Keynote

Only 13% of employees in Europe feel engaged or motivated at their workplace.¹ At the same time, research suggests that increasing engagement can reduce the likelihood of resignation by up to 87%.^{2, 3} So the task seems clear: increase motivation and engagement in the workplace. But how do you actually do that?

The answer may come from an unexpected place: mathematics. Yes, really. As a school subject, math may be the most unpopular of them all. And yet, somehow, research mathematicians are among the most passionate people you’ll ever meet. Bertrand Russell captures it almost spiritually as “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth but supreme beauty.” (The Study of Mathematics, 1902), and Godfrey H. Hardy writes “Beauty is the first test: there is no permanent place in the world for ugly mathematics.” (A Mathematician’s Apology ch. 10, 1940)

It turns out that the curiosity and joy that make mathematicians love what many people dread can also bring fresh motivation to our working lives. When we enjoy a challenge, we are more willing to experiment, keep going, and question the limits we have set ourselves.

In her keynote, Dr. Judith Zeilinger brings this idea to life with humour, playful examples, and audience participation. Drawing on her experience as a research mathematician, she explores three practical ways to approach challenges differently: stay curious, recognise self-imposed limits, and make difficult things more enjoyable. Along the way, the audience discovers firsthand that they are capable of more than they might think.

No prior mathematical knowledge required (she promises).

Coming 2028: “Let your innovation pour” is a keynote and hands-on workshop in cooperation with Paint By Motors diving into how innovation actually comes about, and how you can unleash your potential to innovate.