Merijn Tinga His surfboard is a weapon. His target: politicians and company ceo's. The goal: real change! To be booked as/for Languages Tags Speaker Dutch, English Plastic Pollution, Storytelling, Surfing Expedition, Plastic Recycling, Littering, Societal Change, Political Change Biography Topics Testimonials Pictures Get a quote Biography In 2014, Merijn constructed a surfboard using washed-up plastics and surfed along the Dutch coast, earning him the nickname "Plastic Soup Surfer." Sadly, mere awareness is insufficient for catalyzing change. Consequently, he shifted his campaign focus towards policy makers and companies. To date, Merijn's campaigns and expeditions have influenced political resolutions and led to product bans, demonstrating the impact of individual action. Alongside an expanding community of passionate individuals, he persists in achieving tangible results and effecting change. Merijn shares his story to inspire and educate others on how they too can contribute to making a difference. Topics Sports How to make a difference? Lees verder Plastic pollution is a worldwide epidemic. By now we are aware of this but how does real change come about? More Testimonials Sessions Pictures you can use to promote your event Get a quote Request a Quote Keynote of my preference submit Pictures Quot Anchor 3

Pieter Van Leugenhagen Pieter is a VR/AR & Metaverse Strategist - Keynote Speaker successfully venturing in XR for 8 years, working with national and international brands. To be booked as/for Languages Tags Speaker, Moderator, Host Dutch, English Metaverse, virtual reality, augmented reality, virtual worlds, brands Biography Topics Testimonials Pictures Get a quote Biography Pieter is an all-around entrepreneur, public speaker, author and business strategist with a fondness for immersive experiences. As co-founder and managing partner of yondr, Pieter has been pioneering internationally in the field of virtual and augmented reality for 10 years. Yondr is a creative agency that focuses on mixed reality, building virtual worlds, and digital experiences. He's also the author of the bestseller 'Welcome to the Metaverse' and 'Navigating the New Dimension, A Journey Through Spatial Computing', in which he offers insights into how the three-dimensionalization of our internet will impact our lives and work, and how all this becomes clearer through the evolution of computing. Topics Web3, Metaverse, AR & VR Navigating the New Dimension: A Journey Through Spatial Computing Lees verder Embark on a fascinating exploration of the latest computing paradigm that is redefining our digital world More Web3, Metaverse, AR & VR Meet you in the metaverse Lees verder Are your ready for what's next? More Testimonials Sessions Pictures you can use to promote your event Get a quote Request a Quote Keynote of my preference submit Pictures Quot Anchor 3

Consultancy & coaching You feel inspired and want to take the next step? Are you short on time or expertise? Or there are certain skills you want to sharpen? Our consultants and coaches help to get you there! Consultancy Sometimes you just need an extra pair of hands or brain to turn that project into a success. Our multi-disciplinary experts can help you out. Also for short term assignments. Coaching Our coaches strengthen the performance of your leaders and co-workers, assist them in making key transitions, and enable them to alter behaviors that may be hindering their performance. Request more information What service do you want more information about? Choose the topic of your interest Submit Services form

< back The Power of Curiosity in L&D For Learning and Development Professionals More detailed information Curiosity is hot in L&D. Curiosity is the initial spark which ignites learning and growth, creativity and innovation. It also creates deeper relationships and allows people to become intently aware of their values, beliefs and biases. In times of stability, curiosity and exploration is marginalised, in times of volatility like we are now, it comes to the forefront. Many L&D teams are already exploring how to redesign their strategy with curiosity at the centre and best practices are emerging. The implications of the changing industrial landscape and consequently the way people grow and learn are indeed vast for L&D. L&D leaders and their teams have the opportunity to step up and embrace this concept within their own ranks and reinvent themselves. They can also embark on a journey to mobilize the leaders and employees to get better at curiosity with novel learning solutions. Furthermore, more broadly they have the opportunity to redesign the way their organisations and professionals learn, unlearn and relearn. In this interactive session, we explore what we know about curiosity, why it is important for the workplace, what the barriers are and what L&D can do to get better at intentional curiosity for themselves and the people in their care. Request a quote Submit About Stefaan van Hooydonk is the founder of the Global Curiosity Institute and the author of the bestselling book "The Workplace Curiosity Manifesto." He initially worked in investment consulting and established executive education at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in China. Van Hooydonk has held executive roles as Chief Learning Officer in Fortune 200 companies such as Nokia, Royal Philips, Cognizant, Saudi Aramco, Agfa, and Flipkart. He has lived and worked in Belgium, France, Hong Kong, China, Finland, the Netherlands, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. His most recent position was as Chief Learning Officer for Cognizant, where he oversaw learning and development for over 300,000 associates worldwide. Stefaan van Hooydonk focuses his research on workplace curiosity within companies. He asserts that curious individuals require stimulating environments to thrive, especially during times of uncertainty when intentional curiosity becomes crucial. Utilizing diagnostics he has developed, he generates insights into what drives and impedes individuals and organizations from embracing curiosity. He provides consultation to global corporations and leadership teams to enhance their curiosity quotient, advocating for the cultivation of a robust curiosity mindset. Van Hooydonk is a sought-after speaker globally, discussing the transformative power of curiosity for professionals, leaders, teams, and organizations. Stefaan van Hooydonk I am the 'curiosity guy'. I make leaders curious about the power of curiosity at work and all its wonderful benefits.

< back Thriving Amidst Turbulence Navigating Constant Change and Overcoming Adversity with Polar Expedition Wisdom More detailed information In the ever-evolving landscape of team dynamics, Julie Brown imparts invaluable wisdom on the essentiality of resilience as a cornerstone of success. Drawing parallels between resilience in polar expeditions and navigating life's tumultuous currents, Julie sheds light on the transformative power of adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Rooted in her profound experiences in polar exploration and personal tragedy, Julie illuminates the indomitable spirit required to weather life's storms. As she grapples with the aftermath of Dixie's tragic accident, Julie's journey epitomizes resilience in action, offering a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty. By embracing resilience, individuals cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and productive problem-solving, even in the most challenging circumstances. Julie's narrative transcends the boundaries of conventional leadership discourse, infusing her insights with the depth of personal experience and the resilience forged in the crucible of adversity. Through her guidance, teams discover the resilience to navigate constant change, emerging stronger and more united in their pursuit of collective goals. With Julie Brown as their guide, teams embark on a transformative journey toward resilience, harnessing the lessons of polar exploration to conquer the most formidable challenges with unwavering determination. Request a quote Submit About Julie Brown, born in 1964 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, is a founding partner and managing director of Polar Circles/Polar Experience expedition activities since 1999. With extensive experience in polar exploration, she serves as a project manager and communications director for her team of polar guides. In addition to expedition management, Julie specializes in developing and delivering corporate activities, including keynote presentations and inspiring motivational speeches to diverse audiences. Fluent in English as her native language, Julie is also proficient in Flemish/Dutch as her second language and conversational in French. Her unique ability to translate the rich metaphors from ambitious polar expeditions into relevant lessons for the business world adds an unexpected spark to any event. With over 20 years of public speaking experience, Julie excels in connecting with live audiences, particularly during spontaneous Q&A sessions, where she shares real anecdotes and visual stimulation from polar expeditions. Julie's journey into polar exploration began under the guidance of Dixie Dansercoer (1962 – 2021) during her first polar expedition to Antarctica in 2000, which included a Mount Vinson ascent. Since then, she has served as the project coordinator for various expeditions, such as the Bering Strait Odyssey in 2005, In the Wake of the Belgica in 2007-2008, Antarctic ICE in 2011-2012, and Greenland ICE in 2014. Beyond expedition management, Julie has also contributed to polar expedition cruises as a lecturer and guide in regions including the Antarctic Peninsula, Greenland, Svalbard, and Norway. Collaborating with Dixie, she has led corporate ICE Campaigns in Iceland, Spitsbergen, and Switzerland. Julie is not only an experienced explorer but also a prolific writer, having published several expedition-related accounts since 1998. In 2014, she co-authored "Surpassing Sastrugi," a book that draws relevant parallels for corporate audiences. Julie also maintains the Polar Experience blog, sharing insights and experiences from her expeditions. Julie was married to Dixie Dansercoer for 22 years until his passing in June 2021. Together, they have four children: Jasper, Evelien, Thijs, and Robin. Recently, they welcomed their first grandchild, Ender Dixie Dansercoer, into their family. Julie Brown Polar expedition coordinator and captivating storyteller, illuminating the parallels between polar expeditions and corporate challenges

< back Welcome to the future; a new reality! Managing uncertainty is becoming an increasingly important skill, but how do you do this? More detailed information COVID-19 has structurally changed the world. We have entered a severe recession, and to have a fighting chance to get through this, we need new rules. Organisations and companies now need to adapt faster than ever before. What kind of organisation do you need to get this job done? What is the ‘magic’ of digital business models in times of crisis? How can you shift the business model in such a way that you can actually benefit from this crisis? And how do you manage such an operation? What kind of leader is needed to prepare the organisation for a bright future? Request a quote Submit About As a futurist, keynote speaker, and trendwatcher, Richard van Hooijdonk is an authority on new technology. He has several chip implants because he wants to physically experience the future. His inspiration sessions have been attended by over 550,000 people. He has given more than 2,000 lectures across 35 countries. With his international research team, he researches many trends in the field of robotics, drones, self-driving systems, 3D & 4D printing, sensors, blockchain, quantum computing, neurotech, biotech, platforms and augmented & virtual reality. Combined with artificial intelligence, these technologies offer groundbreaking opportunities, but also lead to challenges and threats for people, organisations and governments. Richard is driven by a desire to inject innovation and imagination into the mindsets of the people and organisations who are going to shape the world of tomorrow. With the right forward-looking mindset, he believes that we can better effect change for the improvement of our health, happiness, and prosperity. Richard van Hooijdonk Renowned trendwatcher and futurist and the man with several chip implants in his body.

< back The Energy trilemma Energy should be reliable, sustainable and affordable. How do you reconcile these objectives ? More detailed information Will the lights stay on if we shut down the nuclear power plants? What are the ecological and financial consequences of the nuclear exit? Are subsidies necessary to trigger investments in replacement capacity? Is a sharp increase in electricity imports the simplest solution? Or should we manage the demand side more intelligently? And what opportunities do electric vehicles offer? There is no single, unique energy future. Yet we want an energy system that is reliable, sustainable and affordable at the same time. Can we reconcile the three objectives of the energy trilemma? In this keynote, we explore the Belgian electricity landscape of 2030 from the perspective of the trilemma. We answer the questions above and point out the main trade-offs or 'trade-offs' according to the energy trilemma. This analysis shows how an ambitious policy can make use of technological evolutions to realise the energy trilemma. Request a quote Submit About Prof. Dr. Johan Albrecht is an experienced economist with a broad interest in societal and technological changes. By combining different disciplines, he brings new insights that help in mastering our changing world. His key interests relate to sustainability challenges and the need to prepare for the future we aspire to. Since 2006, he has been a senior fellow at the Itinera Institute, an independent think tank based in Brussels (www.itinerainstitute.org ). His research activities focus on energy systems, climate policy, and the dynamics of housing markets. His recent books include "Corona Shock" (2020), "Investeer in een gezonde levensstijl. Op weg naar een activerend preventiebeleid" (2020), "Oikonomia" (2018), "Energietrilemma" (2017), and "Het gewicht van vlees" (2016). He is the author of 40 publications in international journals and volumes, and as a scientific advisor, he works for Belgian and international organizations. Johan Albrecht When economic analysis meets sustainability and societal challenges

< back Energy transition, how to get a competitive edge? Take the leap and position your organization and yourself to strengthen your resilience and success. More detailed information Climate change and energy transition have rightfully taken center stage in societal debates about our future and prosperity. Energy transition is no longer optional, it is demanded by customers, partners, and governments. Sustainable transformation of the industry is paramount to ensure the future existence of any organization. Those who lag behind will be divested by market forces. Drawing from his passion for energy transition and his goal to build a sustainable future for our industry and society, Niels provides organizations with the tools to reorient themselves within the energy transition to strengthen the resilience and to ensure the future of (y)our industry. Request a quote Submit About **Energy Transition Ambassador, Founder of Eunice Education, and Passionate Engineer** Niels is an ardent advocate for the energy transition, leveraging his education from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and his dual engineering master’s degrees. His mission is to empower others to seize the opportunities presented by the energy transition. Niels champions a sustainable and equitable transition towards climate neutrality, ensuring economic prosperity and competitiveness are maintained. He possesses a unique talent for translating complex technical and economic concepts into accessible insights, delivered with passion and clarity. By the end of his speech, you will feel a profound enthusiasm and a compelling drive to apply the newfound knowledge and make a tangible impact. Niels Vankrunkelsven On a mission to empower you to seize the opportunities of the energy transition!

July 1, 2020 Presented by Florence Pérès Webinar Focus Your Brain ​ How to work with more focus (@home)? The only way to achieve success in our work is to learn the art of focus. In the age of distraction and information overload, if we don’t master our attention, especially with jammers on the home front and the lack of the normal work routine when working remotely, we will never perform at our best. During this webinar, you will learn techniques in order to create more focus. ​ ​

< back Recognizing & reversing burnout What every leader should know about burn out within their team to help prevent it More detailed information In this session, you will learn: What Burnout Is & How It Impacts Your Business The Top 5 Reasons For Employee Burnout What Employee Burnout Looks Like Recognizing The Symptoms of Employee Burnout Employee Burnout Prevention Strategies Employee Burnout Recovery Solutions Request a quote Submit About After having healed himself from a severe burnout while in medical school, Dr. Mahdi realized the significant impact that thoughts, emotions, environments, work, and relationships have on the physical health and overall wellbeing of a person. Based on the premise that health is a holistic affair, he created The ỌKAN Journey, a comprehensive healing system for high performing professionals who overextended themselves and are on the verge of a burnout. Dr. Mahdi holds an ND in naturopathic medicine from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and is certified as a Transformational Life Coach (CTC). Over the course of his career as a physician, lecturer, professor, and spiritual mentor, Dr. Mahdi has educated thousands of people on how to integrate the principles of the 7 Domains of Life Mastery and live a healthy, fulfilling, meaningful life. Mahdi Brown Founder of the ỌKAN Journey, the Premium Anti-Burnout System designed for High-Performing Professionals to create an exceptional life beyond work

< back Artificial Intelligence Drivers for Success More detailed information Today, 80% of projects containing artificial intelligence (AI) ultimately fail to deliver on their intended promises to business. AI teams claims a major source of challenges is to be found in senior leadership who are lacking to see the value it can bring. However, is this the real problem? This keynote takes you behind the scenes of the AI world and looks in a non-technical way at the different components that are needed in order to succeed. According to research, despite increased interest in and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the enterprise, only companies able to position AI in the new economical model (people, profit & planet) return value when it gets to AI. Multiple factors come into play when developing and implementing an AI project: Data, skills, domain understanding, company culture, AI strategy, data strategy, team setup, ... are a just few topics that play a key role in the success of AI projects. In this session, it will become clear that the major focus should not be on data and technology, but on people and processes. You will understand the current maturity of the technology and learn what’s needed to move beyond the typical PPP (Pilot, POC & Prototype) phase. The goal of the session is to guide you towards the successful drivers of AI projects in an accessible way. Request a quote Submit About Geertrui Mieke De Ketelaere is an Adjunct Professor at Vlerick Business School. She holds a master's degree in civil and industrial engineering and specialized in robotics and artificial intelligence during her studies. Over the last 30 years, she has worked for several multinationals on all aspects of data and analytics, including IBM, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, and others. From a business consulting perspective, she specializes in defining the AI business canvas, from potential value to predefined risks. With her deep understanding of the hindsight, insight, and foresight of AI technologies, she frequently serves as an expert and coach behind the scenes. In her public presentations and recent book, Mieke focuses on demystifying the hype around AI. In 2020, the State Secretary of Digitalisation, Mathieu Michel, appointed Mieke as the "Digital Mind." Additionally, she was the runner-up for "ICT Personality of the Year" in Belgium in both 2022 and 2023. Today, Mieke continues to share her vision for the future of AI as a speaker on international radio, television, and conferences. Geertrui Mieke De Ketelaere Mieke is an extraverted nerd, the engineer who balances profit, people and planet within all digitalisation efforts.

< back Can circular economy be an answer to more sustainability Everybody is talking about Circular Economy. But do you know what is it in details, on how it applies to your business? More detailed information A circular economy keeps materials, products, and services in circulation for as long possible. The waste of one industry becomes the raw materials of another one. In other words, it involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enables resources being used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems. It changes the way in which value is created and preserved, it changes production methods and business models. In this presentation you will learn: - The difference between the linear, the recycling, and the circular economy - How it applies to your business - How it fits in with the triple bottom line (People, Planet & Profit) - How can it make us design a safer and fairer world. Request a quote Submit About Dr. Ngomsik holds a PhD in physical and analytical chemistry and is a seasoned strategist specializing in climate change and corporate social responsibility. As the CEO and co-founder of Trianon Scientific Communication, a management consulting firm, Dr. Ngomsik leads efforts to assist businesses with the highest CO2 emissions in harmonizing sustainability with profitability. Over the past two decades, she has collaborated closely with board members and executives to promote awareness, embed CSR principles into business strategies, implement sustainable practices, provide training for decision-makers, and explore innovative green solutions. Dr. Ngomsik firmly advocates for addressing the interconnected pillars of people, planet, and profit to effectively tackle today's sustainability challenges. Recognizing the value of diverse leadership and inclusive environments, Dr. Ngomsik emphasizes their role in driving innovation, problem-solving capabilities, revenue growth, and reducing organizational CO2 emissions. She integrates these principles into her consultancy work, viewing corporate environmental and social sustainability as catalysts for enhanced profitability. Dr. Ngomsik's expertise extends beyond devising strategies for emissions reduction; she actively promotes increased diversity among decision-makers within organizations, both in inherent traits and acquired perspectives. Her engaging keynote speeches are renowned for simplifying complex concepts into relatable anecdotes, fostering inclusive and enjoyable interactions with her audience, and bridging the crucial connection between People, Planet, and Profit (3P). With her unique blend of expertise, communication prowess, and commitment to holistic sustainability, Dr. Ngomsik continues to be a sought-after speaker and consultant, driving positive change and impactful strategies across industries. Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik TEDx speaker, named “most inspiring women in sustainability”, Audrey-Flore uses science to positively influence businesses to take actions to solve climate change challenges.