Leyla Acaroglu Keynote Speaker

Dr. Leyla Acaroglu is an award-winning designer, sociologist, and sustainability provocateur who challenges people to think differently about how the world works. Named a United Nations Champion of the Earth in 2016, she is internationally recognized for her work in advancing science and innovation for sustainability. Her mainstage TED Talk, “Paper Beats Plastic?”, has been viewed over a million times, sparking global conversations on life-cycle thinking and environmental folklore.

As the founder of Disrupt Design, The UnSchool of Disruptive Design, and the CO Project Farm, Acaroglu has developed the Disruptive Design Method—a 12-part methodology blending systems thinking, sustainability sciences, and design to activate positive social and environmental change. Her initiatives have equipped thousands of professionals worldwide with the tools to embed sustainability and regenerative principles into their work.

Acaroglu’s influence extends across various sectors, having collaborated with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme, IKEA, and Circular Australia, where she serves as the honorary Chief Circular Designer. Her educational platforms, including Circular Futures and Swivel Skills, offer innovative training programs that promote circular economy principles and systems-based design strategies.

In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Acaroglu has authored several handbooks, such as “Swivel to Sustainability: A Guidebook to Full Systems Business Transformation” and the “Disruptive Design Method Handbook,” providing practical frameworks for individuals and organizations aiming to drive sustainable innovation. Her work has been featured in prominent publications, including The New York Times and Quartz, and she continues to lead keynotes and workshops globally, inspiring audiences to embrace creative disruption for a sustainable future.