The field of public speaking and leadership holds the potential to shape individuals and communities. As leaders in this space, speakers have the ability to inspire action, share valuable insights, and motivate audiences to step outside of their comfort zones. Public speaking provides a platform for sharing experiences that can make complex subjects more relatable and encourage the development of essential life skills. This industry is built on the power of communication, where diverse audiences are engaged through shared knowledge and wisdom.
Amir Vashkover, the Head of Data Security, is a firm believer in the transformative power of storytelling. Having started his leadership journey at a young age during his military service, he has since developed a deep passion for connecting with people. Amir's experiences, from inspiring schoolchildren to guiding professionals in fields such as cybersecurity, allow him to impart practical wisdom and empower individuals to take proactive steps in their personal and professional lives.
Philips, a global leader in health technology, has long been at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today. The company’s commitment to innovation and social impact aligns closely with Amir's work in promoting empowerment, resilience, and leadership. Through its efforts in health and technology, Philips strives to create solutions that improve the quality of life for people worldwide, making it a key player in shaping a better future.
From Military Leadership to Inspiring Public Speaking
Amir traces his journey to public speaking to his deep passion for connecting with people and making a meaningful impact. For Amir, speaking on stage is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. His initial leadership roles began during his military service, where, as a young officer, he led troops in the field before the age of 20. In these situations, sharing authentic experiences, lessons learned, and both successes and failures had a significant influence on those under his command.
Over the years, Amir has accumulated a vast body of knowledge, insights, and experience. He views sharing these as his way of contributing to making the world safer and better. Amir speaks on a range of topics, from personal inspirational sessions on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to professional subjects like cybersecurity and advanced technologies such as quantum computing. His goal remains consistent: to share experiences that help people—whether they are primary school students, young military officers, or seasoned professionals—become wiser, smarter, and stronger.
A Journey of Personal Growth and Inspirational Speaking
Amir has consistently sought to step outside of his comfort zone, recognizing that each time he does so, his perspective changes. This shift in perspective is motivational, helping him to identify what truly matters and how to improve continuously.
Over 20 years ago, while climbing Ecuador’s Cotopaxi volcano, Amir was accompanied by a local guide who also taught at a school near the mountain’s base. After the climb, the guide invited him to speak with his students. What began as a 15-minute talk turned into an entire school day as Amir engaged with eager students who were determined to break their limits. My main message to these young kids was that “no one knows what the world will look like in 20 years, but you can definitely influence that”. I'm extremely confident some of them have.
This experience remains one of his most rewarding speaking engagements, with an audience that left a lasting impression.
Empowering Through Practical Wisdom
Amir does not claim to change lives with his speeches but believes that true change originates from within. He considers himself fortunate when individuals reach out months after hearing him speak, mentioning how they have found themselves quoting his words in various situations. In many of his speeches, he shares a key tip about maintaining a balanced perspective: "Don’t be upset now by anything you wouldn't care about in two weeks." When people recall and apply this advice, Amir takes satisfaction in knowing it has had a positive impact on their lives.
Mastering Public Speaking Challenges and Unpredictable Audiences
Every public speaking event presents its own challenges, particularly when delivering a new session for the first time. Despite thorough preparation, it is difficult to predict audience reactions, engagement, and questions. For Amir, managing these situations effectively requires a deep understanding of the topic and practical examples, ensuring a smooth experience regardless of any unexpected occurrences.
Leading Global Change and Impact
Amir highlights Europe's longstanding influence on global culture, ethics, and science. He acknowledges that Europe's current challenge lies not only in responding effectively to global issues such as climate change and technological advancements like generative AI and quantum computing but also in maintaining its leadership role in making a positive global impact. Amir's work focuses on promoting empowerment, resilience, and leadership, guiding individuals and organizations to take proactive, but Simple actions in these key areas. Remember: “If it won’t be simple, it simply won’t be”
Prioritizing Basic Comfort and Security for All
Amir believes in keeping his philosophy straightforward and clear. He adheres to the principle of returning to basics. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the most fundamental layer is physiological needs, which include not wanting to be hungry, thirsty, exhausted, cold, sick, or in pain. Applying this to 2025, Amir stresses the importance of having a stable job, returning to a comfortable home, sharing meals with family, and resting in a warm bed. He also emphasizes the need to ensure that every individual on the planet can reach this basic level of comfort and security.
Bridging Diverse Perspectives with Thoughtful Communication
Amir’s moto is to “be prepared for not being prepared”, nevertheless, before delivering any speech, he studies his audience to understand their commonalities and differences, adjusting his content accordingly. While professional diversity can often be bridged, the challenge lies in addressing varying interpretations and perspectives. He believes that there is no single truth, as different perspectives lead to different realities. This diversity is a fundamental aspect of democracy, but it also presents difficulties, particularly in today’s world, where generative AI can create false realities. Overcoming this requires a thoughtful and well-informed approach.
Leveraging Digital Platforms for Broader Engagement
Amir recognizes that digital platforms and social media, like all technologies, present both opportunities and challenges. The impact of these technologies depends on how they are used and who is behind the content. As a speaker, Amir leverages these tools to reach a wider audience, engage interactively, and collect feedback. Social media provides him with a platform to share insights, connect with his audience, and enhance engagement. Digital platforms also allow him to host virtual seminars and workshops, making his message accessible to those unable to attend in person.
Driving Innovation and Positive Change for Humanity
Amir believes that this decade could be a crucial period for humanity. Technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, climate crises, and social and economic issues offer significant opportunities for individuals to step beyond their comfort zones, think creatively, and innovate. He sees collaboration and partnerships as essential for achieving humanity's major goals. On a personal level, Amir aims to create a lasting impact by providing individuals with the tools and confidence to drive positive change in their lives and communities.
Empowering Action for Positive Change
Amir believes in the power of storytelling as a means to connect with audiences on a deeper level, making complex topics more relatable and understandable. Through his work, he aims to inspire and empower individuals to set ambitious goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them. By sharing his experiences and insights, Amir hopes to help people become wiser, smarter, and stronger, ultimately contributing to a better and safer world.
