< 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 How to still be relevant for people and society in 2035? How businesses can create short and long term value for their customers while also achieving their own sustainable business objectives. Practical advice for businesses looking to create sustainable competitive advantage in the economy of the future. More detailed information Rik is convinced that the next 10 to 15 years will be a unique period in time (The Twilight Twenties) in which the old will slowly fade away, a new society and economy will take shape and companies will experience the new. In this keynote, Rik shares a story about the history of the future. How did we get here, and what were the dynamics that shaped the present? Where do we go from here? And what does that mean for companies and the people who shape them? In the past ten years, Rik has consistently proven (through his books, columns, blogs and during many keynotes) that he can predict how people, society and the business environment will evolve. This evolution is not necessarily linear or created thanks to a hype, it is always a dynamic storm of many factors that interact. The examples often followed months or even years later. Rik therefore never zooms in on just one single aspect, such as technology, HR, customer centricity or a specific part of the value chain. None of these aspects make sense without taking their connection to the others into account, as industry boundaries blur or disappear and value chains change dramatically. Companies have to adapt and want to reposition themselves. Rik wants to include them in the story ‘how to still be relevant to people and society in 2035’ to show them how to do so. The keynote is always tailored to the event, industry, audience or context. In addition, it is a lively, energetic and practical session to give you the tools you need to add value to your customers or organisation in the future. Request a quote Submit About Rik is an author, futurologist, business philosopher, coach and above all a very inspiring keynote speaker. He looks at companies and organisations from his unique and surprisingly broad perspective and makes it clear to them how they can continue to be relevant in the ever digitising society of the future. He likes to challenge them to distinguish themselves within and even outside of their industry. Rik writes and speaks passionately about business models, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, customer focus, sales, (digital) innovation and the interconnectedness thereof. Rik Vera International keynote speaker, coach, author and advisor on the impact of all things digital on society and business.

< back Uniting Forces: Team Building and Collaboration Nurturing cohesion and empowering teams to achieve extraordinary results More detailed information In her captivating keynote address on teamwork – teambuilding & teambinding, Julie Brown brings a wealth of experience and insight to the forefront, drawing upon her remarkable journey in polar exploration and personal resilience. A team, often curated by external forces in corporate settings, comprises individuals chosen for their diverse competencies. However, as Julie underscores, the true strength of any team lies not solely in individual skills but in the cohesive bonds that foster constructive collaboration toward shared objectives. Julie delves into the essence of healthy teams, emphasizing their capacity to uplift and propel one another toward continuous growth. In her narrative, growth emerges as a fundamental imperative, driving teams to consistently elevate their performance and achieve multifaceted success. Through her profound understanding of effective leadership, Julie elucidates the distinction between merely assembling a team and cultivating a resilient, sustainable entity capable of transcending individual victories. By binding team members together with a shared vision and sense of purpose, leaders lay the groundwork for extraordinary achievements within organizations. Join Julie Brown as she unravels the secrets of effective team building and collaboration, igniting inspiration and empowerment among audiences to forge stronger, more resilient teams poised for unparalleled success. 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 AI-Powered HR Supporting the most Human role of them all More detailed information What's AI, and how does it work? And, most importantly, what will it mean for HR, and your role as a leader or practitioner? Once we learn how to speak this strange, new language, we examine the very Human function of HR and pull the tasks, roles and overarching mission apart into its AI and Human domains. Together, we will take our first look at what AI can and cannot do: AI for recruiting, candidate screening and removing bias in the process. We look at the best AI recruitment tools. And then we take a glimpse into the future; what will the next advances be? PART I: Understanding AI We begin by explaining Machine Learning using simple, understandable language. What AI is and how it works, what tools do what, what are the risks and opportunities? What’s a Mixture of Experts? A Parameter, a Weight, a DAWN, or Running Inference? Understand the terminology and learn the language. How does AI fit into your workflow, and where might all this be heading? PART II: Skills and Tools for HR The HRBP, leadership, comms and engagement roles: where AI offers added value. The challenges of a talent recruiter and transform it into a co-creation machine. What does an AI-powered HRBP, recruiter, or ESG specialist look like? What processes will change, and how will you remove biases in the process? A look at the best software options, and prompting guide for recruitment, interviews. The future: Quantum Computing and AGI 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 Yoga Nidra Neuroscience Crash Course Experience A workshop combining of neuroscience, drumming, yoga and singing More detailed information Did you know that sleep is the key to optimal emotional balance, health and growth? If you're not getting enough quality sleep, it can affect every aspect of your life. But did you also know that there are meditation and breathing techniques you can use to enter a different state of consciousness and actually reset and revitalize your brain during the day? In this workshop, you'll not only learn about how this works scientifically, but you'll also get to experience it for yourself. You'll leave this workshop feeling rested, rejuvenated, and with a better understanding of how to get the most out of your sleep. You’ll also leave with the knowledge and skills to reset your brain whenever you want! After participating in this dynamic experience, a number of things happened: You’ve received ground-breaking information and neuroscience-clarity about the power of sleep and other states of your mind. You understand the energetic and resting processes of your mind. You’ve discovered how the experience of deep-rest contributes to focus and resilience in a stressful environment. You’ve experienced how simple use of breath-exercises and Yoga Nidra meditation can bring instant relaxation. You’ve experienced what it is like to be sung to sleep. You can use sleep and yoga nidra for resilience against stress. You’ll go home with techniques you can use for optimal decision-making during stressful times. You’ll go home with the ultimate sleep checklist with tips and tricks. This yoga nidra neuroscience experience will give you the tools you need to improve your sleep and “active rest” during day increasing your overall health. In just one session, you'll walk away feeling rested, rejuvenated, and equipped with the knowledge to reset your brain whenever needed. Request a quote Submit About Leo Van Woerden is not just a neuroscientist and sleep expert; he embodies a lifelong dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the human brain and optimizing our well-being. With a rich background as the son of doctors and growing up in a bustling household of six siblings, Leo's innate energy and curiosity were apparent from a young age. His journey into neuroscience was sparked by his own experiences with ADHD, a diagnosis that fueled his passion for understanding human biology and optimizing performance. Leo's studies at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam illuminated the profound impact of lifestyle factors, particularly sleep, on cognitive function and mental health. This insight became the cornerstone of his work. Leo's expertise extends beyond theory; he has developed practical products and techniques aimed at achieving optimal states of mind, focus, energy, and sleep. Through personalized insights and a deep understanding of neuroscience, Leo empowers individuals to take control of their health by shaping their behaviors, nutrition, and environment. Drawing on his comprehensive knowledge of the brain, sleep science, nutrition, and natural supplements, Leo has crafted tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of the modern, Western lifestyle. His mission goes beyond education; Leo combines his positive energy and drumming skills to create engaging workshops, lectures, and training sessions that offer participants a captivating "neuroscience crash course." Leo's approach is not just informative but transformative. He connects with audiences on a personal level, instilling a sense of empowerment and motivation to enact lasting changes. With Leo's guidance, understanding, and enthusiasm, navigating the complexities of brain health and well-being becomes not only manageable but an exciting journey towards optimal living. Leo van Woerden Son of doctors, misdiagnosed with ADHD. Leo is a neuroscientist, speaker, coach, consultant and trainer. Giving neuroscience crash-courses using his drums.

Stefaan van Hooydonk I am the 'curiosity guy'. I make leaders curious about the power of curiosity at work and all its wonderful benefits. To be booked as/for Languages Tags Speaker, Trainer, Workshops, Coach Dutch, English curiosity, mindset, corporate culture, individual and organizational change, leadership ▶️ Watch Stefaan on stage. Biography Topics Testimonials Pictures Get a quote Biography 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. Topics People Skills Master Your Curiosity to Master Your Life Lees verder For professionals More Future of Work The Power of Curiosity in L&D Lees verder For Learning and Development Professionals More People Skills Curiosity: The Key Element for Creating a Winning Culture Lees verder For Senior Executives More Leadership Leading with Curiosity Lees verder For People Managers More People Skills The Power of Curiosity Lees verder For HR Professionals More Stefaan van Hooydonk spoke at our global summits for over 150 learning and development professionals. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many conference delegates stated that they found Stefaan very poignant and that his message was timely and something the industry wanted to hear. We would not hesitate to invite Stefaan to speak again at our summits, across diverse geographical locations, as he also brings a global outlook having worked in different locations amongst the greatest industry leaders. Global Association for Talent Development Vassilis Theocharides, Associate Director Dear Stefaan, I have just viewed the recorded version of the session about Curiosity. I was overwhelmed by its color and preciseness. Many of the aspects that were brought forward are on our agenda, and the research you presented gives us confidence that we are on the right track. Also, the simplicity you used in describing forces, behaviors, etc. really appealed to me. And the Individual/Team/Organization perspectives align well with the way we understand Lifelong learning in the company context. This session is really valuable for us. Thank you so much for making an effort! Volvo Group University Britta Börjeson, Head of Learning Expertise Stefaan has been moderating and speaking at several of our HRcoreEVENTS and has proven to be an exceptional added value. His passion, purpose, and personality make him connect with the audience, keeps them engaged, and inspires action. HRcoreEVENTS by TENEO Michael Nielsen, Managing Director It was wonderful meeting you again Stefaan! Your session was the most insightful at the London Learning Technologies 2022 conference. Innostrat Technologies Saurav Jaiswal, Founder and Managing Director Stefaan has proven an excellent speaker choice at the events I chair. He is clearly deeply knowledgeable about workplace curiosity and is able to share his expertise in an engaging way with his audience. He backs this up with his global experience as a Chief Learning Officer in large corporations, which provides real gravitas and credibility. There's no doubt that Stefaan is providing leading thinking and practice in this field and I have no hesitation in recommending him. London Technology Conference Donald H. Taylor, Chair Super thanks for a truly inspiring, enriching, and thought-provoking session! Executive Networks Rita Vanhauwenhuyse, VP Customer Experience and Insights 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

< 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.

< back Innovation for the longevity economy of tomorrow Innovations are not only a matter of youngsters for youngsters More detailed information The longevity economy of the 50plus is a new emerging market with an underserved generation of wealthy people. Discover new opportunities for innovations during this talk, aimed at an audience of market experts, marketeers and innovators What will you take away from this webinar? Reaching new 50+clients Inspirational innovations The secrets to build an age-friendly business Request a quote Submit About Dirk Schyvinck is a trained sociologist and marketeer with a long and successful track record. He has held various national and international management positions in media, marketing and banking. In his book "What if we soon turn 100?" he shows himself to be an advocate of urgent social innovation alongside technological innovations. His inspirational and motivational speeches have already inspired many marketeers, HR managers and other senior managers about the longevity economy and the role of diversity in the workplace. Dirk Schyvinck Successful marketeer, sociologist and expert in longevity and aging.

< back Understand how to transform as a person and business More detailed information Stay young, hit re-fresh and re-imagine your business strategy and culture to iterate, innovate or disrupt. Build an innovation strategy and culture to iterate, innovate or disrupt? From inside out innovation to corporate venturing (14 ways to innovatie) How can you balance operational excellence (performing) and innovation excellence (transforming)? Succeed in 'Digital' transformation: put Customer at the heart, value people as the soul and drive digital as the oxygen of the company Future proof your culture, organization, leadership and people. Understand the core Principles and strategies to Transform while Performing 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 Transformation from within, innovate through intrapreneurship How to make intrapreneurship work in their organization. More detailed information How to leverage the talent within your organization through entrepreneurship, without losing control. Innovating and transforming requires a leap of faith. This makes the need for maximizing the chances of success for innovation and transformation processes in your organization all the more crucial. Your own team will be central to this success. In this talk, Bert Van Wassenhove presents a comprehensive approach for managers to support their teams in generating ideas and for motivating their people and teams to step up as intrapreneurs. All of this has the final objective to maximize success in innovation and transformation. After this talk, the participants will have a clear understanding of how to make intrapreneurship work in their organization. Request a quote Submit About Bert Van Wassenhove is not a book publisher, but a "venture publisher", with significant experience in marketing and digital media – and by leveraging his network – Bert helps people and organizations take an innovative or transformative concept and turn it into a sustainable company. Today he is CEO of Solvice, an AI company focussing on solving complex decision intelligence problems. Authenticity is always a key value in his undertakings. Bert Van Wassenhove Venture publisher guiding innovative and transformative concepts to become sustainable companies.

< back Embracing Diversity: on complicity and inclusion Fostering collaboration across cultures, genders, and generations More detailed information In her enlightening keynote on complicity & inclusion – cultures, genders, generations, Julie Brown draws upon her extensive experience in polar expeditions to illuminate the transformative power of diversity in achieving collective success. Cultural complicity lies at the heart of thriving polar expedition teams, where collaboration with local populations is vital for logistical support. Julie emphasizes that true success is achieved only when all team members, both core expedition members and external support teams, feel engaged and included in the journey toward a common goal. Diversity, she contends, is not only inherent to polar expeditions but is also essential in fostering healthy and ambitious teams in any organizational context. As genders and generations become increasingly diverse, Julie advocates for the value of learning to collaborate across a spectrum of human experiences. Through patience and respect, cultivated in compassionate ways, teams create a safe environment conducive to bold action and innovation. Join Julie Brown as she explores the profound benefits of embracing diversity, inspiring audiences to foster inclusive cultures where every individual's unique perspective and contribution is valued. 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