Speakers²⁰

Daphne Laan is a creative impact entrepreneur; the common thread in her story is pioneering and impact. Daphne has over 20 years of experience at the nexus of business, technology, creativity, and impact. As Head of Technology & Ecosystems at Google, she took on the experiment: In business, what happens when you follow your heart and do only the things you love? Then doors open unexpectedly….

Her mission is to create space for freedom of thinking, doing & feeling. House of Wonder is her umbrella for creative collaborations and impactful entrepreneurship. In doing so, she stretches the boundaries to create new possibilities.

She is co-founder of The Board Whisperers, who help founders, boards and executive teams with transitions and turn vision or strategy into inspiring action, by also looking what is swept under the carpet.

Daphne fuels the fire of change in CEOs, founders and leaders of the future and helps them make more impact through collaboration.

She is active in connecting people and traversing bubbles. As an ecosystem orchestrator, she brings networks together, transcending the importance of individual bubbles and always looks at the big picture.

“I create space for possibilities in thinking, from positivity and show that pigeonholes we like to think in can be stretched, so that something new emerges.”

Daphne’s lectures are characterized by a light-hearted and upbeat tone on important topics such as technology, leadership, and transition issues. She brings energy, passion, lightness, fun and hope; as she herself tackles her challenges.

Read more about Daphne Laan >>

Aniek was 19 when she first became aware of sustainability and the consequences of climate change. At home at the kitchen table, it was never discussed, nor was it part of the curriculum at school. Bizarre, she now thinks in retrospect.

“The climate crisis is the biggest challenge humanity has ever seen. Every reason for an ‘all hands on deck’ mentality.”

With a completed Bachelor degree ‘Societal Transitions’ at Erasmus University in her pocket, she does not rule out that her ambition will eventually lead her towards politics. She specializes in intergenerational justice, long-term decision-making, future design and Broad Prosperity.

In the lectures Aniek gives, she also argues for systemic change. Not making logical what is illogical and curbing things that are harmful to people, animals and the living environment. Not only climate change, but also themes such as social equality and diversity are on her agenda.

Aniek’s lectures confront, abrade and activate, because as she herself says:

“I don’t believe in hope, but in courage and commitment. Hope is passive, sitting back and thinking things will work themselves out won’t change anything.”

Read more about Aniek >>

If you ask Niek, we as a society are a collective burnout in the making. Climate change and high work pressure, these are the big issues of our time. How do we deal with them? How do we change and adapt? Last but not least; how do we become and stay happy? One word: Resilience.

If there is one person whose resilience has been put to the test, it is Niek van den Adel. His statements are anything but empty words, as he experienced firsthand that through resilience you can find a good portion of happiness, even in the deepest of valleys.

At age twenty-eight, he ended up in a wheelchair after a fatal incident. Although he could never have imagined this shortly after the accident, he works hard to see this event as a gift.

“Happiness is not in your legs but between your ears.”

Niek van den Adel is the resilience speaker of the moment. Book him for your event. Curious about Niek’s complete story? View his profile.

The care and well-being of people must and can be improved Egge van der Poel knows. That technology plays an important role in this, he believes, is beyond dispute. But despite insufficient hands at the bedside, he believes it is not the lack of technology that hinders progress.

“There is fear of change due to big-data and AI, among other things. Fear of losing jobs, of losing income, of losing privacy and control.”

Egge wants to overcome this fear by showing how we can harness the potential of people and data for good. He describes this in his book “Geheelmeesters – compromisloos radicaal betere zorg ontwerpen”, and he lectures on this and related topics.

In Egge’s lectures, the experiences from his “fragmented career” come in useful. Egge creates an unlikely bridge between the fields of physics, philosophy, data and communication he has studied, painting a rose-colored yet real picture of the future of healthcare.

Read more about Egge >>

Iris van Asselt is an interior designer, tiny house builder, world traveler, ambassador for sustainable living and mayor for climate. She talks about following your heart and dreams.

Iris made her own choices as a child and still does. She traveled around the world twice, crossing countries such as Pakistan, Mongolia, and Iran.  She traveled the second time to Tokyo in a camper which she converted with her partner and two young daughters.

Back in the Netherlands, they built a biobased house with a tiny footprint together, amid an eco-community of others who like to live sustainably, minimalistic and in nature.

Iris’ lectures bridge her travels, her passion for interior design and living in and around her double tiny house with her family. Living with no more than you need – only what you love; is a common thread throughout her stories. She draws richly on personal experiences.

“I just for it, I start to shine when I get to talk about our tiny house and the way we live here in our eco-community.”

Read more about Iris van Asselt >>

Jorn’s work isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about revealing what’s possible. He invites his audiences to step into the role of author in their own lives, showing them how to reframe challenges, align their inner story with their goals, and transform even the smallest decisions into stepping stones for growth.

Whether on stage or in a coaching session, Jorn doesn’t just share knowledge; he invites transformation.

Read more about Jorn Vrijaldenhoven >>

The way and what children learn not only has a major impact on the inner world, but we also see it reflected in the outer world in the long term, for example, through the loss of biodiversity, toxic substances in food, air, soil and drinking water, and decline of animal species essential for children’s futures.

According to Juliëtte, we are not facing a climate crisis, but a generational crisis that we passed on created by culture and driven by endless economic growth. Because we have placed ourselves above nature, children grow up without connection to their inner and outer worlds.

Juliëtte says, “Education is still based on the principles from the industrial revolution. “Children are trained efficiently and standardized to become better consumers instead of better people. This is diametrically opposed to a holistic lifestyle, which has a focus on connecting with nature.”

This was the experience of Juliëtte, who has been contributing to a more beautiful world with creativity, entrepreneurship, and vision since childhood.

Juliëtte has founded several regenerative businesses with an impact mission, including NOWSCHOOL, a blueprint for holistic education worldwide. This initiative fosters a generation of holistic thinkers and doers by building a new ecosystem that increases impact and empowers each other. Not by kicking the system, but by rolling up our sleeves together and building a new ecosystem for the next 7 generations.

“What if happiness, health, freedom and collaboration were given a central role in education? What if we unlearned the self-imposed frameworks and formed a new model for the child and the future?”

Juliëtte talks about holistic education, holistic living and creating a holistic learning and living environment. She advocates a shift from a linear system to a learning ecosystem with a living curriculum, inspired by new science, ancient wisdom, and her own experiences.

Read more about Juliëtte >>

Law and ethics form the foundation of everything Jan van de Venis undertakes in his life and career. After his early years in commercial law, he joined Greenpeace International as a lawyer; the beginning of a new direction, conservation and human rights.

“I became increasingly aware of the pressure on nature and the planet, and that our current law is not working to protect nature and future generations.”

A healthy environment is a human right and from this perspective he advised and supported – among others with his company JustLaw – citizens and NGOs in UN trajectories and lawsuits against companies and institutions violating human and children’s rights. The coalition of NGOs he is involved with also won the UN Human Rights Prize in 2023.

Jan is additionally a great ambassador of seventh generation thinking. He is concerned with the question, “what choices should we make now to ensure a good future for future generations?”. In his lectures he challenges his audience to think about this with him.

Read more about Jan van de Venis >>

Miranda is author of the upcoming book “How to include and represent the brightest possible future,” a book with a seven-generation design. In her company “Our Kids Future,” she introduces organizations such as municipalities, businesses, and schools to seventh generation thinking.

In her lectures, Miranda also advocates “a place at the table” for future generations in companies and governments.  As far as she is concerned, the question everyone should ask themselves over and over again is? ‘How to become a good ancestor; would my (great) grandchild be proud of the decision I make today?’

Miranda created the character “M,” who not only symbolizes the future generation living in 2050, but who literally influences every decision she makes. He is her future great-grandchild.

“Overwhelming people with ‘rocket science’ doesn’t work.  Put yourself in ‘the shoes’ of your grand- and great-grandchildren. That makes the future, and the problems future generations have to deal with tangible and palpable.”

In her lectures, trainings and workshops, Miranda lets you experience this power and inspires you to ‘be a good ancestor’!

Read more about Miranda Willems >>

Gert-Jan was an active member of the House of Representatives for the Christian Union for 10 years. Characteristic were his talent and drive to connect dissenters to the same mission – to eliminate injustice in any form. For example, he co-shaped the current climate policy and championed humane labor migration and bringing back the student basic grant.

In 2023, Gert-Jan left politics and continued his mission as an advisor for various NGOs and companies working from a social perspective. Among others, he works for the Salvation Army and International Justice Mission – an organization that seeks to eliminate modern-day slavery.

“All that injustice needs to win, is good people doing nothing.”

Gert-Jan Segers has also written several books, including his most recent, “Power and powerlessness: politician in a divided country. This is also one of his keynotes as a professional speaker.

Read more about Gert-Jan Segers >>

Nikki Trip wants to inspire you to discover, as she did herself, how to effectively use your talents-find your own impact niche-for a better world.

When Nikki discovered the power of big money (Dutch pension funds collectively invest some 1,500 billion euros) she couldn’t go back. There was still little representation of the broad prosperity perspective and few young people taking to the barricade. She seized that opportunity and made it her own.

“You have no use for good financial returns if there will soon be no livable world or social society left. That actually applies to everything we do. Broad prosperity is the only way forward.”

Nikki works as a sustainability specialist for AF Advisors, where she supports asset managers in their sustainability strategy, in addition she is active with several NGOs she founded. By connecting these two worlds, she aims to inspire companies to make future-proof choices

Read more about Nikki Trip>>

Founded by Anoek Neele and a collective of theater makers, The Climate Theater presents the climate crisis in a unique and humorous way on the workplace. With interactive performances, this diverse group makes difficult subjects discussable and inspires sustainable behavioral change.

Each character embodies one of the five behavioral stages of change. The dialogues between these characters tell the story of the character and highlights the pain points; from “climate denier” to “climate advocate”. Even Mother Earth has a role.

“A theatrical ‘slap in the face’ works better than spouting facts about climate.”

In the performance ‘A Warm Welcome’, laughter and tears are not uncommon, but the real impact is often only visible later. It creates space to express and share concerns and connect with people who have the same or different opinions and ideas. This has a lasting effect.

Read more about The Climate Theater >>

Growing up among farms in Brabant, Chantal developed a passion for good food and sustainability at an early age. Her career switched from large food companies to setting up initiatives like Too Good to Waste and Kromkommer  which marked the beginning of her fight against food waste and the established order in the food industry.

Now, she travels the country with her project Peas Of Me in her camper, staying at the farms of food changers, and sharing the inspiring stories of these ‘Peasmakers’.

“So much good is already happening; that’s what I want to focus on, not on doomsday scenarios.”

Let yourself be inspired by Chantal’s unique life story, nomadic existence, and her tireless commitment to a better world.

Read more about Chantal Engelen >>

Kremena Yordanova is a visionary leader who places resilience and compassion at the center of her approach. As a mentor and fractional CMO, she inspires other leaders by leveraging self-development and creativity for positive change.

After a successful career with major brands such as Adidas and Reebok, she chose a freelance path in 2023 as a marketing consultant focused on companies with a positive impact.

Kremena uses her experience in the corporate world to guide leaders in balancing ambition and integrity. Her insights stem from a holistic approach, helping leaders to act authentically and conscientiously in a rapidly changing world.

“There is more than one way to build a career without compromising your integrity.”

Book Kremena for inspiring keynotes and workshops on authentic leadership and discover how you can grow and make a lasting impact.

Read more about Kremena >>

Dr. Morgaine Gaye is a visionary in the future of food. As a Food Futurologist, she examines not only what we eat but, more importantly, why and how food is connected to broader social, cultural, and economic trends. Her unique way of thinking has helped major brands like Unilever and Amazon to look ahead and prepare for what is to come. But for her, it’s not just about food. “Trend indicators are happening right under our noses but often go unnoticed,” she says. It is these shifts that Morgaine picks up effortlessly and converts into predictions for businesses, sectors, and societies.

“As a futurologist, I have no personal agenda. I simply try to show the possibilities of the future.”

With her sharp observations and philosophical approach, she inspires both businesses and the general public worldwide.

Read more about Dr. Morgaine Gaye >>

From a young age, Talita felt a strong connection to nature and all living things. Sustainability has always played a significant role in her life, but it reached a peak in 2013 due to an event that is still vividly etched in her memory: the collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh.

The disaster not only made her reflect on her role as a consumer but also as a human being. It sparked a search for sustainable fashion and brought her closer to her own identity. She delved into her own heritage and cultural background. She discovered not only what sustainability essentially means to her but also the power of honest, transparent stories.

“The victims could have been my brothers and sisters.”

She launched her own platform, Soul Stores, where she shares inspiration about conscious purchasing and sustainable living while providing a valuable platform for mission-driven stores, manufacturers, and brands.

Drawing from her knowledge, experiences, and insights into copywriting, journalism, and sustainability, she developed Sustainable Storytelling as a methodology . She wrote a book about it – Sustainable Storytelling: From Pure Intention to a Credible Story with Impact – and speaks about it.

“It’s about being human from pure intentions and a deep intrinsic desire to do good for yourself, for others, and for the world around you.”

Read more about Talita Kalloe >>

Meet Wim Schepens, a quirky speaker and author who sees storytelling as his personal form of activism. Wim knows how to build bridges between different worlds, with his versatile background as an editor-in-chief and program maker at VPRO and his sharp societal view.

In his book “Leven met een trui aan” and through lectures, he shares his personal sustainability dilemmas and his fascination with nature, ecosystems, and the environment in a humorous and recognizable way. By doing so, he invites you to join him in thinking about the great challenges now and in the future.

“You can’t control nature; you can’t say this animal can, but that one cannot. Everything is connected through ecosystems and us humans depend on that as well.”

Discover how Wim connects the personal and societal and why he is such a relevant speaker on sustainability dilemmas for your audience right now. His lectures have a personal and critical touch while staying humorous  and hopeful.

Read more about Wim >>

Mirjam from Brabant was also called ‘Mother Nature’ as a child. The fire to contribute to sustainability – especially the circular economy – was only kindled in her when she started working on circularity after studying mechanical engineering at Philips.

She now inspires and activates companies and organizations to sustainability and creates real impact together with their employees. She does this by planting seeds and helping companies with their sustainability strategy. She makes extra impact as a speaker herself!

“I bring a lot of energy, bad jokes and an honest story, even if it rubs someone the wrong way.”

Her directness creates instant action, partly due to her disarming cheerfulness, energy and unmistakable Brabant accent. This makes Mirjam the choice keynote speaker if you really want to get your organization moving. Her lectures and workshops are packed with interactive methods that will always keep you on the edge of your seat.

Read more about Mirjam van Laarhoven >>

Kathalijn Kalawati Vergeer is a speaker, coach and amplifier of transition, using her colourful experience and skills to strengthen and accelerate transitions. Whether it is a personal, organisational or societal transition – any transition can lead to new life. With her playful and personal approach Kathalijn exhibits how to recognize, acknowledge, and, of course, harness transitions into collaborative inspired action.

‘New Life is the movement that comes together and is passed on’ 

Get ready for an interactive and dynamic talk. From her experiences, she has developed a unique approach to getting people moving. Her playful and creative methods make even complex topics such as diversity, inclusion, collaboration surrounding a common goal, new leadership or behavioural change digestible and discussable.

“Feel free to play and play to feel free. To break free of what you are stuck in. To reinvent yourself over and over again. Even if the destination is unknown, on a journey to yourself, you can never get lost.”

Kathalijn inspires her audience to switch their heads off, their hearts on, and get moving together.

Read more about Kathalijn now >>

In a candid manner, Peter Kapitein speaks and writes about his own diagnosis, his road to recovery and what he and his talents are working tirelessly for today.

He wrote the book “Ik heb kanker.. en ik leef een goed, gelukkig en gezond leven”(Translated: ‘I have cancer … and I live a good, happy and healthy life’) and – strongly driven by gratitude for life – he organizes the now famous Alpe d’HuZes with a friend.

Next to that he also founded Inspire2Live – an international movement working tirelessly for equality, autonomy and knowledge for cancer patients worldwide. Learn how Peter connects scientists, patients and policymakers with Inspire2Live to improve quality of life and accelerate breakthroughs in medicine.

“With Inspire2Live, we connect ALL stakeholders in the medical industry field and challenge them to do even better together.”

Read more about Peter Kapitein >>