MEET KRISTER UNGERBÖCK
Krister Ungerböck is the former CEO of a global tech company, a leadership language expert, keynote speaker and bestselling author. His insights have appeared in numerous national and international publications, including NPR, Forbes, Inc., Chief Executive and Entrepreneur. Prior to exiting corporate life at age 42, Krister was CEO of one of the largest family-owned software companies in the world.
While leading the company to over 3,000% growth, his team created $100M in shareholder value, won five consecutive Top Workplace Awards, achieved remarkable employee engagement levels of 99.3%, and became a dominant player in its market niche — event management software.
Krister is the author of the groundbreaking, instant Amazon bestseller titled 22 TALK SHIFTs: TOOLS TO TRANSFORM LEADERSHIP in Business, in Partnership and in Life.
Global Communication Expert
Krister has been featured in national publications such as NPR, Forbes, Inc., HR.com, Recruiter.com and more, and is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur.
He has extensive experience in human resources, leadership development and employee engagement across cultures, having conducted business in 40 countries, built businesses in six, and lead teams in three languages. Along his leadership journey, he had a perspective-shifting realization: in his quest for business growth and leadership success, he had failed as a leader of people.
Successful Technology CEO and Entrepreneur
As an entrepreneur and CEO, Krister led the transformation of a struggling family-owned technology business valued at less than $1 million into a global market leader valued at over $100 million. In the process, the company earned five consecutive St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace awards, and Krister was awarded the St. Louis Business Journal 40 Under 40 award. When he retired as CEO at age 42, Krister had successfully grown the company from a small team in St. Louis, MO, to one of the largest family-owned technology companies in the world, with hundreds of employees in eight countries.
Universal Insights for Leading in Life
Krister’s insights appeal beyond just leaders in business. Using cross-disciplinary research, he reveals not only how to become a better boss or employee, but also how to be a better family member, spouse and friend.
His search for leadership truths in unexpected places led him to discover insights and lessons that have shaped his point of view today. He has consulted with some of the greatest thought leaders around the world across disciplines to discover the most powerful – and often surprising – models, ideas and secrets about effective leadership communication and leadership development within organizations.
Author
Krister uncovered universal communication secrets that utilize emotional intelligence to drive connection, growth and high performance for organizations and individuals alike. His upcoming book, tentatively titled 22 Talk SHIFTS, reveals how people can upgrade their language and improve their listening skills to inspire authentic followership at work and at home. By rooting their communication in emotional intelligence, and encouraging their managers to do the same, organizational leaders can unlock their full leadership potential to boost employee engagement and business growth.
Captivating Communication Keynote Speaker & Coach
An engaging keynote speaker and executive coach who has spoken to audiences on five continents, Krister shares unconventional leadership development insight unearthed on his travels, as well as wisdom gleaned from his own experience building one of the world’s largest family-owned technology companies. He fearlessly shares real-life stories with concrete, actionable steps to drive employee engagement, business growth and profitability by building better bosses.