In life, we meet countless people, friends, colleagues, family, and sometimes complete strangers. Most pass through our journey quietly. But a rare few leave a lasting imprint on our heart. Today, I’m going to speak about one such person. Yes.. This post is for you, Leopold Ajami. During the DDX Conference, while volunteering, I was moving between responsibilities, checking arrangements, coordinating tasks, staying on schedule. At one point, I was about to step away again for another volunteering duty. That’s when Leopold Ajami was announced as the next speaker. At that moment, I didn’t know who he was. I had no idea the kind of impact he would have not just on the audience, but on me. As I was about to leave, he began speaking. Something made me pause. I decided to sit down… just for a moment. That moment changed everything. I don’t know whether he spoke for an hour or two, time simply disappeared. What I do know is this: Every word felt deeply connected to my current life journey. It felt personal. It felt intentional. It felt like the message was meant for me. Only I know how challenging this phase of my life has been. And somehow, his words reached places that were still unhealed. They didn’t reopen wounds, they healed them. They felt like medicine. One line, in particular, stayed with me and continues to echo in my mind: “When you make them visible, they make you valuable.” Thank you, Leopold, for helping me understand my value at a time when I needed it the most. To everyone reading this: please follow him. Not just because he’s a powerful speaker, but because he’s a genuine, humble human being who truly changes lives. More than a speaker, you’ve earned a special place in my heart. Grateful always. 🙏

DDX Dubai last weekend was something else completely ✨ One of my absolute fav sessions was with Leopold Ajami that stayed with me long after, reframing connection as honesty, as the courage to give people something real instead of something perfect. And the simple fact that people connect with honesty and a good story.

Last week I attended DDX Dubai. After 20 years in the design industry, and right when I thought, “I’ve seen it all,” I found myself rediscovering new dimensions of the craft we all love and are passionate about. One of my biggest personal realizations was understanding that the “noise” around me has been holding me back from public speaking, not a lack of confidence. I also learned that by “giving a piece of yourself”, you gain far more in return. A great speech by Leopold Ajami, which I never wanted it to end.

At DDX 2026, I met Leopold Ajami — a true inspiration for many designers in the room. His message was simple but powerful: “Give them a piece of you.” You can’t influence people unless you’re willing to offer something real — your empathy, your perspective, your humanity. He shared a short story about Saif, a hotel housekeeper in Saudi Arabia, who once left a small hand-folded towel penguin in his room. No KPI. No system. Just intention. That small act turned into an exchange of towel creations and handwritten notes — two strangers choosing connection over routine. And that’s design. Not control. Not process. But perspective. If we want to truly impact others, we have to give a piece of ourselves first.

Leopold Ajami’s reminder to “give them a piece of yourself” was a masterclass in influence and presence. The freshness of his approach just left me spell bound. Hats off to Saif. Love your heart Saif. Mashallah!

خلال مسيرتي الأكاديمية وبداية حياتي المهنية أتممت مايقارب 7 برامج تدريبية حول الخطابة والتحدث أمام الجمهور، لكن .. لم أجد تدريب بهذه الكثافة يتمحور حول المحتوى المقدم للجمهور وكيف يمكن ترتيب المحتوى بالشكل المؤثر والمقنع للمستمع، وليس فقط لغة جسد أو نبرة صوت، بل المنتج أو البحث الذي لديك كيف يمكنه أن يصل إلى صانع القرار أو صاحب المصلحة كل الشكر للمدرب المتميز Leopold Ajami ومركز Emeritus على هذا التدريب المميز والمثري والشكر موصول الى DIFI على الاهتمام بتطوير الموارد البشرية Doha International Family Institute (DIFI)

Give them a piece of you, DDX . What an inspiring speech by Leopold Ajami . He went deep into human experience and behavior, sharing an original story that truly connected on a human level. It was a pleasure meeting Leopold and having a meaningful conversation with him. Genuinely inspired me and helped shed light on my future path. Thank you for your timeand and your lovely story.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲? At DDX Dubai this weekend, Leopold Ajami answered that question in a way I didn't expect. He spoke about two ideas The Loop and The Cue. The Loop is about the small moments we miss. A gesture. A connection point. Life keeps offering us these tiny invitations to notice, to connect, to continue something. But we close them without realizing. His towel story explains it better than I can: lnkd.in/g6NY-fUJ The Cue is different. It's about influence before you speak. The presence you bring. The signal you send before the first word. He calls it The Paqui Cue: lnkd.in/grTnhywt I went in expecting UX insights. What I got was a reminder. In a world obsessed with scale, speed, and AI, real influence is still simple. It's human. It's giving a piece of yourself. Making someone feel seen. Adding value before asking for anything. Thank you, Leopold. Your stories reminded me that sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply being more human.

DDX was amazing this year. The highlight however was Leopold Ajami who was not just a great storyteller but the whole room full of people felt the message. Very very inspiring and he literally touched every part of the being of an individual.

A special mention to Leopold Ajami. I used to doubt that a single talk could shift your entire outlook, but today, I'm living proof that I had a truly meaningful conversation with him, and this space isn’t enough to capture the depth of that experience. A much deeper reflection is coming soon. Stay tuned.

I had the chance to attend DDX Dubai at the very last moment, and I’m so glad I did! The first day featured insightful talks, thoughtful speakers, and a vibrant mix of designers and industry professionals. One talk that really resonated with me was by Leopold Ajami, who emphasized the importance of making the people around us visible and recognizing that what they do matters. It was a strong reminder to put humanity before everything else, especially in a world so focused on outcomes.

What you shared wasn’t theory It was transformation. A meaningful session in every sense. Thanks A lot Leopold Ajami ✨💫🌟

Thank you Leo for giving us a piece of you. Your presence, depth, and humanity made this week unforgettable. We carry forward the lessons, the moments, and the impact you left in every one of us ✨

Leopold Ajami reminded the whole room that the most powerful thing you can give an audience is a genuine piece of yourself. Genuinely one of the most memorable moments of the weekend 😌

Leopold Ajami's Talk At DDX: Give Them A Piece Of You My personal favorite. A deeply human talk about presence, generosity, storytelling, and influence. It was a beautiful reminder that what we bring as people is part of what we design.

Thank you for sharing such a beautifully curated story. The narrative is engaging and serves as a powerful reminder to practice elements we often overlook in our daily routines.

Leopold Ajami thank you again for sharing this story with us. It was one of the most memorable talks and Saif's story is one I'll definitely remember.

This calls for a redefinition of meritocracy. Your talk at DDX Dubai still lingers in my mind with a great force that is now present for me in both intention and action! Thank you Leopold Ajami

The power of storytelling course is a game changer for me, it will definitely change the way I make my presentations in the future as well as improving the overall experience of the desired subject.

I’ve had the privilege of participating in Leopold’s Training & Coaching programs as part of my professional development journey. I’m passionate about continuous learning and growth, and this experience has truly supported me in enhancing my leadership and communication skills. I would describe Leopold’s Training & Coaching as a truly engaging and impactful learning experience.

You are really touched our hearts before our minds. Thanks a lot

Thank you for your inspiring sessions. This course has helped me discover the Paulo Coelho within me, the voice that transforms simple experiences into meaningful stories that can touch others.

Leopold’s training was truly transformative. His coaching gave me clarity, confidence, and practical tools I can apply immediately. I would highly recommend his program to anyone seeking real growth and lasting impact.

I’m Turki People at work and life says that I’m one of the strongest presenters and story tellers. I wasn’t quite sure why should I join this course until I did. I discovered that I’m no where close to strong story tellers, and what I’ve discovered in these 5 days are a game changer at all levels not only work. Leo is an influencer and coach more than just a trainer, his knowledge, way, technique are close to our heart He gave all of us free lessons, and 1 of the most influential lesson learned was how fatherhood should be and how can I be a better father. Leo’s experience and course shall be given to children’s as a sort of character and personality building and a long lasting investment. Thank you Leo

I am just one among the hundreds of people you have trained… but I want to remind you of something I learned from you, from the heart: your DNA is your work. Remember that? You are not just a trainer, but a human being who lives and breathes what you teach. Even in the videos of your beautiful daughter, I saw the reflection of your DNA in her,she represents you so honestly and truly carries your genes. By the way, I am Bader. Through your training, I learned skills I never imagined I would ever learn or be touched by. They weren’t just practical skills, but an experience that changed me from within, transforming the way I think, how I see myself, and how I see others. The very first thing I started applying was with my daughter, NOURA. And if someone asked me to describe my experience with your training, I would simply say: it’s not just training sessions, it is a true journey of transformation… one that leaves a deep impact that stays with you wherever you go.

I am now the Alchemist, a participant in your storytelling course. Thank you for your inspiring sessions. This course has helped me discover the Paulo Coelho within me — the voice that transforms simple experiences into meaningful stories that touch others. Like the Alchemist, I believe in the magic of transformation: turning challenges into lessons, dreams into journeys, and words into bridges that connect hearts.

Leopold Ajami hosted a brilliant workshop on the art of ethical persuasion and how it can be used in a respectful and mutually beneficial manner. Some key points that stood out included: 🎯 Implementing a Win-Win Strategy → Build relationships while achieving business goals. 🎯 The 7 Persuasion Principles → Reciprocity, Likability, Unity, Social Proof, Authenticity, Consistency, and Scarcity. Mastering these can elevate your communication.

Dear Mr. Leo, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional presentation skills and storytelling workshop you conducted for us. Your style was truly incredible and memorable. I was particularly impressed by your ability to connect emotionally with the audience and craft compelling narratives have already made a significant impact on me. The techniques and strategies you shared were invaluable, and your passion for public speaking was evident throughout the session made the learning experience enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your expertise and for inspiring us to become more confident and impactful communicators. We hope to have the opportunity to learn from you again in the future. Sincerely, Abdulaziz

Leopold Ajami shared a game-changing approach to stakeholder buy-in: Verbalizing "small yesses" and using stories from everyday experiences to strengthen your design narrative.

Storytelling connects us. It lets us relate, empathize, and often leaves us changed, persuaded, or inspired. I’ve always known its power, but crafting my own story was a challenge. Through the presentation skills and storytelling program, I learned practical frameworks and techniques that made capturing this magic easier. Thank you Leopold Ajami — can’t wait to put these into action!

Hi Leopold, It was a pleasure meeting you and attending your powerful workshop at DDX! The techniques and insights you shared were incredibly impactful, and I’m excited to put them into practice as a designer. I'm currently going through your 7-day course on ethical persuasion, and it’s already shifting my perspective in meaningful ways.

1. Who are you? I’m Reema, a project manager who believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and drive change. 2. How has Leopold’s Training & Coaching helped you? It transformed the way I communicate, giving me the confidence to tell stories that truly resonate and deliver presentations that leave an impact. 3. If you had to describe Leopold’s training and coaching to a friend or colleague, what would you say? It’s more than just training—it’s an experience that unlocks your voice, helps you craft meaningful stories, and gives you the tools to captivate any audience.

Leopold Ajami You were fantastic delivering this course on Presentation and Storytelling Skills. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! I did truly enjoy it 🙏

It was an absolute pleasure managing this program on Presentation and Storytelling Skills, and seeing the energy, passion, and transformation in the room. The hunger for learning was truly inspiring! Huge thanks to Leopold and the team for making it such a powerful experience! 🔥💪🏼

Thanks Leopold for your amazing work on the presentation and storytelling skills program! 👏 Looking forward to more successful collaborations in the future!

I really learned the secrets of presentation and storytelling. Thank you !

Leopold Genius Ajami. A person who impacted my life tremendously and still manages to do it every single day. At my first ever conference, I met Leopold. He became an inspiration for me. The way he taught me and many others about how to influence people, excell in public speaking, ethical persuasion and much more is indescribable. You don't have to listen to him to learn from him, you can just watch. But if you dare to hear and listen, your life will change so much! When Leopold started coaching me, I gained so much confidence. I started crafting my first talk, implementing many changes in my daily life, and working every day on my skills. I can't recommend Leopold enough. If you want an unlimited source of inspiration, knowledge and are ready to implement it, Leopold is the right person for it!

Working with Leopold at Novel Philosophy Academy was a transformative experience. His guidance proved invaluable as I explored critical and creative thinking through a unique philosophical lens. Leopold's ability to explain complex ideas with clarity and precision, using rational inquiry, broadened my perspective across various domains. From understanding relationships to navigating the intricacies of modern culture, history, love, technology, literature, and work, Leopold's approach fostered a critical thinking approach that has become second nature. Through our exploration of philosophy's giants, we learned to dissect complex ideas, distilling their essence into clear and actionable principles. This not only sharpened my critical thinking but also transformed my communication skills. I became adept at simplifying intricate concepts and conveying them with fluency and clarity, both in writing and verbally. Leopold's unique approach made philosophy a practical toolkit for leadership and effective communication. We took timeless wisdom and applied it to real-world scenarios, turning philosophy on its head and making it a powerful tool for navigating complex situations. This journey not only equipped me with the skills necessary to thrive as an entrepreneur, but also fostered a lasting friendship with Leopold.

I was fortunate enough to attend Leopold's presentation at DDX Dubai, where he shared valuable insights on ethical persuasion and the importance of effective communication. His use of real-life examples and emphasis on principles such as reciprocity left a lasting impression on me.

I had the privilege of working with Leo on a program focused on ethical persuasion, and trust me I was immediately struck by his exceptional depth of knowledge. Beyond being highly informed, he’s the kind of person who captivates the room with his engaging presence. Philosophy, psychology, life, business... Leopold brings intellectual creativity to every conversation and connects with people on multiple levels. Over three days, we shared deep, inspiring discussions that left a lasting impression on me personally. Check him on YouTube and you'll understand why. Lastly if you don’t have Leo in your circle, I (strongly/highly/extensively) recommend reaching out. Personally, I'm taking him as a mentor in many aspects (You better watch out Leo) and I suggest you do the same. Believe me he’s exactly the type of person you want to have around.

Leopold is a great sport to work with. He helped us shape our investor pitch to advance to the finals in the Startup World Cup 2024! His feedback is precise and easy to implement. On a personal note, he is encouraging and curious.

Leopold is a fantastic speaking coach. Not only does he deliver the knowledge to improve our communication with our target audience, but he also does it in an engaging and entertaining manner, showing how he has mastered the art of communication.

Want to master the stage? Leopold is the perfect coach for you. Leopold has a magnificent approach to teaching and coaching. His methods in training public speaking are remarkable. He doesn't only help you get rid of the fear of stage, but also transforms the stage into your game field. If you are looking to master the art of articulation and persuasion then Leopold is the perfect coach for you!

Leopold’s revolutionized my presentation! I highly recommend Leopold as a coach for anyone preparing for important presentations or pitches. While preparing for a forum in New York, Leopold provided one-on-one coaching that significantly enhanced my performance. His guidance on crafting a ‘Powerline’ and utilizing his ‘LIGHT’ formula revolutionized my presentation approach. Thanks to his coaching, I was among the top twelve selected to pitch my project at the forum in New York City. In the same year, I have spoken at two international conferences with confidence and ease, all thanks to the skills instilled by Leopold. His personalized coaching truly makes a difference, and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Leopold delivered a memorable presentation at the DDX24 conference in Dubai, focusing on ethical persuasion and the significance of effective communication. His incorporation of real-world scenarios and emphasis on principles like reciprocity resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on myself and other attendees. His presentation not only educated the audience but also captivated them, demonstrating how professionals across various domains can amplify their influence through effective communication strategies.

“If you have not attended Leopold's lecture, then congratulations; you are in for a first-time listening pleasure. His lecture is not just to learn something new; its purpose is to make a person think and look at oneself and the environment ‘differently. It's truly incredible how one lecture can change your life; that's why I recommend that you experience it for yourself; it can't be put into words. Thanks to Leo for not sparing a single emotion, word, or body language to convey what he had to say exactly and without missing anything.”

Thanks to Leopold’s coaching, I left my audience with goosebumps! Public speaking was always a rocket science for me. Until I met Léopold. The way how he explains the principles of communication and ethical persuasion is powerful and effective. Just after my 1st webinar with him I was able to apply one of the principles - Powerline, and leave goosebumps on my audience. 1st time in my life I managed to connect with my audience! And it’s me, who never was a good public speaker before. Thank you, Léopold, for guiding me in developing this skill and making this journey enjoyable.

Leopold is an amazing public speaking and storytelling coach; his approach is simple yet very powerful. His coaching method is outstanding, helping you push boundaries, explore creative ideas, and craft engaging stories by asking the right questions. I highly recommend Leopold to anyone interested in leveling up their presentation and storytelling skills. Looking forward to working together again.

You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll progress under Leopold's guidance. His transformative approach to communication and creativity blended with Philosophy is revolutionary! He has an unmatched depth of knowledge and ability to make complex concepts easy to grasp. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll progress under his guidance. One of Leopold's greatest strengths is his attentive listening skills and ability to provide thoughtful, supportive, and constructive feedback.

I've gone from boring to engaging presentations! Leopold Ajami is both serious and playful to work with, which is a winning combination for improving my public presentation skills. He takes ideas seriously but knows how to use creativity to make complex material accessible. I've gone from having a boring style of academically reading a paper to creating engaging presentations with an audience leaning forward in their seats. I look forward to more advanced public speaking coaching support from Leopold to help me on my journey!

Leopold's coaching transformed my communication skills, providing clarity and confidence. Beyond formal sessions, he offers last-minute guidance and excels in both traditional and digital communication. His holistic strategy enhances online visibility and fosters authentic connections offline. His guidance and unique communication methodology are not just transformative; they are catalysts for unlocking your communication on stage and backstage!

Leopold’s training secured my promotion! As a jurist, I thought persuasion was my playground. However, Leopold Ajami transformed my approach. He taught me that compelling arguments are not enough and that the power of persuasion lies in understanding and connecting with others. His training provided me with practical insights that helped me secure a promotion in a highly competitive environment. Leopold’s technique is magic that turns the improbable into the achievable.

Leopold Ajami is by far the best Public Speaker I know! He has the unique skill to open your mind and truly think about the world in ways you couldn't imagine. With his combination of Philosophy, Design, Speaking Coaching, and Psychology, he offers a unique method of thinking. He is by far the best Public Speaker I have come across, and I can't wait to collaborate with him again!

"I have been working with Leopold for a year now, and every session is a pleasure. It is a mix of philosophy, tools, and frameworks, as well as practice. It is a unique blend that helps me with not only my public speaking practical skills but also effectively supports my thought leadership. I have received many compliments since I started working with Leopold. I’m now able to connect with my audience and share memorable messages. I recommend working with him to anyone interested in crafting well-thought messages and making an impact."

Leopold spoke at DDX24 Dubai and gave a phenomenal speech on how designers and professionals of all backgrounds can increase the impact of their work through effective and powerful communication techniques. It was both highly educational and engaging for the audience. The talk received incredible feedback from people in the audience and also on Social Media afterward. I can highly recommend Leopold as an engaging speaker for every conference and look forward to finding more opportunities to feature his inspiring perspectives at DDX in the years to come. “