Derreck Kayongo
- Survived a Civil War in Uganda & Refugee Camp in Kenya
- Former CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Global Humanitarian
- CNN Hero
Derreck Kayongo’s remarkable journey exemplifies the power of combining profit with purpose. As a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck has demonstrated that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the world. Through his visionary idea of the Global Soap Project, Derreck has shown that creative problem solving and keen...
read the restDerreck Kayongo’s remarkable journey exemplifies the power of combining profit with purpose. As a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and renowned human rights activist, Derreck has demonstrated that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the world.
Through his visionary idea of the Global Soap Project, Derreck has shown that creative problem solving and keen observation can lead to innovative solutions that address global challenges. By collecting discarded and unused soap from hotels worldwide and redistributing it to communities in need, Derreck has not only built a successful humanitarian aid organization but has also tackled global health issues in 90 countries. This simple yet effective approach has led to a reduction in hygiene-related diseases and deaths in at-risk communities.
Derreck’s inspiring story proves that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. He has leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit to create tangible change in the world, demonstrating that even small ideas can have a massive impact. His success has garnered international recognition, including being named a 2011 CNN Top Ten Hero and a 2014 TED Talks speaker.
In a world where businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of corporate social responsibility, Derreck Kayongo stands as a shining example of how to balance profit with purpose. His tireless efforts to create a better world through entrepreneurship and humanitarianism serve as an inspiration for future generations of business leaders looking to make a difference.
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Speaker Programs
What does it take to turn a simple idea into a lasting legacy? Derreck Kayongo’s Global Soap Project revolutionized the hotel industry and improved global health, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven innovation. In this ...more
What does it take to turn a simple idea into a lasting legacy?
Derreck Kayongo’s Global Soap Project revolutionized the hotel industry and improved global health, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven innovation. In this transformative keynote,
Derreck introduces his L.E.G.A.C.Y framework—Legendary Leadership, Eagle-eyed Focus, Unlocking Genius, Adaptability, Capacity to Synthesize, and You.
By sharing his journey from refugee to visionary entrepreneur, Derreck inspires audiences to embrace their passions, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful legacies that outlast them. ...less
In a world filled with uncertainty, injustice, and rapid transformation, each of us holds untapped power to make a difference. In this dynamic and inspiring keynote, CNN Hero and global thought leader Dr. Derreck ...more
In a world filled with uncertainty, injustice, and rapid transformation, each of us holds untapped power to make a difference.
In this dynamic and inspiring keynote, CNN Hero and global thought leader Dr. Derreck Kayongo shares his personal journey from a childhood as a refugee to becoming the founder of the Global Soap Project to illustrate how ordinary individuals can create extraordinary change.
Blending humor, storytelling, and practical insight, Dr. Kayongo explores the inner tools we all possess courage, resilience, empathy, and vision and how to activate them to become agents of positive disruption in our communities, organizations, and the world.
This talk will leave audiences motivated, equipped, and ready to stop waiting for change... and start becoming the change. ...less
What drives real, lasting change? In this powerful keynote, global humanitarian and CNN Hero Dr. Derreck Kayongo unpacks his remarkable journey from Ugandan refugee to visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Global Soap Project. His ...more
What drives real, lasting change? In this powerful keynote, global humanitarian and CNN Hero Dr. Derreck Kayongo unpacks his remarkable journey from Ugandan refugee to visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Global Soap Project.
His formula for success is rooted in one transformative principle: S.E.L.F.—Service, Education, Leadership, and Faith.
With humor, authenticity, and unforgettable storytelling, Derreck reveals how tapping into the power of S.E.L.F. equips individuals and organizations to rise above adversity, lead with courage, and build movements that matter.
Whether you're a corporate leader, nonprofit trailblazer, or emerging changemaker, this talk delivers the tools and mindset you need to lead with heart and drive bold results. ...less
From Ugandan refugee to successful entrepreneur, Derreck Kayongo’s journey is a testament to the power of Service, Education, Leadership, and Faith (S.E.L.F.). As founder of the Global Soap Project, Derreck turned a simple idea recycling ...more
From Ugandan refugee to successful entrepreneur, Derreck Kayongo’s journey is a testament to the power of Service, Education, Leadership, and Faith (S.E.L.F.).
As founder of the Global Soap Project, Derreck turned a simple idea recycling hotel soap into a global movement improving hygiene and saving lives. In this inspiring presentation, he shares how personal accountability, team empowerment, and relentless faith can drive extraordinary outcomes.
Perfect for leaders, innovators, and changemakers, this keynote offers a roadmap for transforming passion into impactful action. ...less
Discrimination in the workplace costs more than we realize impacting morale, brand reputation, and even stock prices. Derreck Kayongo, former CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights and founder of the Global Soap ...more
Discrimination in the workplace costs more than we realize impacting morale, brand reputation, and even stock prices. Derreck Kayongo, former CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights and founder of the Global Soap Project, brings a fresh perspective to the importance of Diversity & Inclusion.
In this compelling keynote, Derreck challenges organizations to develop a “Corporate Moral Aptitude,” a cultural intelligence akin to Emotional Intelligence but tailored to addressing unconscious bias and fostering inclusivity.
Audiences will leave with actionable strategies to reimagine workplace culture, unlock innovation, and build a more inclusive future. ...less
What does it truly take to build a legacy that outlives you? In this electrifying and soul-stirring keynote, CNN Hero and social innovator Dr. Derreck Kayongo takes audiences on a journey from his humble beginnings ...more
What does it truly take to build a legacy that outlives you? In this electrifying and soul-stirring keynote, CNN Hero and social innovator Dr. Derreck Kayongo takes audiences on a journey from his humble beginnings as a refugee to founding the Global Soap Project a groundbreaking initiative that redefined corporate responsibility and saved lives worldwide.
At the heart of this talk is Derreck’s powerful L.E.G.A.C.Y. framework:
Legendary Leadership, Eagle-eyed Focus, Genius Unlocking, Adaptability, Capacity to Synthesize, and You. With authenticity, humor, and profound insight, Derreck shows how anyone—regardless of background or resources—can turn their passion into a force for lasting good. ...less
Discrimination isn’t just a social issue it’s a business risk. In this eye-opening and empowering keynote, former CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Global Soap Project founder Dr. Derreck Kayongo ...more
Discrimination isn’t just a social issue it’s a business risk.
In this eye-opening and empowering keynote, former CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Global Soap Project founder Dr. Derreck Kayongo unpacks the real cost of exclusion in the workplace from weakened morale to damaged brand equity.
But more importantly, he shows how companies that develop what he calls “Corporate Moral Aptitude” an evolved form of cultural intelligence can turn Diversity into a bold competitive advantage.
Blending real-world data, compelling storytelling, and his signature wit, Derreck challenges organizations to move beyond the diversity checkbox into a space of transformative inclusion.
He shares proven strategies to identify unconscious bias, foster authentic belonging, and unlock the innovation that comes from truly diverse teams. ...less
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