Dr Claudia Winkler is an internationally recognised lawyer, negotiation expert and motivational speaker, known for helping thousands of professionals unlock their potential. With a career that bridges law, education and leadership, Claudia has worked with more than 4,500 lawyers and business executives, guiding them to advance their practices and careers. She is sought after not only for her expertise but also for her dynamic and engaging delivery style, which ensures every session is both actionable and inspiring. Organisations invite her to speak because she transforms complex concepts into practical strategies that empower audiences to thrive.
Claudia’s journey began in Austria, where she studied at Johannes Kepler University in Linz, later deepening her expertise in business and European law before earning a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard Law School. Her early professional path combined high-level legal consultancy at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in Brussels with experience at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition. Alongside her legal practice, she taught and lectured across multiple institutions, laying the foundation for her ability to communicate with clarity and impact. These formative years gave her both the academic depth and the real-world experience to understand the challenges faced by professionals striving to excel.
In recent years, Claudia has built a truly global presence. As Founder and CEO of The Negotiation Academy, she has developed online programmes with clients spanning 126 countries, alongside delivering live workshops in every major region of the world, from Europe and the United States to Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Her innovative focus on interactive and results-driven training has established her as a leading voice in professional development. She continues to design learning experiences that enable participants to walk away not only informed, but also equipped to apply new skills immediately.
Claudia is hired as a speaker because she motivates audiences to embrace growth, resilience and the power of effective communication. She demonstrates that negotiation is not just a business tool but a life skill that can open doors, resolve conflicts and create opportunities. Her global expertise, academic excellence and proven track record of empowering professionals make her an ideal choice for organisations seeking to inspire lasting change.
