< 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 Continuous improvement through innovation and learning Keynote and workshop based on the book Learning Ecosystems, finalist best international business books More detailed information In these times of ever-faster innovation, the impact on us as people, as employees, and in our organisations is often overwhelming. A positive mindset towards learning is therefore the best way not to be left behind, and more so, to help shape the uncertain future itself. In this often provocative keynote, we look at a future that has already caught up with us and draw inspiration from innovations that support learning and growth. For this, we look at the concept of learning ecosystems where learning is supported by all stakeholders to support growth as individuals and as organisations and, by extension, society. A roadmap for continuous improvement through learning is the result there. Based on the book Leaning Ecosystems, this talk is ideally suited for executives who want to commit to continuous improvement through innovation and a learning culture with engaged employees. An adapted form is also very interesting as an inspirational talk for employees to help shape an agile strategy in which their competences help shape the learning organisation. This keynote can also be extended with a workshop for CEO/COO/CXOs or Senior Executives/Leaders in Innovation, HR and L&D. The aim of this workshop is to come up with implementable innovations (processes and technology) that support the future of work and put the organisation on a path of continuous improvement Request a quote Submit About Katja Schipperheijn is an internationally recognised author, strategist, futurist, lecturer and keynote speaker. Her expertise focuses on AI and pioneering innovations that create a human-machine symbiosis to enable learning ecosystems to flourish. In doing so, she advocates adopting a learning mindset at the personal, team and corporate levels not to become overwhelmed, but to thrive and sustainably shape the future itself. Her provocative ideas challenge traditional dogmas and offer fresh perspectives. Sheinspires everyone to adapt and embrace learning before they suffer irreversible damage because AI and other innovations are already pervasive. They are affecting organisations and their employees with unprecedented speed. To incite change, she does not shy away from hypes and discusses the impact of what now seem futuristic, such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) or hyper-realistic avatars that make deepfaking a child's play. Katja explores the intersection of technology and humanity and its impact on our society. For example, she looks at how competences such as imagination, curiosity and consilience play a role. She explores the similarities between neuroscience and computer science to optimise the learning of both human and artificial intelligence. Human connection is paramount in shaping the future of work, which is why she often draws her inspiration from the future as seen through the eyes of children. Katja's keynote speeches are therefore engaging and inspiring for a very diverse audience. Often, her keynotes are the starting point for a future readiness workshop and a continuous improvement project. Besides advising governments, multinationals, educational institutions and start-ups, Katja is also a philanthropist as founder of sCooledu and author of Little Digital Citizens (Dutch 2018). More than 15,000 children have already participated in her workshops on the future and the increasingly virtual world. This shows her commitment to social responsibility and the importance of promoting digital literacy among young people. By booking Katja for an event, you not only get valuable insights but also support a good cause. As an author, Katja achieved international recognition with her book Learning Ecosystems (2023) finalist best international business books in London and included in the Top 100 best international business books by the eLearning Journal in Germany. This book will therefore be available in several languages including Arabic during 2024. 2024 will also see the release of her latest book. The Learning Mindset: Combining human competencies with technology to thrive. Katja Schipperheijn Author, learning strategist and keynote speaker with a passion for continuous improvement through human-centred innovations that support learning

< back The war for talent; be prepared How to attract the right people and how to determine which talents you need for your business More detailed information Watch the video for more information (Dutch) Request a quote Submit About Saskia leads the National Coalition for Digital Skills & Jobs for Belgium. In this role she focusses to skill/re-skill all talents to maximize the activation of everybody in the changing employment market going forward. As a manager, Saskia Van Uffelen always keeps a keen eye on the human aspects of collaboration in a company. She focusses heavily on ensuring the synergies between the different generations present in the workplace. In interviews, opinion articles and her book ‘Iedereen Baas! – Tous Patron!’ she encourages her colleagues to pay more attention to it as well. The world, our society, is changing and is screaming for a new model. We are living in a digital age, where everyone and everything is connected, where competition is no longer coming from within the sector and customers, users and citizens are in the driver’s seat. Data is gold and sharing is the new having. Dare to help build a new business world, with a balance between results in the short and long term. But dare just as much to help to build another society through personal life choices – a society that is ready for the next generation. ‘Dare for tomorrow’ is the title of her latest book. Saskia Van Uffelen How can we create a new culture in our organisations? Digital Skills Leader Belgium, boosting Future Skills and Jobs for everybody!

< back Career twists Think twice about promotion More detailed information A career does not have to be linearly ascending to be satisfying. Taking a step back now and then to study again, to (re)find the balance between work and life, to regain the feeling that you can handle your job or to be able to make a difference through individual attainments - these are all good reasons to think twice about that promotion. In this session you will learn: That there is a linear career with promotion as ultimate success But there is also a boundaryless career with demotion as an opportunity The win-win of taking a step back Tips and tricks how to handle a step back Request a quote Submit About Tanja is a strong believer in ownership, lifelong learning, and the power of trust. She is author of several books on demotion. Tanja holds a master's degree in communication sciences and a PhD in applied economics. Tanja Verheyen Passionate, driven communication expert, specialised in career twists

< back Wine with a story tastes better Navigating the Red Ocean: Lessons from 14 Years in Wine Entrepreneurship More detailed information Experience the richness of a story-infused wine as Kathleen shares her entrepreneurial journey in the red ocean of the wine industry, in search of blue lagoons. Drawing from 14 years of experience, she imparts invaluable lessons applicable to entrepreneurs across various industries. Join Kathleen as she explores the realms of strategy, marketing, HR, and more—a journey crafted by an entrepreneur for entrepreneurs. Discover how the tales of wine entrepreneurship can inspire and inform your own ventures. Cheers to business with a story Request a quote Submit About Kathleen is an entrepreneur in the wine and tourism industry since 2010, as well as an investor in business ventures. Prior to that, she worked as a construction engineer and later as a strategy consultant for 10 years, providing her with diverse roles and experiences within companies across various countries. Alongside her professional endeavors, Kathleen is a devoted wife and mother, successfully balancing her personal and career goals while nurturing her wonderful family. This broad range of roles and experiences has equipped Kathleen with great comfort in addressing diverse audiences, allowing her to easily relate and adapt to different contexts. She possesses a deep passion for continuous learning and personal growth, as well as a genuine desire to assist others through sharing lessons learned, offering advice, and providing inspiration. Furthermore, Kathleen's love for good wines and enjoyable moments further enhances her ability to connect with people. Kathleen's expertise extends to transforming two wine estates into high-end wine production and tourism ventures, providing her with extensive knowledge of the wine industry. This enables her to host engaging wine tastings on various topics, whether for leisure or educational purposes. Additionally, Kathleen is capable of organizing official wine courses, offering valuable opportunities for individuals seeking to expand their wine knowledge. Kathleen Van den Berghe Passionate entrepreneur in the wine and tourism industry

< back Industry 4.0. as an answer for the customer’s expectations in 2025 ​ More detailed information ACT 1: The changing customer landscape The last best experience your customers had anywhere, becomes their expectation everywhere. As a result, B2B and B2C buyers are becoming ever more demanding about the type of customer service and experience they receive. Already at the start of 2020, three trends were clear, which have only been accelerated by the recent Covid-developments: Know me and what I want: in which companies aren’t just expected to know and predict the individual customer’ s needs, but to address them before they even emerge; Treat me like a human being: in which customers embrace any technology that makes their life easier, but only if it happens naturally/invisibly and doesn’t go at the expense of a human touch; Immerse me: in which customers become ever more selective about the way they spend their time, and will only do so if they feel immersed in a vendor’s retail stores, showroom, offices or digital experience. ACT 2: This is too much to handle Making this transition with a traditional (industry 3.0) mindset is not going to happen. The datasets are too large, sensing is insufficient and the technology just falls short. So to stay up to date with changing customer demand, companies need to level up (to Industry 4.0). ACT 3; Action plan So what should you do? As a business: Build your industry 4.0 capabilities. How do those trends manifest themselves among your customers, and assess the readiness of your business to deal with them. Then improve. As teams: Boldly experiment. Build extreme technology concept experiences and set up red teams to challenge your business to reinvent itself around tomorrow’s customer needs As individuals: Educate yourself by buying and trying different technologies in different environments. You don’t really know how something can work until you’ve tried it. So experiment, fail, learn and get smarter. Request a quote Submit About Alain Thys is a renowned customer-centricity veteran with over 30 years of experience helping large, complex organizations differentiate and thrive. His no-nonsense approach to customer-centricity has enriched the lives of over half a billion customers and 350,000 employees across 100+ countries, creating hundreds of millions in value, and even more smiles. As a hands-on advisor to international leadership teams, Alain’s keynotes and workshops offer bespoke insights and practical strategies that inspire, challenge, and deliver actionable results. His expertise in areas such as customer experience, differentiation, and competitive markets has made him a valued sparring partner for businesses seeking a unique edge in today's crowded marketplace. Get in touch with us to discuss how Alain can inspire and challenge your leadership team to build an edge in a crowded marketplace. Alain Thys Unlock the secrets to profit and differentiation with one of Europe’s top customer-centricity veterans

< back Meet the leader: Parc Solvay La Hulpe What can leaders today learn from past predecessors? More detailed information Ernest Solvay has been one of our greatest entrepreneurs and was a trailblazer as a leader. We discover the magnificent Solvay family estate in La Hulpe and a stretch of the Sonian Forest. The tour also covers the Solvay empire, how the neighbor made his fortune, the biggest real estate operation ever carried out in Belgium, the survival of the fittest under trees, freemasonry and other networks, Steve Jobs' Apple, etc. Practical: distance 8 km, duration 2h45 (possibility to adapt duration and distance) Request a quote Submit About To book Jan as a speaker is offering your team a cheerful moment in nature, incredible stories and time for each other. On his beautiful walks through the Sonian Forest, castle domains and Brussels, he gives his audience a relaxing and enjoyable moment while inspiring with his compelling stories. Jan is a master storyteller who takes you to different worlds, alternating stories about nature (from the baby skin of the beech to the crazy ant) with life stories (from entrepreneurs to painters and horse jockeys) and striking facts about the places we pass. Jan invites you to stand back in the world with wonder and to look at it. His strength is to connect people and tailor his stories to the participants – whether they are managers, HR or construction workers. Jan’s track record is rich. He started his career as the right-hand man of a party chairman, he then was a journalist for many years for newspapers such as De Tijd, De Standaard and television (Panorama - VRT), where he won the Dexia Press Prize for the best journalistic work. In 2011, he became an entrepreneur and founded the speaker agency Read My Lips. In 2019, he sold Read My Lips and after a sabbatical he started offering his walking keynotes in 2021. Jan Puype Entrepreneur and not a typical keynote speaker. He takes you on a walk and tells inspiring stories about people and nature.

< back AI Lives? Navigating the Realities of Artificial Intelligence More detailed information ChatGPT is the buzzword of the past year. Suddenly everyone mentions and everything uses ChatGPT (or so they say). But there is much more to say about AI (Artificial Intelligence). What are the advantages of AI? Are there any disadvantages? Artificial intelligence is maybe offering hackers new sophisticated ways to intrude your systems. However It also allows cybersecurity software to detect suspicious behaviour much sooner. Has cybersecurity entered into a new league with AI? Even more questions will pop up and answered: Will AI fail in ways we do not understand? Will AI models set their own goals? Will AI be able to build better AI models, that people no longer control? What will be more evil: malicious AI or people using AI in an criminal way? What is the greatest threat for AI? And what about your job? 4 decades of security, IT and AI experience bundled in a pragmatic and passionate view about the real dangers and advantages of AI. Request a quote Submit About Eddy Willems is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert from Belgium. He serves as a board member for three prominent security industry organizations: EICAR, AVAR, and LSEC. Additionally, he holds the positions of Resident Security Evangelist and Global Security Officer at G DATA Cyberdefense. Eddy's involvement in the cybersecurity field dates back to 1991 when he became a founding member of EICAR, one of the world’s earliest security IT organizations. Throughout his career, he has held numerous additional roles within various security industry organizations. His expertise is regularly sought after by several CERTs, press agencies, print and online publications, as well as broadcasting media, including CNN. In October 2013, Eddy published his debut book, 'Cybergevaar,' in Belgium and the Netherlands under Lannoo. This was followed by a German translation and an updated English version titled 'Cyberdanger,' published by Springer in 2019. He is also a co-author of the Dutch science fiction cyberthriller ‘Het Virus,’ released in 2020. Eddy is renowned for his engaging speaking style and regularly delivers lectures and presentations worldwide, catering to audiences ranging from children to cybersecurity experts. He has spoken at prestigious events such as TEDx, captivating diverse audiences with his insights and expertise in cybersecurity. Eddy Willems Cyber Security Guru | Inspiring Speaker | Author #Cyberdanger | Security Researcher | Director | Security Evangelist at G DATA CyberDefense

< back How to Be(come) a Customer-centric Leader? The true meaning of customer-centric leadership More detailed information Customer-centric leadership sounds nice in theory. But no one seems to be clear on what it really means. At best, this means that leaders need to improvise. At worst, they fail the business. In this online inspiration session, Alain challenges managers and executives to explore the true meaning of customer-centric leadership. Not in theory, but in practice. So inspect clear suggestions on ‘inspiring teams’, ‘demonstrating personal commitment’ and ‘helping your people do what is right’ for the customer and the bottom line of the company. Optionally, the more traditional keynote format, can be expanded with: • a live assessment of company’s customer-centric leadership behaviours, • bespoke introductory videos that are linked to the company strategy • (online) ‘sparring sessions’ with practical leadership tips & guidance • individual coaching for leaders who want to raise their game Request a quote Submit About Alain Thys is a renowned customer-centricity veteran with over 30 years of experience helping large, complex organizations differentiate and thrive. His no-nonsense approach to customer-centricity has enriched the lives of over half a billion customers and 350,000 employees across 100+ countries, creating hundreds of millions in value, and even more smiles. As a hands-on advisor to international leadership teams, Alain’s keynotes and workshops offer bespoke insights and practical strategies that inspire, challenge, and deliver actionable results. His expertise in areas such as customer experience, differentiation, and competitive markets has made him a valued sparring partner for businesses seeking a unique edge in today's crowded marketplace. Get in touch with us to discuss how Alain can inspire and challenge your leadership team to build an edge in a crowded marketplace. Alain Thys Unlock the secrets to profit and differentiation with one of Europe’s top customer-centricity veterans

< back What can you learn from the top 20 Business Transformation of the past decade? ​ More detailed information What can you learn from the top 20 business transformations of the past decade from 3 angels: effective repositioning of the core business, creation of new growth and attainment of robust financials Deeper zoom on Microsoft, DBS, Netflix, Disney The Microsoft Story – my journey and learning of 22 years @ the company Request a quote Submit About In September 2016 Olivier Van Duüren launched The Dualarity (www.thedualarity.com ), a business and a book, on how to take the pain out of your personal and business transformation, leaving you with a regained sense of spark. After 22 years working in the senior international executive ranks at one of the world's most successful technology companies called Microsoft, he has a unique perspective on the intersection of innovation, transformation, human behavior and societal changes. Olivier has held several senior level global and regional positions at Microsoft spanning sales, operations, marketing, business development, change management, innovation and strategy across consumer, online, retail, advertising, publishing and enterprise crossing all industries (B2C-B2B). He started at Microsoft in 1994 working out of the Benelux to global travelling out of Paris, London, Seattle and New York. He is an active founding investor in 9.5 Ventures (https://ninepointfive.vc/) building tailor-made startups for Corporates. He is a board member or strategic advisor in multiple startups and corporateas. He publishes in Newsweek. Olivier is a professor at the Zigurat Business School (linked to the university of Barcelona) for Technology and Innovation, guest lecturer at different Business Schools, a member of the Professional Speaker Association and Key Person of Influence UK (KPI). As part of The Dualarity Jixso partnership the ‘Visual Senseformers’ he helps organisations to envision and visualise a future proof strategy and culture, ready for the transformational age. Olivier Van Duüren An international public speaker, trend sensemaker, executive whisperer, startup builder, transformer, innovator, active investor and author. Olivier is a thought leader on personal and business transformation advising companies to find balance between performing and transforming. Olivier works with global, regional and local organisations from startups, scaleups, medium to large organisations.

< back Hybrid Work - Working Together Apart Is a Reset Necessary? More detailed information In this captivating keynote, Isabel De Clercq explores the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work, presenting a refreshing perspective beyond the hype . While remote work has brought numerous benefits, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. Recent research reveals that hybrid work brings about digital overload and makes it harder for individuals to disconnect after work. Furthermore, the shift to hybrid work threatens knowledge sharing, especially among younger employees who no longer have access to the rich, informal conversations in the physical workplace. It's clear that a reset is needed. Is it possible for organisations to establish clear guidelines without being overly controlling? How can we ensure lasting connections between individuals who see each other less frequently? What valuable lessons can we learn from other organisations' experiences? In this thought-provoking keynote, Isabel De Clercq empowers organisations, leaders and employees to make hybrid work after COVID a resounding success. Drawing from extensive research, she provides practical insights and actionable strategies, steering clear of clichés and empty buzzwords. Drawing from extensive research, she provides practical insights and actionablestrategies, steering clear of clichés and empty buzzwords. Join us as we embark on a journey to redefine "working together apart" and create a harmonious and productive hybrid work environment. Let's navigate the challenges, seize the opportunities and shape a future where connectivity thrives, fostering true collaboration and engagement. Request a quote Submit About Meet Isabel! She graduated in Romance Philology and after a career at the University Language Centre of Ghent University and Wolters Kluwer Belgium, she has now become a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant. Isabel specializes in advising companies on their quest for sustainable work practices, disseminating her expertise through books, blogs, and podcasts. With a wealth of fresh perspectives, she's poised to revolutionize your approach to productivity in the hybrid workplace. Drawing on the latest research, Isabel adeptly bridges the gap between theory and practice, transforming scientific insights into actionable steps. Her approach is a breath of fresh air, injecting positivity into every step of your journey. Isabel's charisma extends beyond the stage. With a robust workshop background, she understands that the strategies advocated by the world's organizational gurus often clash with the complexities of real-world scenarios. Leveraging her extensive experience, Isabel translates even the loftiest ideals into practical steps tailored to our daily reality. Isabel De Clercq is passionate about the pursuit of good and sustainable work practices. She believes in the pivotal role played by what she terms the Holy Trinity: the individual taking responsibility for their own happiness, teams establishing effective agreements for synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, and organizations unequivocally embracing leadership and focus time. Expect a captivating storyline, firmly grounded in scientific research and always translated into the everyday reality of organizations. Audience members not only leave energized but also armed with a checklist of tips & tricks and a questionnaire to further their engagement. Isabel De Clercq Author and speaker passionate about the pursuit of good and sustainable work practices

< back Time Management How to become insanely productive, sanely More detailed information ‘Busy busy ...' - This is the most common answer when we ask people how they’re doing. The pace of life has increased by trends like globalization and digitalization. Distractions are everywhere and time always seems short. But how can we stay on top of a never-ending stream of requests and tasks? How to keep focus when email and social media fight for our attention? How to handle the related pressure and stress? Time is our most precious resource. We cannot buy it, and it always runs out. Michael will introduce you to the fundamentals of managing your time wisely. How to translate these fundamentals into your weekly plan. How to be highly productive with respect of your human limits. So you regain control of your time. So you work on what matters most. So you become immune to distractions. To move and KEEP moving mountains. To be there for those who matter. To become insanely productive, sanely. Request a quote Submit About In short, he is a passionately curious and globally experienced Change Agent. His mission is to assist organizations in thriving alongside their people. He employs innovative and practical frameworks for Team Development and Knowledge Management, and he delivers talks and training sessions on Leadership, Management, and Personal Productivity. Prior to embarking on his journey as a solopreneur, he gained valuable experience in well-respected international companies. At Punch Powertrain, he established the R&D Department in China, and at ZF Group, he led the transformation of the global Product Validation Department within the Windpower Division. On a personal note, he is happily married and a proud father of two children. He enjoys sports, traveling, and personal development pursuits. Michael Houben Helping you grow a Benchmark Team with inspiring talks and trainings on Knowledge Management, Time Management and Intercultural Cooperation.