Available to book
David Gram
Innovation
Business Strategy
Future of Work
Transform innovation culture with David Gram, speaker and co-founder of Diplomatic Rebels. David works with global organisations to drive radical innovation and intrapreneurship, delivering proven methodologies developed at LEGO and implemented across multiple industries worldwide.
Innovator
Business Consulting
Design Thinking
Entrepreneur
Thought Leader
Business Leader
Founder
Start-up
Interactive Keynote
David Gram is an innovation leader and the co-founder of Diplomatic Rebels, a company dedicated to empowering organisations and intrapreneurs to become stronger innovators. With a career spanning over 17 years, David has honed his expertise in radical innovation and lean start-up methods within both small businesses and large global corporations. His work is characterised by a unique blend of design thinking and agile development, which he has applied to numerous innovation projects from early incubation to full maturity. David's journey in innovation leadership includes pivotal roles such as Senior Innovation Director at LEGO's Future Lab and Head of Innovation at Scandinavian Airlines.
During his nine-year tenure at LEGO, he led multidisciplinary teams in developing breakthrough business initiatives, ensuring the company remained at the forefront of the toy industry. His efforts were instrumental in establishing LEGO Ventures, the strategic venture arm of the LEGO Brand Group, further cementing his reputation as a key figure in corporate innovation. The "Diplomatic Rebel" concept is central to David's philosophy. He believes that anyone can become an innovator within their organisation by balancing the rebellious spirit needed to challenge the status quo with the diplomatic skills required to garner support.
This mindset is crucial for driving change in complex organisations, and David's work with Diplomatic Rebels aims to instil these principles in companies worldwide. David's insights and methodologies have been recognised in various forums, including his role as an Unreasonable Mentor, where he has advised numerous companies. He has shared his expertise with organisations such as British Airways and the creative agency Two Degrees Below, and facilitated design-thinking workshops for international audiences. As an international keynote speaker and executive advisor, David continues to inspire organisations to embrace change and innovation, ensuring they remain viable in an ever-evolving world.
Topics, sessions and talks
David Gram advocates for intrapreneurship, where employees act entrepreneurially within large companies, enabling them to adapt swiftly to future challenges while reducing risks and enhancing learning. An experienced intrapreneur himself, David has led radical innovation projects at major organisations like SAS and LEGO. Attendees will learn to foster a culture of intrapreneurship, exploring organisational structures, tools, and incentives through lean startup methods, design thinking, and agile methodology.
David Gram explores how large companies can transform into agile ecosystems through corporate venturing. As organisations grow, they often become slow and risk-averse, stifling innovation. Gram suggests that future companies should act as open platforms, engaging partners, startups, and customers to create value. Attendees will learn how to make their organisations nimble and adaptive, fostering collaboration with startups and empowering employees to innovate. Gram's experience with The LEGO Group's ecosystem, including LEGO Ventures and LEGO Ideas, underscores his expertise.
David Gram emphasises the importance of establishing a solid foundation for successful radical innovation. Companies must define a clear purpose and strategy to explore new territories effectively, identifying the right Opportunity Spaces to avoid overwhelming efforts. Attendees will learn why a clear purpose and understanding of core capabilities are crucial for driving effective innovation and how setting limits can significantly enhance success. With 15 years of experience at companies like SAS and The LEGO Group, David Gram is well-versed in building innovation strategies.
David Gram, co-founder of Diplomatic Rebels, shares insights on disrupting large organisations from within. He explores how to challenge the status quo with innovative ideas while maintaining support from colleagues and management. Balancing the rebel spirit with diplomatic skills is crucial to avoid burnout or conformity. Attendees will learn the five habits of impactful intrapreneurs and how to cultivate these skills to lead an organisation of Diplomatic Rebels effectively.
David Gram will share his expertise in design thinking, drawing from his extensive experience at LEGO, where he pioneered innovative methods. He will discuss how LEGO successfully integrated design thinking into its culture, highlighting both successes and challenges. Attendees will learn about essential methodologies, including customer immersion and rapid prototyping, as well as the mindset needed for effective innovation. The session promises an engaging presentation style, with interactive elements to enhance the learning experience.
Unlock radical innovation with David Gram, Co-Founder of Diplomatic Rebels and former LEGO Ventures leader. With expertise in design thinking and agile development, David guides teams to become change-leading innovators. Transform your business challenges into opportunities. Book David now to inspire and implement impactful change in your organization.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
Email david.gram@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 David'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.
David Gram structures his sessions around lean startup methods, design thinking, and agile methodology, drawing on 17 years of hands-on experience at organisations such as The LEGO Group and Scandinavian Airlines to illustrate how large companies can build intrapreneurial cultures and corporate venturing ecosystems.
David Gram speaks on intrapreneurship and corporate culture, agile ecosystems and corporate venturing, and innovation strategy and purpose-driven transformation. He served as Senior Innovation Director at LEGO's Future Lab for nine years, where he led the establishment of LEGO Ventures, the strategic venture arm of the LEGO Brand Group.
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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
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You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
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Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
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.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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