Urs is a bestselling author, one of the world’s leading experts on humble leadership, a former UN peacekeeper and NATO peacekeeping commander, a highly accomplished ultraendurance champion, a widely published professor, and a seasoned executive coach and keynote speaker with more than three decades of experience helping hundreds of leaders and dozens of executive teams unlock new levels of achievement across four continents.
Urs Koenig's message transcends industries and hierarchies, offering practical solutions to the challenges of modern leadership. His latest book, “Radical Humility,” chronicles his journey from executive coach to NATO peacekeeping commander, unveiling a new approach to leadership that emphasizes humility as a strength in today’s complex world. The deeply researched framework outlines five essential shifts to elevate leadership from Heroic to Humble, providing readers with actionable tools and practical takeaways to navigate the ever-changing landscape of leadership.
In addition to "Radical Humility," Urs has created a handbook designed to support fellow authors. This step-by-step guide is based on his experience publishing the bestseller "Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human." It’s packed with practical advice, ready-to-use cut-and-paste templates, and strategies applicable to all publishing situations—whether self-publishing, going hybrid, or working with a traditional publisher. Radical Humility: Be a Badass Leader and a Good Human has also been awarded the prestigious Axiom Gold Medal for best leadership book in 2025.
He is the founder of the Radical Humility Leadership Institute and speaks frequently on the topic of leadership to corporations and associations across the globe. His message of Radical Humility in leadership has inspired teams from across the spectrum, including Amazon, Starbucks, the Society of Human Resource Management, Vistage, the University of Melbourne, and Microsoft.
He holds a PhD in geography and a Master of Science from the University of Zürich, Switzerland, and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management.
When you book Urs Koenig for your event, you're not just hiring a speaker; you're inviting a catalyst for change. With a background as a bestselling author, UN peacekeeper, and NATO commander, Urs brings a wealth of real-world experience to the table. His insights into humble leadership have resonated with audiences across the globe, from corporate giants like Amazon and Starbucks to esteemed institutions like the University of Melbourne.