Andrej Kiska Keynote Speaker

Andrej Kiska is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and respected public figure whose journey epitomizes resilience and transformation. In 1990, after the fall of communism, he moved to the United States and worked 100-hour weeks cleaning floors at a gas station in New Jersey for just $4 per hour. Returning to Slovakia, he founded several successful financial services companies, including Triangel and Quatro, which served over one million people and became some of the country’s most prominent hire-purchase providers. In 2005, he sold his shares and shifted his focus to charity work and motivational speaking.

In 2006, Kiska co-founded the Good Angel Foundation (Dobrý Anjel) to assist families facing financial hardship due to serious illness. Under his leadership, it became one of the most effective non-profit organizations in Slovakia, later expanding into the Czech Republic. His philanthropic efforts were recognized with the Trend magazine’s Manager of the Year award in 2006 and the Crystal Wing Award for philanthropy in 2011.

Elected in 2014 as the first Slovak President without a communist-era political background, Kiska prioritized restoring public trust in a polarized nation. Two years into his term, he held a 75% approval rating—an achievement grounded in his empathetic, hands-on approach, exemplified by opening the President’s Palace on his first day in office to seniors, orphans, and the homeless. During his presidency, he was honored with several national awards, including the Order of the White Double Cross, Order of Ľudovít Štúr, Pribina Cross, and Order of Andrej Hlinka.

After his presidency, Kiska continued his public service by founding the political party Za ľudí (For the People) in 2019, aiming to promote transparency and integrity in Slovak politics. He authored two books sharing his insights on leadership and personal development.

Kiska’s dynamic keynote addresses draw on his experiences as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and head of state, offering fresh perspectives on ethical governance, social responsibility, and principled leadership. He illustrates how unwavering commitment, compassion, and a forward-looking mindset can elevate both businesses and societies worldwide.