What motivates you?
Positive relations as the next level of public relations: Social change with a pro-benefit-effect thanks to measurable results.
The best advice you have ever been given?
When you deal with problems, you create problems. When you turn towards solutions, you create solutions.
What are you learning right now that you still have to get good at?
Producing success and results from a place of peace and quiet.
What would you chance if you had the power to do so?
Equal chances and perspectives for all humans, independent from external factors! // Purpose, corporate (social) responsibility, sustainability are TOP 1 in business and politics. // Waymaking: We think in terms of perspectives, opportunities, chances, acting accordingly and veering off the beaten path. // Social investment as the new normal in the area of human rights. // Economic transformation that benefits our grandchildren as the new normal.
Which superheroine power would you like to have?
Peace and quiet.
Claudia Gersdorf
Claudia Gersdorf is an expert in coaching individuals and entreprises to enhance their self-discipline, motivation, and sense of purpose. With more than 15 years of experience in communication for international organizations, particularly in the areas of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Purpose, and holistic sustainability, Claudia Gersdorf is the founder and CEO of “PolaR BEAR Positive Relations GmbH.”
Her objective is to initiate and implement projects, communication strategies, and campaigns that advocate for All Profit and Pro Benefit, human rights, transparency, and justice – within economics, society, politics. Her guiding principle: “We don’t have any power. We are the power!”
As the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) of the international water initiative, network and social business Viva con Agua, Claudia Gersdorf strategically established and expanded the entire media and public relations sector from 2014 to 2020. She focused on intercultural solutions and developed positive communication. Prior to this role, she worked internationally for several reputable human rights organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam. She studied Communication Management at the Deutsche Presseakademie Berlin, International Relations, Political Science, and Romance Studies at TU Dresden and Sorbonne Paris. Gersdorf is a certified Contextual and Life Coach. She has worked in 10 African countries, Haiti, Guadeloupe, speaks five languages, and has been living since birth, embracing what she refers to as her “Diversity Bonus” (formerly known as physical disability).
Topics
Change management, self-discipline & willpower, practice-oriented inclusion and lived diversity, corporate responsibility & social attitude, purpose & meaningfulness, communication & PR, social innovation & creativity, future of work & new work
POSSIBLE LECTURE TITLES
1. Willpower & Change:
• How to activate our own motivation, resilience and willpower
• Strategies for overcoming obstacles – personally & professionally
• Why personal responsibility is the key to long-lasting success
2. Inclusion & Diversity-bonus:
• How diversity and inclusion promote innovation and business success
• The “diversity bonus”: Why being different is a competitive advantage
• Rethinking inclusion: from social responsibility to business cases
3. Purpose & Responsibility:
• Grandchildren-friendly business models: How companies create real impact
• Why social responsibility is an economically profitable investment
• Values-based leadership: What managers can learn from social entrepreneurs
4. Communication & Positive Relations:
• The power of positive communication: How language shapes reality
• Authentic brand communication: From company to movement
• Crisis communication & trust: Why transparency is the best strategy
5. Women in leadership:
• Success strategies for women in business and society
• The courage to be visible: Why women should celebrate their successes more loudly
• Networks & mentoring: Achieving more together
6. Social Innovation & Impact Entrepreneurship:
• How social enterprises are transforming business and society
• The courage to rethink: How we create real innovation
• From volunteering to global movement: What businesses can learn from NGOs
7. The future of work:
• Why creating meaning is becoming more important than salary
• Leadership in transition: How we are shaping the working world of tomorrow
• Collaboration instead of hierarchy: How new working models strengthen companies
Languages
German, English, French. Italian
Formats
ReferenCES
- Gedankentanken 1. Hamburger Rednernacht (inzwischen Greator)
- Wort & Bild Verlag, Nachhaltigkeit, CSR & Purpose
- JoinMe, Interview (2025): “Claudia Gersdorf. Der “Diversitätsbonus” (Claudia Gersdorf. The “diversity bonus”)
- ARD Buffet, TV-Beitrag (2023): “Lebenswege: Claudia Gersdorf” (Life Journeys: Claudia Gersdorf)
- br Radio, Talk: “Eins zu Eins Talk mit Caro Matzko”
- equality 365 podcast / brand eins Netzwerk, Podcast (2024): “#81 Im Gespräch mit Claudia Gersdorf: Wie CSR, Purpose und Nachhaltigkeit Teil unserer Identität werden. – Über unterschiedliche Vielfalts-Dimensionen, persönliche Herausforderungen und den gesellschaftlich- nötigen Wandel.” (#81 In conversation with Claudia Gersdorf: How CSR, purpose and sustainability are becoming part of our identity. – About different dimensions of diversity, personal challenges and the socially necessary change.”)
- PR Karussel, Podcast (2024): “#35 Warum es wichtig ist auf eine ganzheitlich nachhaltige PR Strategie zu bauen mit Claudia Gersdorf” (#35 Why it’s important to build on a holistically sustainable PR strategy with Claudia Gersdorf)
- WERTcast, Podcast (2022): “#15 mit Claudia Gersdorf – Jedem Gegenwind zum Trotz – Von Selbstakzeptanz, Mut und starkem Willen” (#15 with Claudia Gersdorf – Defying every headwind – Of self-acceptance, courage and strong will)
What motivates you?
Positive relations as the next level of public relations: Social change with a pro-benefit-effect thanks to measurable results.
The best advice you have ever been given?
When you deal with problems, you create problems. When you turn towards solutions, you create solutions.
What are you learning right now that you still have to get good at?
Producing success and results from a place of peace and quiet.
What would you chance if you had the power to do so?
Equal chances and perspectives for all humans, independent from external factors! // Purpose, corporate (social) responsibility, sustainability are TOP 1 in business and politics. // Waymaking: We think in terms of perspectives, opportunities, chances, acting accordingly and veering off the beaten path. // Social investment as the new normal in the area of human rights. // Economic transformation that benefits our grandchildren as the new normal.
Which superheroine power would you like to have?
Peace and quiet.
