Damien Gauthier
Collective Intelligence Facilitator · Keynote Speaker · Event Host
I help organizations unlock their collective intelligence through facilitation, and bring ideas to life on stage through speaking and event design.
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Two paths. One practice.
My path goes from academic research — a PhD in mathematics at EPFL — through senior UX design and innovation leadership, to facilitating strategic workshops for multinationals. In parallel, I spent 25 years on stage as an actor and director, then as a TEDx curator and keynote speaker.
Two worlds that seemed unrelated, until I realized they solve the same problem from opposite ends: the corporate world has structure but no presence; the stage has presence but no structure.
"Transcend complexity and align stakeholders around a shared vision, to deliver an experience that multiplies your organization's impact."
Today I combine analytical rigor, collective intelligence methods, and 25 years of stage craft to facilitate workshops, deliver keynotes, and host events that create real alignment and momentum.
Three ways I work with organizations
Collective Intelligence Facilitation
I design and facilitate collaborative sessions that turn complexity into clarity and misalignment into shared direction.
- Strategy & innovation workshops
- Co-design sessions
- Design thinking sprints
- Stakeholder alignment
- User research & concept validation
Keynote Speaking
Talks that combine research, storytelling, and stage presence to shift perspectives and spark action.
- Why Experts Can't Communicate
- Design Thinking Is Dead — Long Live Design Thinking
- The Architecture of Persuasion
- Custom keynotes on innovation, communication & collaboration
Event Hosting
Professional MC and host for conferences, round tables, and networking events — keeping energy high and conversations productive.
- Conference MC & host
- Panel moderation
- Round table facilitation
- Networking event design
- Award ceremonies
Events I organize
TEDxLausanne
Curator and license holder since 2016. I design the program, select the speakers, and produce the event — one of Switzerland's most established TEDx platforms.
TEDxLausanne website →DatAfterwork
MC and program director for the data community's signature networking event. I design the format, host the evening, and keep 200+ data professionals engaged, entertained, and connected.
DatAfterwork website →I learn and collaborate with
From research to the stage
Independent Facilitator & Speaker
Facilitation, keynotes, and event hosting for companies, institutions, and associations across Switzerland and internationally.
Design Thinking Lecturer · HES-SO, Geneva
Regular training in design thinking and innovation methods for business school students.
TEDxLausanne Curator & License Holder
Designing the program, selecting speakers, and producing one of Switzerland's most established TEDx events.
Innovation Specialist & Team Lead · SQLI
Leading innovation engagements, strategy facilitation, and experience design for major Swiss and international clients.
Professional Actor & Director
25 years of theatre, improv, and directing — the foundation of everything I bring to a stage today.
PhD in Mathematics · EPFL, Lausanne
Structured thinking for complex problems. Applied daily ever since — just with more post-its.
Let's discuss
The best way to know if I'm the right person for your event, workshop, or keynote is a 30-minute conversation.
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