Speakers⁶

We communicate largely online and almost everything is at our fingertips with just a swipe. But how good is this for the earth, for our social lives and mental health? He says we suffer quite a bit from the influence of technology. Although, according to Aaron Mirck, it is not as black and white as “online bad and offline good”.

“We don’t have much patience anymore; we are less creative and sometimes don’t know how to make real connections. We live in an age where we numb ourselves with digital distractions.”

According to Aaron, we must remain critical of technology and whether it still serves society. As such, his mission is to make sure we become “smart users”.

In his lectures, he broaches complex and fraught topics, such as digital ethics, etiquette, AI and consciously dealing with technology.

Full of humor, self-mockery and (sometimes painfully) recognizable situations for the audience, he explains, among other things, how algorithms influence our lives, what that does to you and what a social media diet delivers. A social media diet can offer more attention, focus, peace, time, creativity, productivity, and space to shape your life the way you want it.

Read more about Aaron Mirck >>

A truly sustainable business model requires radical thinking, but it is possible, Ankie van Wersch knows. She is founder of Tika foundation, a foundation offering programmes for underprivileged children and young people in Nepal. She is also CEO of Powered by Enviu, an organisation that builds business models that create value for people and the environment.

Perhaps it is her grandfather’s words; ‘you must always do the right thing’, or perhaps it is her own experiences; ‘children are still dying of hunger’. Probably it is a combination of both that drive her to make the world a nicer place. And she successfully does so in various ways.

“We have reduced avocado waste by 95%, saved billions of litres of water, and prevented 25 million single-use plastics from ending up in the ocean. We also set up a pension fund in Ghana for people without formal jobs. They can now also build something for later.”

Although Ankie’s stories don’t leave you cold, a positive tone prevails in her lectures. She tells inspiringly that it can be done; as a company, making a positive impact on the environment and people’s lives. ‘Thinking big and starting small‘ is her motto.

‘The sky is the limit’ is sometimes said, but as far as Ariane Roos is concerned, it could all be a bit less in our growth- and consumption-driven society.

“How bizarre is it that we find it normal to wear cheap jeans sewn together by Uighurs in ‘re-education camps’?”

Once a graduate in aerospace engineering, she founded a tech platform on the eve of the internet revolution and worked at a strategic level for major corporates such as KPN, Vodafone, Fokker, and Philips.

A tough time of chemo treatments only strengthened her vision. The vision that doing work that energizes you and gives meaning to your life not only strengthens your mindset but can also make the world a much more beautiful place.

Ariane speaks – full of powerful vulnerability – about ‘doing business for good’ and about how every company can become an impact organization.

Read more about Ariane Roos >>

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 >>

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 >>