Jens Heitland

Jens Heitland is an accomplished innovator and entrepreneur known for his focus on human-centered leadership and corporate transformation. He served as the Global Head of Innovation at IKEA Centres, where he helped drive sustainability and organizational innovation across multiple countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Sweden. Following his tenure at IKEA, Jens founded HEITLAND Innovation GmbH, a consultancy dedicated to integrating human leadership into innovation strategies, and WeAreSucceed.com, a platform aiming to expand leadership assessments to millions globally.

In addition to his business ventures, Jens is a prominent speaker and educator, lecturing on innovation and leadership at universities in Amsterdam and Barcelona and mentoring new entrepreneurs through programs like StartUB! and Rockstart. His podcast, The Jens Heitland Show, delves into themes like human-centric innovation and reverse mentorship, reflecting his belief in the power of collaboration and human connection to drive sustainable business transformation. His projects, such as XYZ Playground and Ai-Fortuna, further highlight his commitment to developing future leaders and fostering innovation through a blend of practical experience and academic insights.

Jens's unique approach emphasizes "Human Innovation," a philosophy that blends leadership with innovation, aiming to make organizations more adaptable by focusing on the human element. This approach positions him as a key figure in modern corporate innovation, known for his ability to connect people, ideas, and businesses to inspire impactful change.