority and emotional intelligence. His programs break away from outdated seminar clichés and provide hands-on methods that work immediately in daily leadership practice – with depth, structure, and a touch of provocation.

Stage, Camera, Seminar – Impulses That Stick

Whether at large conferences, in leadership seminars, or digital formats – Matthias Clesle inspires, activates, and transforms. He creates a distinctive mix of energy, humor, and no-nonsense clarity. Those who book him don’t get an off-the-shelf presentation, but a leadership upgrade with real substance – full of motivation, insight, and immediate applicability.

Why Matthias Clesle Is the Right Speaker for Your Organization

Leadership development with depth: Proven, measurable methods
No-nonsense clarity: A balance of consequence, empathy, and lightness
Top-rated & award-winning: Forbes, client feedback, and participant praise
200+ engagements annually: Experience, pace, and adaptability
Results over buzzwords: Practical, provocative, and to the point

Today’s leadership demands clarity, courage, and proven methods – Matthias Clesle delivers exactly that. For keynotes, seminars, or leadership offsites that spark real change. Inquire now and take your leadership to the next level!

Topics

Leading without mercy, but with kindness

Why authority is not a crime, but the foundation for authentic leadership
No carrot without a stick? Mastering leadership – with clarity instead of an authoritarian tone
The best techniques for more authority that promote productivity and satisfaction

Leading with AI – understand technology, develop potential, stay human

Your personal coach: How ChatGPT 24/7 defuses leadership problems
Making team dynamics visible: How AI helps understand employees
Learning on demand: How AI takes you to the next level of competence

Modern leadership needs old school

Old-school values redefined: The driving force for tomorrow's working world
Modern leadership with attitude: How to show backbone
The value of commitment: Why 'yes' and 'no' must count again

Motivation is not enough

Why praise alone is not enough – the key to sustainable motivation
The invisible brakes: How demotivation paralyzes the best teams
Demotivational interviews: The conversation no one is having, but everyone needs

References & Press

"One of Germany's leading experts in executive leadership development." Forbes

"An expert in dealing with employees" SÜDKURIER

Known in: FAZ, Handelsblatt, RTL News, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht, Haufe, Frankfurter Rundschau, Hamburger Abendblatt, SÜDKURIER, Berliner Morgenpost, and many more.

"Matthias Clesle has been a speaker and moderator at Teamwelt several times, and this will certainly not be the last time. He always impresses our audience with his friendly and humorous manner, is always authentic, and presents knowledge with directly applicable tips and tricks. That's exactly what we want: infotainment."
Olaf Jung, Managing Director of Teamwelt

"With his very lively and, at times, compelling presentation, Matthias Clesle captured the attention and favor of the audience. Many of the facts presented regarding employee behavior were reflected in our own companies. This made it easy to answer the questions raised by the speaker about how employee leadership can be improved. Advice and proven tips from the experienced expert were well received."
Bernd Mathieu, Pfullendorf Economic Development Agency

"It was really fun to watch Mr. Clesle on stage with us – thank you for this extraordinary and inspiring presentation! We received overwhelmingly positive feedback on his refreshing and provocative presentation. We look forward to seeing him again!"
Heiko Kreiter, Drive-In(spiration) – Drive-In Cinema

"I met Matthias Clesle as my Systemic Business Coach trainer. He provided excellent guidance, imparted knowledge in a very well-structured, lively, and motivating way, and at the same time encouraged us to practice and implement it ourselves."
Siegfried Dannwolf, SWR Media Services GmbH, Managing Director

"We had high expectations because we have been working with Matthias for a long time, but they have been exceeded. I receive only positive feedback from our employees and can observe the positive changes in our daily lives. Today, we lead and communicate much more efficiently and result-oriented than before."
Anja Pleus, TOPMOTIVE GROUP, CEO

Publications

Topfit durchs Assessment-Center: Das neue Standardwerk für Fach- und Führungsassessments

ISBN : 3869803231

29.80 €

Amazon: Topfit durchs Assessment-Center: Das neue Standardwerk für Fach- und Führungsassessments

Expertenwissen für deinen Erfolg: Inspiration. Vision. Passion.

ISBN : 3949869492

19.99 €

Amazon: Expertenwissen für deinen Erfolg: Inspiration. Vision. Passion.

Blog

Reassess HR: How companies prevent a personnel blackout

Matthias Clesle

24. February 2023

Reassess HR: How companies prevent a personnel blackout

German companies face a major risk due to the shortage of skilled workers and managers, costing billions annually. To address this, a paradigm shift is needed, recognizing HR departments as strategic problem solvers. HR professionals must be empowered, valued, and utilized to unlock their full potential in addressing the skills shortage issue and ensuring business success.

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Employee discussions 2023: Why annual goals do more harm than good

Matthias Clesle

22. February 2023

Employee discussions 2023: Why annual goals do more harm than good

Annual employee reviews often focus on setting goals, but this can be counterproductive. Instead, addressing problems in these reviews can lead to increased motivation, better relationships, and more effective solutions. This approach fosters trust, communication, and employee engagement, ultimately benefiting both employees and the company. Regular follow-ups are recommended to address issues promptly and effectively.

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Matthias Clesle

Lead without mercy, but kindly