Entrepreneurship Summit 2025: Keynote speech by Cesy Leonard

Summary

Cesy Leonard's keynote speech ‘Machen.Macht.Mut’ (Do.Power.Courage) at the Entrepreneurship Summit 2025 is a motivational talk about active engagement, value orientation and taking responsibility in a social and entrepreneurial context. The central message is that founders should not only start companies, but also take on social responsibility and actively shape society. The keynote speech combines personal empowerment with entrepreneurial thinking: courage is one of the most important resources for founders to overcome challenges and make an impact (not just maximise profit).

In her speech, Cesy Leonard suggests that entrepreneurship is more than just economic success: it is a way to highlight social problems and actively contribute to solutions. She talks about the power of moral courage and value orientation in economic activity, urges her audience not just to react but to shape the future, and shows how courage and a sense of responsibility contribute to a healthier corporate culture.

Key insights for founders

1. Value-based entrepreneurship is crucial:
Success is measured not only in numbers, but also in social impact and positive change. Values should be clearly defined before planning for growth.

2. Courage is a core entrepreneurial resource:
Courage goes beyond risk-taking: it means implementing new ideas, speaking uncomfortable truths and standing up for convictions even in the face of resistance.

3. Taking responsibility strengthens the team:
Entrepreneurial responsibility creates credibility, builds trust within the team and leads to more sustainable decisions that also ensure long-term success.

4. Social relevance as a competitive advantage:
Companies that make a positive contribution to society differentiate themselves sustainably from purely profit-oriented competitors.

5. Be proactive instead of reactive:
Founders should not only react to market changes or crises, but proactively anticipate and help shape future scenarios and solutions (e.g. through innovative business models that address real problems).

About the speaker

Cesy Leonard is a German artist, activist and speaker based in Berlin. She began her career as a graffiti artist and rapper, studied acting and then worked in film, television and theatre. She became known primarily as the founder of the ‘Radikale Töchter’ (Radical Daughters) project, which combines political education, art and empowerment and encourages people to take responsibility for democracy and social cohesion. In workshops, artistic interventions and keynotes, she works at the intersection of art, politics and entrepreneurship. Cesy Leonard was a Landecker Democracy Fellow and is in demand internationally as a speaker on topics such as courage, social responsibility and active shaping.