ENLIGHTENED INSIGHT

How a keynote speaker solves problems for client companies by standing before a mic in a room packed with people

- MARC ALMAGRO

Ms. Sonja Piontek indicates for me her exact location as global keynote speaker, her new calling, on the speakers’ map. We first met when she was the director of marketing for BMW Asia and reconnected when she started organizing luxury trips — those meticulously planned, no-expense-spared adventures for very wealthy clients — under her company Sonnenkind. Ms. Piontek is always filled with electric ideas and positive energies, and her latest journey is one that I expected would have come about sooner rather than later.

In the world of professional speaking are different kinds of speakers, she explains. Content speakers present in-depth content and are predominantly seen at conferences. Platform speakers use the stage to sell their products and services, and are often well-versed in sales psychology. Motivational and inspirational speakers are highly engaging speakers who inspire and touch the audience. Last but not least are keynote speakers — the main speaker of the day who deliver important messages that support the objective, set the tone and the framework for the overall success of the event. Besides these main types are their hybrid versions.

“You could probably best describe me as a deeply inspiring keynote speaker with a clear focus on creating tangible results for my clients,” she explains to me. “I take great pride in sustainably inspiring my audiences, and sharing with them valuable content as well as powerful tools.”

Portfolio: How did you get started with being a keynote speaker? Was it something that you imagined you could be doing?