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Keynote SpeakerCarlos Cantu

Marketing, AI, and Creative Strategy Expert, Former Twitter & Freepik Executive, Startup Advisor & Speaker

Topics

Popular Talks

Leading in Multicultural Environments
Marketing in a Changing World
Building Startups and Taking Risks
Social Media Success for Businesses
Navigating Disruption and Reinvention

More talks

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Biography

Carlos Cantú is a global marketing and creative leader with a career that spans some of the world’s most innovative and disruptive industries. He has held leadership roles at Twitter (Marketing Director, EMEA & First Twitter Employee in Mexico), CMO of Freepik, and Creative Executive Director at Samsung. Today, he is the co-founder of CH1EF, an advisory firm that connects high-potential startups with strategic investors, and a highly sought-after keynote speaker on marketing, AI, creativity, and business transformation.

At Twitter, Carlos played a key role in expanding the platform’s marketing impact across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. As the first Twitter employee in Mexico, he built the foundation for the company’s success in the region, helping brands and businesses harness the power of social media and digital engagement. Later, as Marketing Director for EMEA, he led cross-cultural teams, developing marketing strategies that positioned Twitter as an essential platform for brand storytelling, customer engagement, and real-time content.

As CMO of Freepik, Carlos led the company’s strategic reinvention during the generative AI revolution, transforming it from a stock image provider into an AI-driven creative solutions company. Under his leadership, Freepik aligned its product innovation, marketing strategy, and brand positioning to adapt to AI’s rapid advancements while maintaining its competitive edge in the global design industry.

With a career spanning advertising, technology, and AI-driven transformation, Carlos brings deep expertise in navigating disruption, fostering creativity, and leading marketing innovation. His keynotes inspire businesses, entrepreneurs, and executives to embrace change, build future-ready marketing strategies, and create a culture of continuous reinvention.

Carlos is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing him to deliver impactful, engaging presentations for global audiences. Whether speaking to corporate leaders, creative teams, or entrepreneurs, his talks blend real-world insights, humor, and actionable strategies that challenge the status quo and inspire change.

Popular Talks by Carlos Cantu

Leading in Multicultural Environments
Working with diverse teams is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Collaboration across cultures fosters stronger ideas and innovative solutions. Key Takeaway: Diversity is not just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage when embraced fully. Why Me: As Marketing Director for Twitter EMEA, I led teams across Europe and the Middle...

Working with diverse teams is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Collaboration across cultures fosters stronger ideas and innovative solutions.

Key Takeaway: Diversity is not just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage when embraced fully.

Why Me: As Marketing Director for Twitter EMEA, I led teams across Europe and the Middle East, learning how to navigate cultural differences and leverage diversity to achieve results.
Marketing in a Changing World
Technology is reshaping how brands interact with people. Marketing must evolve to leverage AI, personalization, and other advancements while staying human-centric. Key Takeaway: Successful marketing requires balancing technological innovation with genuine, human-focused strategies. Why Me: I’ve led marketing strategies for global companies like Samsung, Twitter and Freepik, adapting to shifting...

Technology is reshaping how brands interact with people. Marketing must evolve to leverage AI, personalization, and other advancements while staying human-centric.

Key Takeaway: Successful marketing requires balancing technological innovation with genuine, human-focused strategies.

Why Me: I’ve led marketing strategies for global companies like Samsung, Twitter and Freepik, adapting to shifting consumer behaviors and technological trends while maintaining focus on creating meaningful brand connections.
Building Startups and Taking Risks
Starting from scratch is daunting, but it’s also the ultimate test of resilience and vision. Entrepreneurship offers unique lessons in leadership and adaptability. Key Takeaway: Taking risks is essential for growth, whether you’re launching a startup or rethinking your career path. Why Me: I’ve co-founded three companies, including CH1EF, an...

Starting from scratch is daunting, but it’s also the ultimate test of resilience and vision. Entrepreneurship offers unique lessons in leadership and adaptability.

Key Takeaway: Taking risks is essential for growth, whether you’re launching a startup or rethinking your career path.

Why Me: I’ve co-founded three companies, including CH1EF, an advisory firm connecting startups with investors. This hands-on entrepreneurial experience gives me real-world insights into building from the ground up.
Social Media Success for Businesses
Social media is a powerful tool, but succeeding requires more than just frequent posting. Companies must create authentic, value-driven content and build meaningful connections with their audience. Key Takeaway: To succeed on social media, businesses must prioritize authenticity, engagement, and aligning their content with brand values. Why Me: At Twitter,...

Social media is a powerful tool, but succeeding requires more than just frequent posting. Companies must create authentic, value-driven content and build meaningful connections with their audience.

Key Takeaway: To succeed on social media, businesses must prioritize authenticity, engagement, and aligning their content with brand values.

Why Me: At Twitter, I worked with top brands to create impactful social media strategies, drawing on firsthand insights into what makes companies successful online.
Navigating Disruption and Reinvention
Industries evolve rapidly, and leaders must navigate disruption with agility and foresight. Reinvention is the key to staying relevant. Key Takeaway: Disruption isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation to innovate and lead. Why Me: I’ve navigated major disruptions like the rise of digital advertising at Samsung, the social media boom at...

Industries evolve rapidly, and leaders must navigate disruption with agility and foresight. Reinvention is the key to staying relevant.

Key Takeaway: Disruption isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation to innovate and lead.

Why Me: I’ve navigated major disruptions like the rise of digital advertising at Samsung, the social media boom at Twitter, and the generative AI revolution at Freepik, successfully leading strategic pivots to transform business models.
Building a Personal Brand
In today’s world, a personal brand is a key asset for anyone looking to stand out in their field. It amplifies your credibility and creates opportunities. Key Takeaway: A strong personal brand helps you attract opportunities, gain trust, and differentiate yourself. Why Me: My personal brand has opened doors to...

In today’s world, a personal brand is a key asset for anyone looking to stand out in their field. It amplifies your credibility and creates opportunities.

Key Takeaway: A strong personal brand helps you attract opportunities, gain trust, and differentiate yourself.

Why Me: My personal brand has opened doors to leadership roles at companies like Twitter and Freepik. I’ve learned how to craft a professional identity that resonates and builds trust in diverse industries.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Impostor Syndrome is a challenge for many professionals, but it can also be a motivator. I’ve learned to embrace it as part of my growth journey. Key Takeaway: You don’t have to silence Impostor Syndrome; you just have to learn to work with it. Why Me: From landing my first...

Impostor Syndrome is a challenge for many professionals, but it can also be a motivator. I’ve learned to embrace it as part of my growth journey.

Key Takeaway: You don’t have to silence Impostor Syndrome; you just have to learn to work with it.

Why Me: From landing my first job without a degree to leading global teams, I’ve consistently stepped into roles where I felt underqualified but proved that self-doubt can fuel growth.
Fostering a Creative Culture
Creativity isn’t limited to a single department—it’s an organizational strength. A company that fosters creativity across all levels can innovate, solve problems, and maintain a competitive edge. Key Takeaway: A culture of creativity empowers teams to think beyond constraints and achieve extraordinary outcomes. Why Me: With over 16 years of...

Creativity isn’t limited to a single department—it’s an organizational strength. A company that fosters creativity across all levels can innovate, solve problems, and maintain a competitive edge.

Key Takeaway: A culture of creativity empowers teams to think beyond constraints and achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Why Me: With over 16 years of experience in creative leadership roles, I’ve built and led high-performing teams that have delivered award-winning campaigns and driven transformative results.
Creativity for Non-Creatives
Creativity isn’t exclusive to “creative professionals.” It’s a skill everyone has, and it can be unlocked with the right mindset and approach. Key Takeaway: Creativity is about problem-solving and perspective—skills anyone can develop and use effectively. Why Me: My journey from aspiring IT engineer to creative leader proves that creativity...

Creativity isn’t exclusive to “creative professionals.” It’s a skill everyone has, and it can be unlocked with the right mindset and approach.

Key Takeaway: Creativity is about problem-solving and perspective—skills anyone can develop and use effectively.

Why Me: My journey from aspiring IT engineer to creative leader proves that creativity can be nurtured and harnessed in unexpected ways, even in people who may not initially identify as “creative.”
Embracing Change and Adaptability
Change is inevitable, and success lies in adapting to it. From unexpected career shifts to navigating industry disruptions, I’ve turned challenges into opportunities by embracing uncertainty. Key Takeaway: Adaptability isn’t just a survival skill—it’s the foundation for thriving in uncertain times. Why Me: I’ve pivoted across roles, industries, and geographies,...

Change is inevitable, and success lies in adapting to it. From unexpected career shifts to navigating industry disruptions, I’ve turned challenges into opportunities by embracing uncertainty.

Key Takeaway: Adaptability isn’t just a survival skill—it’s the foundation for thriving in uncertain times.

Why Me: I’ve pivoted across roles, industries, and geographies, working with global companies like Samsung, Twitter, and Freepik, adapting to transformative changes in advertising, technology, and AI. Transitioning from LATAM to the US, Europe and the Middle East.
Embrace the Zig-Zag to Success
Carlos shares how his unconventional career journey helped him grow, demonstrating that the best route to success is not always a direct one. Every new start is an opportunity—stepping out of your comfort zone helps you grow and stay sharp. An impactful keynote presentation about how taking a non-traditional career...

Carlos shares how his unconventional career journey helped him grow, demonstrating that the best route to success is not always a direct one. Every new start is an opportunity—stepping out of your comfort zone helps you grow and stay sharp. An impactful keynote presentation about how taking a non-traditional career path can bring you face-to-face with impostor syndrome, and why learning to handle it well is key to thriving. He encourages audiences to see these unexpected turns as chances for discovery and growth. Carlos Cantú’s keynote will leave you rethinking what success means—showing you that growth comes from exploring new paths and embracing change.

Key Takeaways:

i. Stay Adaptable: Embrace different experiences to stay ready for whatever comes your way.

ii. Innovation Comes from Change: Trying new things brings fresh ideas and helps you solve problems in creative ways.

iii. Resilience Through Exploration: Take risks and treat change as a chance to grow. Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional development.

iv. Lead Globally: Learn how to thrive in diverse environments and connect with different cultures. Understanding how to handle impostor syndrome is key to succeeding on a non-traditional career path.
Transforming Businesses for the AI Revolution
AI is disrupting industries at an unprecedented pace. Companies must rethink their strategies, structures, and offerings to embrace this new era effectively. Key Takeaway: The key to thriving in the AI revolution is understanding its potential, adapting your business model, and fostering a culture of innovation. Why Me: As CMO...

AI is disrupting industries at an unprecedented pace. Companies must rethink their strategies, structures, and offerings to embrace this new era effectively.

Key Takeaway: The key to thriving in the AI revolution is understanding its potential, adapting your business model, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Why Me: As CMO of Freepik, I led the company’s transformation during the rise of generative AI, aligning the business to evolve from a traditional image bank into an AI-driven solutions provider for the creative industry.
Lessons from a Zig-Zag Career
A nonlinear career path isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity to grow in unexpected ways. I share insights from my unconventional journey. Key Takeaway: Success isn’t about following a straight line; it’s about thriving in the twists and turns. Why Me: My career spans roles in advertising, tech, and entrepreneurship, across...

A nonlinear career path isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity to grow in unexpected ways. I share insights from my unconventional journey.

Key Takeaway: Success isn’t about following a straight line; it’s about thriving in the twists and turns.

Why Me: My career spans roles in advertising, tech, and entrepreneurship, across industries and regions, giving me a unique perspective on thriving in dynamic environments.
The Power of a Clear North Star
A company’s purpose, vision, or “Job To Be Done” must act as its north star. This clarity aligns stakeholders, fuels innovation, and ensures resilience amid change. Key Takeaway: The “why” behind your work must remain constant, even as the “how” evolves. Why Me: As CMO of Freepik, I led the...

A company’s purpose, vision, or “Job To Be Done” must act as its north star. This clarity aligns stakeholders, fuels innovation, and ensures resilience amid change.

Key Takeaway: The “why” behind your work must remain constant, even as the “how” evolves.

Why Me: As CMO of Freepik, I led the company through the generative AI disruption, aligning stakeholders behind a clear strategy to pivot the business model and secure its relevance in a changing industry.