Is this you? Or do you exclusively represent this speaker?

Duena Blomstrom speaker

Duena Blomstrom

Keynote speaker, Author, CEO, Social Entrepreneur, Advisor, Thought Leader in Culture and Technology, Podcaster, Neurospicy Influencer
DOWNLOAD PROFILE
Visit Duena's website

About

Gender: Female
Nationality: Spain
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Travels from: Spain

Engagement Types

Themes

Websites

Podcasts

The People and Tech Podcast
NeuroSpicy at Work
Speakers FAQ

Biography Highlights

  • Creator of "Emotional Banking" and "Human Debt," advising global executives on people strategy.
  • International speaker and tech influencer focused on psychological safety and emotional intelligence.
  • Co-founder of PeopleNotTech, promoting tech-driven, high-performing work cultures.

Biography

Meet Duena Blomstrom

Duena Blomstrom is an internationally renowned thought leader, podcaster and influencer at the intersection of culture and technology, known for her groundbreaking work in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and human-centered organizational change.

Before becoming a social entrepreneur, Duena was a successful intrapreneur and C-level leader who led strategy and innovation for both startups and large tech companies. She built award-winning tech and product propositions that gained worldwide project recognition. This rich combination of academic insights and business practice gives her a unique perspective, enabling her to offer innovative solutions that resonate deeply across industries.

As an acclaimed published author of “Emotional Banking“, “People Before Tech” and “Tech-led Culture” Duena’s insights have been featured in all major media outlets. Previously a writer for Forbes she now writes twice a week as a LinkedIn Top Voice, engaging a large global audience of a quarter of a million followers and subscribers. Duena has delivered keynote speeches at over 300 conferences and corporate events for top organizations such as Google, Cisco, Oracle, Facebook, and more. She has also presented at premier industry events including TechSummit, Money2020, SIBOS, and HR Tech. As the CEO and Co-Founder of PeopleNotTech, a startup promoting psychological safety and continuous development in teams, Duena works tirelessly to bridge the gap between human and technological innovation. Recently having disclosed the fact that she is neurodiverse, Duena is leading the way in keeping the dialogue on diversity and the need for inclusion in business and STEM honest by speaking and writing about her experience as a NeuroSpicy leader

Duena’s strong following of 25K on Twitter and 230k people on LinkedIn (of which 124k+ subscribers to her weekly newsletters) generates thousands of page and video views daily and she is the host of several successful podcasts: “people AND tech”; “NeuroSpicy@Work”; and “Tales from the FinTech Crypt”.

Videos

Showreels

Speaking videos

Topics

In this keynote, Duena introduces the concept of “Human Debt”—the long-term cost that companies accrue when they fail to focus on the psychological well-being and development of their employees. She explores how organizations often focus solely on “Tech Debt,” neglecting the human side of the equation and how the two forms of debt power each other. Through compelling data, storytelling, and actionable insights, Duena demonstrates how balancing both Human and Tech Debt can lead to more innovative, agile, and resilient organizations.

  • Key themes: Psychological Safety, Digital Transformation, Emotional Intelligence in Leadership, Agile Culture
  • Target Audience: CEOs, CTOs, HR Leaders, Tech & Innovation Executives
Available: In person, Virtually

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries, Duena asks a critical question: What role will emotional intelligence (EI) play in this technological revolution? This talk explores the synergy between AI and EI, advocating for a future where human emotions are just as important as technological advancements if not more so. Duena highlights the importance of leaders fostering emotional intelligence and building human-centric teams as we enter the 5th Industrial Revolution.

  • Key themes: Artificial Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Future of Work, Leadership in Tech
  • Target Audience: Tech Leaders, Business Professionals, Students, Innovation Executives, HR Managers, Entrepreneurs
Available: In person, Virtually

In this highly personal and thought-provoking keynote, Duena builds on her podcast “NeuroSpicyAtWork” and shares her journey as a NeuroSpicy (neurodivergent) leader in the business and tech world. This talk focuses on how neurodiversity can foster innovation and creativity within organizations. Duena offers practical advice for companies looking to embrace neurodiverse talent and create psychologically safe environments where every team member can thrive.

  • Key themes: Neurodiversity, Innovation, Inclusive Leadership, Culture Transformation
  • Target Audience: CxO, Leaders, HR Professionals, Diversity and Inclusion Professionals, Team Leaders, Organizational Psychologists
Available: In person, Virtually
Available: In person, Virtually
Available: In person, Virtually
Available: In person, Virtually
Available: In person, Virtually
Available: In person, Virtually
Duena'S

TESTIMONIALS

Duena is an incredible storyteller. She captures the attention of her audience and opens the door to great new ideas. The best kind of speaker you want at your event.

Money2020 Europe

Duena’s expertise and passion for the topics she speaks about shines through in every word. She was a fantastic speaker at SIBOS and the audience was captivated by her delivery and insights.

SIBOS Event Organizers

Duena Blomstrom is a powerhouse on stage. Her keynote on Human Debt was eye-opening and brought a new perspective on how we treat the human element in our organizations.

TechSummit Attendee

Her authenticity, combined with deep knowledge of psychological safety and leadership, made Duena the highlight of our event. The insights we walked away with will shape the future of our company.

Google Event Organizer

Books

Duena Blomstrom book

Tech-Led Culture: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Business and People

Whether you are running a start-up or multinational organization, there is always scope to optimize your processes and reinvigorate your teams. In Tech-Led Culture, Duena Blomstrom highlights how you can discover the new innovations and technologies that can lead to meaningful and lasting change in your business. This book provides you with the insights, knowledge and confidence you need to improve your performance and ensure that your business thrives and grows in the increasingly innovative and competitive landscape. Employees and teams are more disengaged and fragmented than ever; get ahead of the competition and attract new talent by becoming the exception. Tech-Led Culture is an essential companion for any leader or changemaker looking to implement and sustain change initiatives within their business which will lead to more productivity, greater innovation and better performance.

Read more..

Tech-Led Culture: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Business and People

Whether you are running a start-up or multinational organization, there is always scope to optimize your processes and reinvigorate your teams. In Tech-Led Culture, Duena Blomstrom highlights how you can discover the new innovations and technologies that can lead to meaningful and lasting change in your business. This book provides you with the insights, knowledge and confidence you need to improve your performance and ensure that your business thrives and grows in the increasingly innovative and competitive landscape. Employees and teams are more disengaged and fragmented than ever; get ahead of the competition and attract new talent by becoming the exception. Tech-Led Culture is an essential companion for any leader or changemaker looking to implement and sustain change initiatives within their business which will lead to more productivity, greater innovation and better performance.
Buy the book
Buy the book
Duena Blomstrom book

People Before Tech: The Importance of Psychological Safety and Teamwork in the Digital Age

A fascinating guide for business leaders looking to ensure that their teams remain productive and engaged in the digital era. Businesses across all sectors now realise that, if they intend on staying competitive in the 21st century, then they must embrace new innovative technologies and methodologies such as AI, automation, digital platforms and Agile. But when too much focus is placed on digital transformation, teams within the organization become overlooked – the uniquely human benefits that arise from a well-functioning, collaborative team become neglected, and the employees themselves become unmotivated and overly dependent upon the quantifiable benefits of technology. In People Before Tech, Duena Blomstrom uncovers the true potential of teams in modern organizations by highlighting the importance of psychological safety. This ground-breaking approach leads to a powerful group dynamic that allows teams to take risks, create and innovate without fear of repercussion. With fascinating research, controversial approaches and an international array of case studies, this book provides practical guidance on how business and technology leaders as well as HR professionals can draw upon psychological safety to create and cultivate satisfied, efficient and high-performing teams within their organization.

Read more..

People Before Tech: The Importance of Psychological Safety and Teamwork in the Digital Age

A fascinating guide for business leaders looking to ensure that their teams remain productive and engaged in the digital era. Businesses across all sectors now realise that, if they intend on staying competitive in the 21st century, then they must embrace new innovative technologies and methodologies such as AI, automation, digital platforms and Agile. But when too much focus is placed on digital transformation, teams within the organization become overlooked – the uniquely human benefits that arise from a well-functioning, collaborative team become neglected, and the employees themselves become unmotivated and overly dependent upon the quantifiable benefits of technology. In People Before Tech, Duena Blomstrom uncovers the true potential of teams in modern organizations by highlighting the importance of psychological safety. This ground-breaking approach leads to a powerful group dynamic that allows teams to take risks, create and innovate without fear of repercussion. With fascinating research, controversial approaches and an international array of case studies, this book provides practical guidance on how business and technology leaders as well as HR professionals can draw upon psychological safety to create and cultivate satisfied, efficient and high-performing teams within their organization.
Buy the book
Buy the book
Duena Blomstrom book

Emotional Banking: Fixing Culture, Leveraging FinTech, and Transforming Retail Banks into Brands

Banking is under threat. Despite access to fast-paced technology known as FinTech, an antiquated business model and internal organizational paralysis do not allow for the creation of a truly beloved brand and are stifling change. To survive and thrive when their competition is catching up, banks must understand the principles behind Emotional Banking—a cultural change concept that brings the consumer to the center of rethinking banking products and delivery. This book starts with a history of the space then moves into an overview of what FinTech is. After discussing the state of banking today including stories from the biggest names in the industry, the concept of Emotional Banking and Brand are introduced as an answer to the problems outlined above. It concludes with examples of best practices and a hands-on approach on how to change the inertia, become a brand and make customers fall in love with their bank. Some of the questions this book tackles include: · Why don’t banks “care”? · How many banks will survive? · What is FinTech and why does it matter? · Can Banks become beloved brands and find their way to the consumer’s heart? · Why is there a disconnect between what we say and what we do in the industry? · Is inertia in banking a result of broken internal culture? · Which big brand or challenger will be at the top in 5 years?

Read more..

Emotional Banking: Fixing Culture, Leveraging FinTech, and Transforming Retail Banks into Brands

Banking is under threat. Despite access to fast-paced technology known as FinTech, an antiquated business model and internal organizational paralysis do not allow for the creation of a truly beloved brand and are stifling change. To survive and thrive when their competition is catching up, banks must understand the principles behind Emotional Banking—a cultural change concept that brings the consumer to the center of rethinking banking products and delivery. This book starts with a history of the space then moves into an overview of what FinTech is. After discussing the state of banking today including stories from the biggest names in the industry, the concept of Emotional Banking and Brand are introduced as an answer to the problems outlined above. It concludes with examples of best practices and a hands-on approach on how to change the inertia, become a brand and make customers fall in love with their bank. Some of the questions this book tackles include: · Why don’t banks “care”? · How many banks will survive? · What is FinTech and why does it matter? · Can Banks become beloved brands and find their way to the consumer’s heart? · Why is there a disconnect between what we say and what we do in the industry? · Is inertia in banking a result of broken internal culture? · Which big brand or challenger will be at the top in 5 years?
Buy the book
Buy the book

Speaker Bureaus and Talent Agencies

Duena Blomstrom is available to book via these agencies
Recommended
Speakers Associates
Speaking Agency

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Check our privacy policy for more details.