ABOUT

About Me

My Vision

It’s time to cultivate a new era of leadership—one that fuses excellence, diversity, and courage with authenticity, empathy, and compassion. I believe Europe’s strength lies in the unique identities of its countries and peoples. Europe is not a collection of fragmented nations, but a symphony of individual brilliance—where each nation contributes its distinctive voice to a collective force of innovation and prosperity.

As a proud European with a German passport and Turkish roots, I carry both the complexity and the promise of what unity can become within me. Against the backdrop of rising polarities, I believe Germany has the chance to chart a different course—one rooted not in fear, but in courage, inclusion, and shared renewal by embracing a responsibility to listen, connect, and evolve. The work begins within: by healing the divisions between East and West, ensuring every voice is heard, and fully integrating migrants into a labor market that recognizes and elevates their potential. When people are empowered to contribute their skills and perspectives, they shape not only their own futures—but the future of a more resilient, innovative, and prosperous society. In this way, Germany can become a bridge: connecting past and future, identity and opportunity, and helping to shape a Europe that thrives on unity through diversity.

By championing economic integration—particularly of migrants and women—we can unlock the full creative potential of our societies. Innovation flourishes where diverse minds work together. This is the foundation for social cohesion and shared prosperity. My vision is to see Europe rise as a global beacon—setting the standard for inclusive growth, cultural dignity, and visionary leadership. I am committed to being a catalyst for this future.

My Purpose

My purpose is to inspire and equip leaders and decision-makers with the clarity, courage, and perspective to lead meaningful transformation—in business, in society, and across borders. Through my keynote speaking, executive dialogues and moderations, as well as thought partnership, I help leaders navigate complexity, bridge divides, and reimagine what inclusive prosperity can look like.

Rooted in my academic work on migrant entrepreneurship—brought to life through Cyra Capital—I advocate for a future in which diversity fuels innovation and Europe becomes a lighthouse of unity, peace, and progress. This mission is not only professional—it’s deeply personal. My work is about creating the conditions where inclusive economies, social cohesion, and visionary leadership can thrive. It’s not just about ideas—it’s about building the future we want to live in. And the time to lead from that place is now.

About Me

I am a transformational speaker, thought leader, and expert moderator committed to shaping the future of leadership, economic transformation, and social integration. With a career spanning top-tier management consulting, academia, and entrepreneurship, I bridge disciplines to challenge conventional thinking, reframe outdated paradigms, and deliver compelling insights that drive systemic change.

As a proud European with Turkish roots and a German passport, I embody the strength of cultural complexity. My studies and work across continents have deepened my understanding of identity, migration, and leadership—reflected in my unwavering commitment to excellence, purpose, and impact. My pioneering research on migrant entrepreneurship and economic integration has placed me at the forefront of inclusive and innovation-driven economic thinking. Today, I bring this vision to life through Cyra Capital, my boutique investment firm that empowers migrant-founded tech startups—transforming research into real-world solutions.

My life is a testament to the power of embracing difference, challenging norms, and building bridges—between cultures, perspectives, and ideas—where others see only division. Those who work with me gain more than insight: they are challenged to think beyond the expected, inspired to lead with greater depth, and empowered to become catalysts for change in their own spheres.

In my personal life, I live the unity I envision for society: as a woman from former West Germany married to a man from former East Germany, I embody the essential bridging of Germany’s past. Together, we raise our four children with a shared belief in possibility, progress, and a future defined by inclusion and growth.

VALUES

My work is grounded in seven core values: love, authenticity, inspiration, purpose-driven impact, growth, excellence, and courage.

Love

Because true leadership begins with the heart. I believe in lifting others up, holding space for vulnerability, and creating environments where people feel seen, safe, supported, and inspired to grow.

Diversity

Innovation and resilience are born from many voices. I honour the strength in different perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences—because inclusion isn’t a value, it’s a strategy for the future.

Growth

Lifelong learning is leadership. I evolve constantly—in mindset, in mission, and in how I support others to grow into their own excellence by pushing the boundaries of possibility.

Authenticity

Standing firmly in truth and integrity. I believe in real conversations, deep listening, and showing up as who we are—because that’s where meaningful change begins.

Courage

Real transformation takes bravery. I challenge the status quo, embrace discomfort, and lead into the unknown with conviction and clarity.

Excellence

Not perfection, but intentional mastery. I hold myself and those I work with to the highest standard in thought leadership, creativity, and impact—because the world deserves our best.

Purpose-Driven Impact

Every engagement must move the needle. I strive to ensure that words lead to action, that vision turns into positive change, and that every step taken serves a higher collective good.

What people are saying about Daphne?

Lucia Hegenbartova

Fractional COO & AI Consultant;
Founder of the BreathLab

"I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Daphne on stage several times, and each time left a lasting impression. She has this rare ability to emotionally engage the audience with her captivating stories and thought-provoking impulses, creating a bridge between intellectual understanding and embodied experience. What stands out to me most is how she connects the dots across disciplines — weaving insights from the field of music into the context of leadership in a way that feels fresh and deeply relevant. Daphne is a master storyteller whose talks don’t just inform, they inspire and catalyze."

Nikolaus Weil

Film Producer and Investor

“Daphne Hering moves, inspires, and captivates—with intellect, vulnerability, and extraordinary stage presence. Her ability to weave personal story, societal responsibility, and transformative leadership into one clear and compelling message is as rare as it is powerful.”

Andrea Fernandez

Co-Founder of Vitamin;
SVP Voya Investment Management

"Daphne Hering is a true force for inclusive change – bold, compelling, and deeply inspiring. Her energy on stage moves hearts; sparks action and opens spaces for integration, innovation, and economic renewal. She has a unique ability to enable dialogue and create bridges opening channels for new perspectives.”

Gamal Moukabary

Founder of MyWage

"Daphne is a voice for a peaceful, united Europe and a free world—charismatic, unifying, and profoundly human. Her leadership message builds bridges between past and future, East and West, head and heart—rooted in deep personal experience. She not only inspires thought, she moves people to act."

Dagmar Mohrbach

CEO JOMO

"Daphne Hering doesn’t just speak about the future—she builds it. With a rare combination of strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and academic depth, she equips leaders to rethink systems, embrace complexity, and act boldly toward a more inclusive and prosperous society.”

Prof. Dr. Juan Ocampo

Early-stage Venture Capital Investor & Interim-Fractional COO

“Daphne Hering stands for substance, integrity, conviction, and impact. At the Mexican Embassy, she impressed not only with analytical clarity, but also with her ability to approach socio-political issues through an economic lens and derive actionable insights. As a partner in any network, she is both a catalyst for progress and a strategic thought leader.”

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