Knowledge meets impact – motivation to the point and stays in your head
With Cherno Jobatey, professional expertise meets energetic entertainment. When the well-known presenter and media specialist takes to the stage as a speaker, the audience can expect a veritable firework display of facts, political acumen, media insider insights and pure motivation. His presentations hit the heart and brain with full force. Full of knowledge, they storm ahead of any change. Keynote speakerJobatey knows how to inspire like no other, but also to dive deep into the contexts that will determine our future – from politics, society and media to digitalization and AI.
Media expertise meets stage power = speaker
As a speaker and keynote speaker, Cherno Jobatey knows the power of the media – whether traditional or digital. No wonder he shaped the Huffington Post as an editor, hosted the ZDF morning show for over two decades, reached millions with his candid camera show “Verstehen Sie Spaß?” and teaches at universities such as the University of Tübingen, TUM Munich and the University of St. Gallen.
He also has an unbridled interest in new technologies such as AI, which are not only changing the world of media, but also influencing politics, elections and society. That’s why his keynotes are real change triggers for anyone who wants to experience sparkling motivation and multifaceted knowledge. Guaranteed without empty phrases! Instead, keynote speaker Cherno Jobatey brings a real showstopper to the stage as a – for all those who want to surf the wave of the future in this time of change.
Grooving change, making the future audible in a keynote
Cherno Jobatey sees digitalization not as a risk, but as an opportunity. He doesn’t preach diversity, he lives it. And moves more with one sentence than others with long blah blah blah. In short: Cherno Jobatey is a speaker with rhythm, who grooves motivation, rocks change and makes the future audible.
Speaker Cherno Jobatey: The energy of a boundary crosser
But where does Cherno Jobatey get all his multi-talented energy and motivation from? Just take a look at his past: Born in Berlin, the son of a German piano teacher and a British chef, Cherno was a boundary crosser between worlds from an early age – culturally, intellectually and creatively. He learned from his father what it means to have a fighting chance. His mother didn’t let him watch TV, but she did let him read the newspaper for hours on end. A look into his future? Full of opportunities for change. The soundtrack of his youth? Nile Rodgers, Prince, Jeff Beck – and Groove Gangster GmbH, his own band, with whom he has played over 400 concerts to date.
From the newsroom to the revolution – the future as an opportunity
Jobatey’s path led him straight into the media world after studying politics and economics in Berlin and with a DAAD scholarship in Los Angeles. Whether as a teleprompter operator and then local reporter at the Berlin Evening News or as a freelance journalist for taz, WirtschaftsWoche, Spiegel Magazin and Die Zeit – Cherno Jobatey has learned media from the ground up. And has always rethought it. His interviews with Chancellor Helmut Kohl or Mick Jagger: legendary! His unadapted “out-of-the-box” style? Revolutionary. And that’s exactly why he became the voice of a new generation of journalists – curious, creative and with a clear edge.
The face of morning television – of change and diversity
As host of the ZDF morning show, Cherno Jobatey shaped the format from the very beginning and made television history: his smile also brought diversity to German screens before it became a buzzword. But soon it wasn’t just the early mornings that belonged to Jobatey, but also Saturday nights: he hosted the ARD classic candid camera show “Verstehen Sie Spaß?” for five years. His own talk show on RBB-TV followed. Cherno Jobatey is always on the move, always changing. Today, it is impossible to imagine the German media landscape without the speaker and keynote speaker. With his unmistakable blend of journalistic depth, alert intellect and charming looseness, he has helped write television history.
Change-maker in the AI age of digitalization
But his sphere of influence extends far beyond the television camera: in 2013, he became publisher of the Huffington Post. He was one of the first to prove how journalism can reach the masses in the age of digitalization and became a change-maker for newspaper publishers himself. As an experienced presenter, the media creator now hosts shows, sporting events, panel discussions, town halls and international political and business events. Many in politics, business, cultureand the media rely on his ability to convey complex topics in a pointed manner.
Motivation through impulses that resonate – and have a lasting effect
Cherno Jobatey inspires with a rare combination of motivation, sound analysis and showmanship. He gives impulses that resonate and makes people think – about topics such as change, the future and our human responsibility. Whether it’s social upheaval, the power of diversity or the impact of AI on our lives, this speaker thinks further and differently.
‘CSP‘ title for stage performance awarded by the international governing body of the speaking industry
The Board of Directors of the National Speaker Association has awarded Cherno Jobatey the title “Certified Speaking Professional” (CSP) in 2025.
The CSP® is the highest internationally recognized quality award for speakers. It is achieved through extensive verification, documentation, and audits over 10 years of continuous professionalism, performance, customer satisfaction and success.
Comments from participants
“Very captivating keynote, thank you very much!” D. Bopp Management Circle
“Motivational guru Cherno Jobatey” Woman with a heart magazine
“Respect for the best keynote of this year’s CCW-Convention” A. Juenger Chief Editor CallCenterProfi
“So inspiring to break through boundaries and dance at the same time. Really impressive!” A. von Berlin via Instagram
“Thanks for your inspiring thoughts on communications and AI” M. Euler via LinkedIn
“Fantastic Cherno Jobatey” N. Muntean via LinkedIn
“Cool keynote” M. Goetz via LinkedIn
“… one of my absolute favorite acts” J. Cares via Instagram
”It actually made fun” Dr. C. Runge via LinkedIn
Frequently asked questions about keynote speaker Cherno Jobatey
A keynote is not just a presentation! It’s a spark. It makes people think, feel, and remember why they do what they do. In a world that is continually changing and full of noise, a keynote stands out as something important. It links the mind with the heart. It puts everything in context, links strategy with inspiration, links ideas with purpose, and converts facts into motivation.
A great keynote doesn’t just deliver knowledge; it makes people curious, makes them challenge their views, and inspires them to act long after the clapping has gone. It’s the moment when energy and insight come together and people begin to view things differently. The best keynote speakers don’t just fill a room; they make it move!
A speech talks; a keynote changes, transforms! A speech delivers information; a keynote delivers momentum. It’s not just about sharing ideas; it’s also about giving teams a sense of direction, motivating them, and changing their minds.
Cherno Jobatey has worked with some of the most well-known companies and organizations in the world, such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Deloitte, Amazon, Google, Lufthansa, SAP, EY, SONY, Hewlett Packard, Vodafone, ProSieben, IBM, BCG, Meta, General Motors, CES Las Vegas, and many others.
Yes. The CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) title is the highest level of certification in the professional speaking field. This honor is given to people who are excellent, consistent, and have an influence on international platforms and stages. CSP means in plain English: Cherno Jobatey is one of the best speakers in the world.
Engaging, warm, surprising, and memorable. As one attendee put it: “It’s like listening to good music, energizing and full of rhythm.” Another: “So inspiring to hear you talk and dance at the same time. Really impressive!” The Swedish Professor Astrid Linder of the National Road and Transport Research Institute: “Cherno, you created a great feeling on stage. Well done!”
Cherno Jobatey’s signature keynotes are on communication and change, how to not just manage but embrace and lead transformation. He also explores leadership, innovation, and motivation, drawing on politics, pop culture, history, and digital transformation.
An interesting experience that goes beyond just getting ideas. Cherno Jobatey’s talks are interactive, sometimes musical, and make people think. They leave people feeling energized and ready to act.
Cherno views change as the entry ticket to the future. With his own experience of moving successfully from analog to digital media, he shows audiences how to adapt, communicate with clarity, and stay relevant in a fast-paced, noisy world.
Cherno Jobatey researches every organization he talks about its culture, people, and goals. He writes each speech as if it were a performance, making sure that the message connects with both the audience and the time.
Cherno Jobatey studied politics and business, started as a journalist for taz, Spiegel, and Die Zeit, and went on to become a household name on German TV. He hosted morning news, science shows, and a Candid Camera Show before becoming Editorial Director of the Huffington Post. He also teaches at top universities including St. Gallen, TU Munich, and University of Tübingen. He holds a Master in Business.