Duncan Wardle

Former Head of Innovation & Creativity at Disney, Innovation Speaker & Creativity Consultant

Duncan Wardle’s Biography:

Duncan Wardle is a dynamic and captivating speaker whose energy, wit, and infectious enthusiasm inspire audiences worldwide. Known for his engaging storytelling and ability to simplify complex ideas about creativity and innovation, Duncan brings a playful yet profound approach to his presentations. His talks blend real-world experience with interactive exercises, encouraging audiences to unlock their imagination and challenge conventional thinking. Whether addressing corporate leaders or students, Duncan’s delivery leaves listeners not only entertained but also equipped with tangible tools to foster innovation within their own organisations.

Duncan began his career in communications, building a reputation for his fresh ideas and people-focused leadership. In 2004, he became Vice President of Press and Publicity for the Disneyland Resort, where he developed impactful campaigns that celebrated the brand’s storytelling heritage. Two years later, he advanced to Vice President of Global PR for Disney Parks, solidifying his role as a creative visionary capable of bridging imagination and business strategy.

His career reached new heights in 2011 when he was appointed Head of Innovation and Creativity for The Walt Disney Company. Duncan played a central role in embedding innovative practices across Disney’s global teams, inspiring thousands of employees to think differently. Among his notable achievements was overseeing the iconic mission that sent Buzz Lightyear into space aboard NASA’s Discovery shuttle in 2008—an imaginative collaboration that captured public attention worldwide.

Today, Duncan continues to shape the global conversation on creativity. As Professor of Innovation at Yale University since 2022, he teaches Master Classes in innovation at Yale, Harvard, and Edinburgh University. He is also a regular contributor to Fast Company, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review. Duncan was the 2022 Speaker Contest Winner at the Nordic Business Forum. His 2024 book, ‘The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation’, reflects his mission to make creativity accessible to everyone. In 2025, he was named one of PR Globex’s “Top 10 Keynote Speakers to Watch,” a recognition of his continued influence and relevance in the innovation landscape.

Why Hire Duncan Wardle?

Duncan is an internationally sought-after keynote and webinar speaker who brings unmatched energy, creativity, and insight to every event. With a career spanning decades at The Walt Disney Company and leading roles in global innovation, he has become one of the most respected authorities on creative thinking in business today. Organisations across the world invite Duncan to help their teams embrace bold ideas, challenge convention, and build cultures where innovation thrives. He has delivered multiple TEDx Talks, including the highly regarded ‘The Theory of Creativity’, which continues to inspire business leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs worldwide. His engaging storytelling, humour, and practical takeaways ensure every audience leaves both entertained and empowered to think differently.

As a webinar speaker, Duncan integrates cutting-edge virtual technology—such as live polls, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and real-time team exercises—with his signature flip charts and visual recaps to create an immersive, interactive experience that captivates participants from start to finish. Drawing on his experience as Disney’s former Head of Innovation and Creativity and his academic expertise as Professor of Innovation at Yale University, Duncan delivers sessions that are as memorable as they are actionable, inspiring lasting creative transformation within teams and organisations.

Duncan Wardle’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Duncan Wardle’s incredible career:

• 2025 – Recognised as one of the Top 10 Keynote Speakers to Watch by PR Globex.
• 2024 – Published The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation, offering practical frameworks for creative thinking.
• 2022 – Appointed Professor of Innovation at Yale University, leading Master Classes on creativity and design thinking.
• 2019 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by Edinburgh Napier University for his contribution to global innovation.
• 2017 – Delivered multiple TEDx Talks, including The Theory of Creativity, inspiring audiences worldwide.
• 2017 – Served as Creativity Consultant for id8 & innov8, guiding organisations in embedding innovation into their culture.
• 2011 – Appointed Head of Innovation & Creativity for The Walt Disney Company, developing strategies to foster creative collaboration.
• 2008 – Oversaw the iconic project sending Buzz Lightyear into space aboard NASA’s Discovery shuttle, a landmark partnership between Disney and NASA.
• 2008 – Received The White House’s American Citizen of Choice Award for contributions to creativity and community engagement.
• 2004 – Became Vice President of Press & Publicity for the Disneyland Resort, directing media relations and global storytelling initiatives.