< back Become an authentic & useful ally for more DEI How to tap into the diverse talents out there More detailed information Now more than ever, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are the way forward. But do you know what DEI actually is? Do you know why it is important for your organisation in general and for your workplace in particular? Maybe you consider yourself as an ally already. If so, what is an ally for you? What kind of ally are you? In this presentation you will learn: - To recognise your biases - Not to be afraid of uncomfortable conversations - The importance of belonging - That being an ally is a journey - That you will not do everything right, but that this is OK 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.

< back Burning out, and “Burning in” The key to wellbeing is less rather than more; building in space for silence and creativity. More detailed information We do more, take on more, work more hours, deliver more. So often, leaders see low engagement numbers and turn to their Engagement Managers to offer more: more yoga, more mindfulness, more meditation, more coaching. But at the end of the day, this is counter-productive, leading to more stress, higher workloads, longer hours. The key to wellbeing is less rather than more; building in space for silence and creativity. An invisible, little-known phenomenon that affects high-functioning teams and is just as dangerous as burnout; it's called "Burn In". It's when we do it to ourselves, perpetuating an unsustainable state of perpetual over-delivery. When we return to the office, we’re back in traffic again, chatting with colleagues, subject to unplanned interruptions and new impromptu mini-projects. Our office days stretch well into the evening as we catch up on missed mails. Our workloads spiral upwards as we catch up in the evenings, and find we are not the only ones. One element to reduce this risk is conscious workload reduction. This does not mean less productivity, but eliminating admin, rituals, political and “busy work” to create space for quality results, more creativity and joy that only time can allow. “Flow” contributes to increased job satisfaction and improvise our mental, physical and emotional well-being which naturally translates to higher levels of engagement and lower churn rates. The average workday, chock with meetings, incoming fire of communication, expectations and deliverables, needs to be carefully choreographed to create that all-important, critical ingredient for achieving “flow”: silence. Request a quote Submit About Speaker, author, trainer and coach, Fiona is a specialist of the Human at Work, leadership and the integration of AI into our working lives. She focuses on positive culture and engagement for large multinationals. Fiona is the author of the Comic Books for Executive Series and produces a regular podcast and video series called “Working Humans”. Her latest book, “The Handbook for Post-Covid Engagement” won at the UK Business Book Awards and received a Goody Award for thought leadership. Her new book is entitled “AI Powered”, due for release this year. Fiona spent many years in the corporate space in HR, in the area of internal communications and employee engagement. She has been Creative Lead, Senior Visual Communicator, Innovation Advisor, Explainer and Storyteller for some of the largest multinationals in Europe, in Vienna, London, Budapest, Brussels and Amsterdam. In 2020 she achieved a master’s in business management and AI concentration. Today, Fiona is a highly effective visual storytelling and stand-up comedian in training. She weaves solid, serious, research-driven advice with laughter and fun, guides for improving our working lives at any organization. Fiona Passantino Speaker, author, podcaster, thought leader. Expert on the Human-AI connection: engagement, communication, culture and AI integration.

< back Wild foraging: local power foods Teambuilding that nurishes the stomach and soul More detailed information In this workshop, we immerse ourselves in nature. Increasingly, studies highlight the positive effects of greenery on our health. Nature not only reduces stress but also decreases the likelihood of illness. Apart from that, our natural environment has another surprise in store: wild edible plants. These are plants that grow in the wild and haven't been cultivated. As a result, they are packed with vitamins and minerals. During a guided walk, we search for these power plants, learning interesting facts about our natural surroundings along the way. Finally, we incorporate them into a dish (herb-infused salt, appetizers, etc.) in a lively and engaging manner. Request a quote Submit About Saartje Vandendriessche earned her stripes in the media. For 17 years, she worked for VRT and made several adventurous programmes. Just think of Op de man af, Saar in het bos and Beweeg in uw kot; programmes in which Saartje had to get out of her comfort zone and was confronted with fascinating challenges. Today, her challenge is to inspire as many people as possible to live life with more energy. Through keynotes, teambuildings and energy boost camps ( 2-day mini retreats), she raises participants' energy levels in all areas (via food, exercise , sleep and especially our mindset). And she shows the way to a healthy lifestyle with tons of energy. She does this, as always, in her own stubborn, energetic way, and with the necessary dose of humour. Saartje Vandendriessche Saartje makes sure everyone goes home with an energy boost

< back Generative AI Hype, hope or hazard? More detailed information During the last months, generative AI has revolutionised the field of AI, allowing for the creation of new and innovative applications that were once unimaginable before. This keynote explores history and future value that generative AI brings to companies and society, from creating lifelike visual and audio content to improving medical research and aiding in scientific discovery. However, this talk also highlights the potential risks associated with generative AI for people and planet, including issues of misuse abd manipulation. By balancing the opportunities and challenges of this cutting-edge technology, we can ensure a bright and responsible future and avoid another AI winter. 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 Master your energy More energy and well-being in the workplace More detailed information If you suffer from energy dips, from a fatigue you cannot immediately explain, then it is time to take action. Saartje herself struggled with an energy deficit years ago. She found life too precious to step through it tired and started a search for more energy. Above all, she discovered that everyone is tired and that lack of energy is a social problem. Her experiences brought her to the core of energy: nutrition-movement-sleep and, above all, the mental aspect (the mindset). In our modern society, we have forgotten that life energy is vital. The higher our energy, the better we perform in everything we do. If we are unable to build our lives around our energy levels, we are in trouble. Because energy deficits lower our individual quality of life. Moreover, chronic energy shortages are currently the leading cause of absence from work. Entrepreneurship is top-class sport, which is why Saartje wants to bring the business world into this energetic story. What is the secret to maximum performance? What factors promote fatigue and what can we do about it? And how can we optimise our energetic potential? It is this knowledge that she loves to share with you in an interactive keynote. Saartje will work on some techniques and provide an extra boost to the group. Request a quote Submit About Saartje Vandendriessche earned her stripes in the media. For 17 years, she worked for VRT and made several adventurous programmes. Just think of Op de man af, Saar in het bos and Beweeg in uw kot; programmes in which Saartje had to get out of her comfort zone and was confronted with fascinating challenges. Today, her challenge is to inspire as many people as possible to live life with more energy. Through keynotes, teambuildings and energy boost camps ( 2-day mini retreats), she raises participants' energy levels in all areas (via food, exercise , sleep and especially our mindset). And she shows the way to a healthy lifestyle with tons of energy. She does this, as always, in her own stubborn, energetic way, and with the necessary dose of humour. Saartje Vandendriessche Saartje makes sure everyone goes home with an energy boost

< back Curiosity: The Key Element for Creating a Winning Culture For Senior Executives More detailed information Every person is born with a healthy dose of curiosity. Some people can maintain this level through adulthood, many however see their original strength diminish over time. The same happens with systems like start-ups. Early start-ups have a high predisposition to exploration, only to see that this mindset deteriorates once the company expands, focuses on efficiency, conforms to rigid standards, and finds it harder to learn from mistakes. Curious organisations are winning organisations. They are intentional about how they balance exploration and exploitation. Curious organizations are more successful than incurious ones, especially in times of change. Not only are they constantly looking for ways to improve their current operations, but they are also constantly scanning the industrial horizon for new opportunities. In this interactive session, we explore what we know about curiosity, why it is important in our professional life and our organizations, and reflect on strategies to get better at it. 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 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 Hybrid Harmony Unlock Your Productivity in Work, Email, and Meetings More detailed information Imagine a different workweek, one where you spend less time on endless emails and lengthy meetings and more time on what truly matters. In Ann's keynote on working more efficiently in a hybrid environment, you will uncover the keys to working more productively. We'll reassess our relationship with email, and she'll show you how to tame your inbox and prioritize so that emails no longer dominate your workday. We'll also examine (hybrid) meetings. How can you make meetings more effective and optimize your time better? We meet too often and for too long, with too little focus on results. Ann also shares the secret of successful hybrid teams. How do you build a culture of collaboration, even when some team members work remotely? She provides strategies to maintain and strengthen team dynamics, regardless of physical location. Through this keynote, you will not only discover how to work, email, and meet more efficiently but also how to embrace and make the most of a hybrid work environment. Are you ready to take the next step towards a more productive and balanced workweek? Request a quote Submit About Ann is a trailblazer in professionalizing well-being in the workplace. She held the distinction of being the first Wellbeing Director in Belgium at DPG media and has since become a highly sought-after and passionate speaker on topics such as well-being, work happiness, and leadership. Her mission is to persuade business leaders to integrate well-being into their organizations, making it an intrinsic part of corporate culture rather than a standalone initiative. She emphasizes that well-being within a company is a collective responsibility, highlighting the roles of the organization, managers, and employees. Ann motivates board and management teams while also inspiring individual employees with practical tips and insights to enhance resilience, foster a positive mindset, reduce stress, and achieve better work-life balance. She delves into topics such as efficient meetings, email management, and the significance of communication and connectivity, especially as organizations adopt hybrid work models. Ann is the author of the books 'Countdown to Monday' and 'Wellbeing = Profit,' and her collaborative effort with Prof. Stijn Baert resulted in 'je werk of je leven.' Her authentic and hands-on approach has made her a highly sought-after keynote speaker nationally and internationally. Her keynotes blend actionable tips from her books with a focus on the organizational and managerial aspects of employee happiness and engagement. Her presentations cover a range of topics, including: The rationale behind a well-being policy The roles of the organization, leaders, and employees in fostering well-being The importance of focus, breaks, and physical activity Nurturing connectivity in hybrid work environments Strategies for more effective meetings and email management Essential leadership skills in remote settings Stress and attention management techniques Cultivating a positive mindset during periods of change Self-care practices such as sleep hygiene, nutrition, and digital detoxification. Ann De Bisschop The first Wellbeing Director in Belgium :-), Author of 3 books, Keynote speaker & Wellbeing consultant

< back A Bumpy Road with 5 Milestones Navigating Challenges, Embracing Growth: A CEO's Odyssey through Entrepreneurial Terrain More detailed information In this captivating keynote, Brecht Buysschaert, the seasoned CEO of Springbok Coaching, takes the audience on an introspective journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. This presentation unfolds as a rich narrative, offering profound insights derived from Brecht's personal experiences as a manager, colleague, husband, and father. He opens with a relatable acknowledgment of the challenges that entrepreneurs face, painting a vivid picture of the entrepreneurial landscape as a bumpy road. The metaphorical terrain serves as a canvas for the keynote's central theme: the transformative power of navigating five key milestones in the entrepreneurial journey. Discovering IKIGAI Balancing Act - Team and Personal Needs The Thin Line Between Bore-out and Burn-out Delving Inward for Self-Discovery Embracing Slowness and Building Dream Teams Brecht weaves his personal anecdotes and experiences into each milestone, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates with the audience. The challenges and triumphs become tangible, relatable stories that inspire and enlighten aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike. Request a quote Submit About Brecht studied Physical Education at KU Leuven, graduating in 2004. After a decade in international sales for various Belgian top companies, Brecht decided to step away from the rat race and pursue his own mission: Health & Well-being at Work. In 2014, he founded Springbok Coaching. Today, Brecht, along with business partner Diederik Joukes, leads a team of 10 well-being consultants and health coaches, supplemented by 100 ad hoc coaches. They have made a significant impact in over 150 companies with their long-term approach to giving well-being at work the attention it deserves. In 2020, Brecht authored the book "Whealthy Workplaces," a practical guide filled with tips and inspiring testimonials from prominent leaders. Brecht Buysschaert On a mission to make the world a better place by creating health & wellbeing at work

< back How to collaborate in a more inclusive way in your team? workshop More detailed information Our teams are becoming increasingly diverse. We work with several generations and nationalities at the same time. This can be quite a challenge. Nevertheless inclusion is so needed to make people flourish. And this will highen retention. But how do we deal with this as an organization and more specifically as a leader or as a colleague? How do we ensure that we are not blinded by our own “backpack”? How can we as a team boost inclusion? We share 20 tips to work more inclusively as a team and employee. In addition, we do a dilemma exercise with colleague leaders and we facilitate a moment of reflection on it. All in order to provide you with concrete tools to work in more inclusive ways within your teams. Request a quote Submit About Julie's mission is to systematically increase engagement in the workplace, emphasizing the concept of bringing more FLOW into work environments. Flow represents a state of mind where individuals are highly engaged, motivated, and focused. It involves being completely immersed in tasks, driven by a powerful energetic force. Studies indicate that we spend only about 5% of our time in flow states, a statistic Julie aims to change. This motivation led her to establish her company – Flowspire, which seeks to foster connections within organizations and inspire employees to achieve better results for themselves, their colleagues, and society as a whole. Enhanced wellbeing and engagement contribute to stronger brands, increased loyalty, greater creativity, agility, and ultimately better outcomes—a proven fact. Julie brings unique perspectives to this arena due to her diverse background as a commercial engineer and over 15 years of international business experience. She has developed expertise in areas such as employer branding, change management, cultural shifts, leadership, and facilitation, working with companies of varying sizes from small to medium enterprises to multinational corporations. In her role as an Employee Engagement Architect and Facilitator, Julie formulates comprehensive change plans and ignites transformative movements within organizations. Additionally, she serves as a lecturer at Thomas More University, teaching courses on HR Trends and Employee Engagement. Julie is widely recognized for her high energy, deep expertise, and is esteemed for her balanced approach that combines results-driven strategies with a genuine care for people. Julie Heyvaert Employee Engagement Architect. Julie’s mission is to drive for more human energy on the workfloor.

< back Unleashing Leadership Potential Navigating Success Through Self-Leadership More detailed information In the realm of leadership, Julie Brown offers invaluable insights for team leaders seeking not just to inspire, but to actively engage their members toward achieving remarkable outcomes. Anchored in the belief that effective leadership commences with self-leadership and a deep understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses, Julie delves into the essence of successful leadership dynamics. Central to Julie's philosophy is the profound importance of self-awareness and environmental acuity in leadership. Recognizing that anticipation and proactive measures are as crucial as reactive strategies, she emphasizes the delicate equilibrium between self-discipline and calculated risk-taking. Julie's approach underscores the necessity for self-leadership among all team constituents, a philosophy profoundly resonant as she navigates her professional journey following her partner's passing. For Julie, self-leadership extends far beyond professional spheres; it's a mindset cultivated over time, transcending the ice-bound landscapes of polar exploration to permeate every facet of life. By tapping into latent internal reservoirs often overlooked, individuals can unlock the full spectrum of their leadership potential, fostering resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. Through her experiences and wisdom, Julie Brown ignites the transformative power of self-leadership, inspiring individuals to chart their course toward personal and professional excellence. 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 From Sustainability to Regeneration 8 transformation codes to help you drive positive change More detailed information 8 out 10 people worldwide are seriously worried about the future of our planet and feel brands need to take responsibility. The pressure on people and planet is at an all-time high. The cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on budgets and the impact of climate change is becoming more and more visible. This is driving a collective desire for change: how can we move from less harm to more good? How can we move from Sustainability to Regeneration! Whilst we can’t alter the past, we can shape the future. 82% of people in Europe feel brands need to take responsibility to help safeguard the future of our planet. The question is: how and where to start? In this keynote, Tom tells you all about 8 transformation codes that can be leveraged to drive positive change as an organization, together with your customers. Request a quote Submit About With 100 talks every year, Tom De Ruyck’s keynotes have inspired professionals across the globe to future-proof their business and ways of working. He has spoken in more than 50 countries and on 6 continents at major marketing, technology, customer experience and consumer insights events. Next to being Chief Growth Officer and Partner at global consultancy Human8, Tom is a teaching Professor at IESEG School of Management in Paris. He is co-author of 'The Consumer Consulting Board' and published over 80 papers and articles in academic journals and business magazines. Tom was awarded for his work many times, amongst others by the American Marketing Association, the CMO Council Asia and ESOMAR. Tom De Ruyck Tom’s talks will challenge your thinking and spark your view on the future of business & customer experience in this dynamic and high-tech world.