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CHANGE
your thinking,
CHANGE
your world.

Lessons from living at the epicenter of disruption.

Join thousands of thought leaders getting one counterintuitive insight weekly—from my front-row seat in Shanghai.

Meet Thomas

My mother, Maria, remains puzzled by my career—once a bank trainee, I am now one of the best-known Germans in Asia. My roller-coaster journey has seen me transform into a social media superstar, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. And let’s not forget—I lost a whopping 130 lbs!

Thomas Derksen, Speaker and Coach in Shanghai
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My 5-Year-Old Self

I grew up as the sixth child in a Russian-German family. Our household of 11 spanned three generations, where three languages mingled under one roof.

My 5-year old self

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My 25-Year-Old Self

At 25, the more followers I gained on social media, the more weight I gained in real life. I reached 140 kg (308 lbs) and came close to depression.

My 25-year old self

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My 35-Year-Old Self  

I began taking care of both my physical and mental well-being, and I’m still on my journey of personal growth. Today, I’m proud to say that I’m a keynote speaker, author, and coach.

My 35-year old self

My 25-year old self

My 35-year old self

My 5-year old self

My Story in Numbers

10 MIO+

Followers

15,000+

books Sold

10,000+

people inspired

100+

speeches & workshops

MISSION

Where others see walls, I teach bridges—and how to cross them faster than anyone else. The future belongs to those who can think, communicate, and adapt beyond borders. I help leaders and teams transform cultural divides into hidden opportunities—through keynotes, workshops, and frameworks forged in Shanghai’s hyper-growth.

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I deliver thought-provoking keynotes where East meets West, struggle meets strategy, and even the most serious leaders discover their untapped potential. Expect frameworks that work, stories that stick, and yes—surprising moments of laughter along the way.

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Where cultural differences become your secret weapon, communication barriers turn into breakthroughs, and growth happens through action—not just theory.

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Culture. Communication. Change. My experiences across generations, cultures and languages have shaped me. I share them with you in my books.

Featured by

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Discover the FREE ebook
3 Habits That Changed My Life
Lessons from surviving (and thriving) at the crossroads of East and West.

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“Thomas has a true talent for guiding conversations with depth, curiosity, and precision.”
Stephen Hauber
President tesa China
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"Public speaking skills, deliver emotions, fascinate an audience - great insights and techniques!"
Benjamin Wahl
Managing Director
Borussia Dortmund
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“A great leader of the pack—although dinner’s always a little late and the portions could be bigger.”
Einstein
Thomas’s Labrador Retriever
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