Leadership Under Pressure – What Leaders Can Learn from a Bundesliga Referee
In my keynote, I share exclusive insights from my career as a FIFA and Bundesliga referee. Making split-second decisions, managing stress in heated situations, and leading confidently under maximum pressure. These are challenges that referees and business leaders alike must master.Using vivid real-life examples, I demonstrate how expert knowledge, clear communication, and assertiveness make the difference between success and failure. Not only on the field but also in the business world.
Sales is Like a Game – Those Who Know the Rules Close the Deals
A successful referee not only knows the rules of the game but also understands how to apply them situationally to ensure fair play and a smooth flow. The same principle applies to sales. Those who thoroughly understand the framework, customer expectations, and decision-making processes can act with confidence and achieve successful deals.
Success is a Team Effort – In Sports as Well as in Business
Without a strong team of assistants, the VAR, and match officials, it would be impossible to make the right decisions. Precise communication, a high level of trust, and a shared understanding of how to interpret the rules are essential to finding the best possible solution within seconds.The same applies to business: No leader can achieve long-term success by relying solely on themselves. Successful companies build on teams that support each other, make clear agreements, and work together toward a common goal.Only when everyone pulls in the same direction and contributes their individual strengths can top performance emerge. On the field and in everyday business life. Teamwork is the deciding factor. Between victory or defeat, success or stagnation
Leadership Under Pressure – What Leaders Can Learn from a Bundesliga Referee
Sales is Like a Game – Those Who Know the Rules Close the Deals
Success is a Team Effort – In Sports as Well as in Business
In my keynote, I share exclusive insights from my career as a FIFA and Bundesliga referee. Making split-second decisions, managing stress in heated situations, and leading confidently under maximum pressure. These are challenges that referees and business leaders alike must master.
Using vivid real-life examples, I demonstrate how expert knowledge, clear communication, and assertiveness make the difference between success and failure. Not only on the field but also in the business world.
A successful referee not only knows the rules of the game but also understands how to apply them situationally to ensure fair play and a smooth flow. The same principle applies to sales. Those who thoroughly understand the framework, customer expectations, and decision-making processes can act with confidence and achieve successful deals.
Without a strong team of assistants, the VAR, and match officials, it would be impossible to make the right decisions. Precise communication, a high level of trust, and a shared understanding of how to interpret the rules are essential to finding the best possible solution within seconds.
The same applies to business: No leader can achieve long-term success by relying solely on themselves. Successful companies build on teams that support each other, make clear agreements, and work together toward a common goal.
Only when everyone pulls in the same direction and contributes their individual strengths can top performance emerge. On the field and in everyday business life. Teamwork is the deciding factor. Between victory or defeat, success or stagnation.
My name is Daniel Schlager. I have been active as a referee in the German Bundesliga since 2018 and now also officiate internationally as a FIFA referee.
Thanks to years of attention to detail, self-reflection, discipline, and a high level of self-motivation, I was able to turn my passion into my profession.
Through my experience on the field, combined with my sales expertise as a financial advisor, I am well acquainted with the challenges of “daily business” from many different perspectives. This makes me the perfect keynote speaker for your event.
Would you like exclusive insights into the decision-making world of a FIFA referee and are you ready for a one-two pass?
Then book me today!
Inspiring, motivating, and up close… That’s how I would describe Daniel when he gives his talks. He captivates the audience and masterfully creates a connection between high-performance sports, expertise, and decision-making confidence. Just like a true leader. It’s not just a speech; Daniel welcomes all questions, takes his time, and leaves behind an incredible sense of energy and motivation. Thank you!
As part of our event series for the UEFA Euro 2024, Daniel delivered an engaging keynote on the development and application of the latest technologies in refereeing. He impressed the audience with both informative and entertaining content, and his insider knowledge added significant value, making the event a true highlight. The lively discussion following his presentation underscored the great interest of the participants in Daniel’s expertise on refereeing.
Daniel’s engaging and inspiring talk was the highlight of our conference with 140 executives at the MHPArena in Stuttgart. With his relaxed yet confident manner, he conveys the self-assurance that turns leaders into true personalities. Daniel not only entertained our colleagues exceptionally well but also provided practical solutions for handling challenging and fast-paced situations. Ultimately, it all comes down to dealing with people—whether as an internationally active referee or as a leader navigating the diverse daily business with colleagues and customers. Thank you very much for that!
