Florian Hoffmann

Florian Hoffmann is an internationally recognised entrepreneur, author and thought leader whose work has focused on helping organisations navigate sustainable business transformation and social innovation. Best known as the co-founder of The DO, formerly The DO School, Florian has spent his career bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through his innovative approach to education, leadership development and impact-driven business, he has become a respected voice on the future of work, sustainability and entrepreneurship. His ability to translate complex global issues into practical action makes him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for corporate, educational and leadership audiences around the world.

Florian’s commitment to social impact began early in his career. In 2008, he co-founded the Swiss-based Dekeyser & Friends Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting young social entrepreneurs and helping them turn innovative ideas into meaningful ventures. Building on this mission, he co-founded The DO in 2014, creating a global learning institution focused on equipping individuals and organisations with the skills needed to drive green business transformation. The organisation has since worked with leading companies, governments and institutions to develop innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges. His pioneering work in education and entrepreneurship quickly established him as one of the leading figures in sustainable innovation.

Florian’s achievements have been recognised internationally. In 2015, he was named a Fellow by the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards committee, an honour celebrating visionary leaders who challenge convention and create positive change. The following year, he received the German government’s prestigious Land der Ideen award for educational innovation, recognising the impact of his work in transforming learning and leadership development. His growing influence was further acknowledged when the World Economic Forum selected him as one of its 100 Young Global Leaders, a distinction awarded to outstanding individuals under the age of forty who are shaping the future through leadership and innovation.

Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Florian is an accomplished author whose books have helped broaden discussions around sustainable business and economic progress. He published his debut book, ‘Our New World’, exploring the evolution of sustainable business transformation, followed by his second book, ‘5 Reasons Why We Are Not Doomed’, which examines the opportunities emerging from global challenges. He has also shared his insights with global audiences through his TED Talk, ‘Why Ideas Don’t Matter… That Much, where he challenges conventional thinking around innovation and demonstrates why execution, collaboration and action are the true drivers of meaningful change. Drawing on decades of experience working with business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, Florian delivers keynote presentations that are insightful, optimistic and action-focused. His combination of practical expertise, internationally recognised achievements, thought-provoking ideas and engaging storytelling ensures audiences leave equipped with new perspectives and tangible strategies for creating meaningful impact.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Florian Hoffmann’s remarkable career:

  • 2024 – Published his second business and economics book, ‘5 Reasons Why We Are Not Doomed’
  • 2022 – Authored his debut book tracking sustainable business transformation, ‘Our New World’
  • 2017 – Selected by the World Economic Forum as one of its 100 Young Global Leaders under 40
  • 2016 – Awarded the German government’s Land der Ideen (Land of Ideas) prize for educational innovation
  • 2015 – Honoured as a Fellow by the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards committee
  • 2014 – Co-founded The DO (formerly The DO School), a global learning institution for green business transformation
  • 2008 – Co-founded the Swiss-based Dekeyser & Friends Foundation to support young social entrepreneurs