Awards & Recognition
Every award and recognition I receive reminds me why I love what I do 💛 My work focuses on new ways of working and learning that help people connect, grow, and succeed in fast-changing workplaces. I bring research and real experience together to design learning that actually sticks and to support organizations in creating strong collaboration across locations and cultures.
Being named among top HR influencers and honored for innovative learning design means a lot to me — because it shows that the work has real impact. These recognitions reflect the passion I share with every team, every leader, and every learner I work with 🌐✨
2025: TOP 11 HR Influencer (Groundbreaker) Spain powered by GOintegro
2024: TOP 30 HR Influencer Austria 2024 presented by UniCredit Bank Austria
2024: TOP 50 Remote Work Enablers by Remote.com
2024: Nomination as Voice of New Era of Leaders by the female factor
2023: HR TOP Voice DACH Region by personio
2023: TOP50 HR Influencer Austria by HR passionista
Together with my brilliant colleagues Dr. Eithne Knappitsch and Dr. Anna Zinenko, we design learning that helps people connect, collaborate, and grow in a world where work is no longer limited by location 🌐
Our Global Case Study Challenge has been a key driver in shaping how I approach new ways of working and innovative learning design. All our programs are built on research and tested with global teams and learners — always with a focus on impact and inclusion.
Finalists of the Minerva 2024 Award in the section of Social entrepreneurship/sustainability
04|2024 (see more)
Short-list for international QS Reimagine Award, category Developing Emerging Skills and Competencies
12|2022 (see more)
Short-list for national award ARS Docendi “excellence in teaching”, category Cooperative Forms of Teaching and Working
10|2022 (see more)
First place for International Teaching Excellence in the category Innovative Teaching and Learning, PROFFORMANCE
06|2022 (see more)
Finalists of the 6th International e-Learning Excellence Awards, European Conference on e-Learning
10|2020
Short-list for national award ARS Docendi “excellence in teaching”, category Digital Transformation in Teaching
10|2020 (see more)
Innovative Teaching Award Winner of FHWien, category E-Learning
10|2019 (see more)
Dr. Barbara Covarrubias Venegas is an international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. With a rich blend of academic rigour and practical expertise, Barbara stands at the forefront of pioneering New Ways of Working and Digital Leadership. Her journey as a Virtual Enthusiast is underpinned by a solid foundation in research, a fiery passion for speaking, and a proven track record as an author.
Barbara is deeply committed to exploring and shaping the future of work and learning, focusing on Positive Leadership and cultivating vibrant organizational cultures. Since 2010, she has been an active figure in the global intercultural community. Her roles have spanned from being a researcher and seasoned professional to leading virtual teams across diverse cultural landscapes.
Every year, Dr. Barbara Covarrubias Venegas and other top experts in our network travel around the globe to address issues of Digital Transformation, New Ways of Working & Learning, global virtual teams, Virtual Learning Journeys. We set great importance on public engagement and sharing our expertise to contribute to public and corporate education. Previous speaking engagements can be found online here!
Barbara is a true expert in setting up and facilitating virtual and hybrid events. She truly understands the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities of the remote meeting. She is doing wonderful work in incorporating simple yet innovative approach that transforms the meetings from boring to engaging and productive.
Barbara’s session about hybrid work and collaboration for us was meaningful and helpful. She also created immediate intimacy through her engaging personality and established her credibility as an expert in this domain of hybrid collaboration and team work. We left inspired and with concrete tips and tools to try out.
Barbara’s Keynote “Dancing into Leadership” during the Leadership Horizon by MDI was the ultimate highlight and an epiphany! The concept is absolutely outstanding and just can’t be argued about because it makes perfect sense transpiring it to the concept of effective leadership. Loved every second of it and I hope I can transport this to my management as well. I can’t thank YOU enough!
Trusted by organisations from across the globe
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