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It’s an impersonal world, where so many products and services are seen as easily-replaced, indistinct commodities. Standing out is a choice fueled by the right mindset and a compelling story. Ken Schmidt knows these challenges firsthand and gained acclaim for his role in the extraordinary turnaround of the legendary Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Ken transformed the company’s market position by answering three key strategic questions and shifting the narrative to distinguish their brand. While times have changed, what humans want and need from the businesses they buy from and work for hasn’t. In his high-energy speeches, Ken inspires companies and individuals to shift their thinking and ride a path to success by becoming memorable – not for what they do or what they make, but for the powerful stories they tell and the authentic connections they forge. Ken is author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance. He’s also host of the Tailgating with Geniuses podcast and co-founder of Torque Sessions Leadership Training. In all of his endeavours, Ken brings an unconventional perspective that helps organisations and individuals reframe how they engage with their marketplace.
Ken Schmidt, the mastermind behind Harley-Davidson’s resurgence, knows that compelling stories do more than engage—they reshape perceptions and drive change. He emphasizes that leadership is crucial in fostering a culture where storytelling fuels transformation. In his presentation, Ken provides a strategic framework for organizations to redefine their narratives, helping leaders and teams uncover their core identity and craft impactful stories. Using vivid real-world examples, he demonstrates how authentic storytelling can elevate brands to prominence and trust. Attendees will learn to craft delightful stories, identify key narrative elements, and empower employees to become storytellers, forging lasting customer connections.
“No matter what we sell, make, or do, we’re a commodity to people who don’t know us,” says Ken Schmidt. Companies that understand that and change their mindset to engage customers differently will win big. Authenticity stands out in today’s impersonal world, and Ken unpacks a roadmap for creating an unshakable emotional connection with customers. This talk is rooted in the ideas that drove Harley-Davidson’s incredible transformation and return to dominance. Ken and his team led the company’s shift away from focusing on product features and instead leaned into the key drivers of human behaviour. As it did, H-D’s sales, profitability, and loyalty skyrocketed. Ken’s high energy and humour punctuate this talk as he shows businesses of every size and scope how to align everyone around a set of values that ignite customer passion, maximise sales growth, and stand out in their marketplace.
Ken Schmidt emphasizes the importance of being memorable in both business and personal contexts. He argues that simply meeting expectations won't make you stand out. In his talk, Ken reveals how to create a lasting impact by answering three key questions about how you want to be remembered. He highlights that people remember you based on how you make them feel about themselves, stressing the importance of being interested rather than interesting. Drawing from his successful career at Harley-Davidson, Ken teaches attendees how to build a personal brand that accelerates career growth. Attendees will learn to identify unique qualities, make others feel valued, and actively participate in meetings.
