Inge Westerink
“I want to show the business community that sustainability does not have to be expensive or complicated, despite complex regulations.”
Inge Westerink is a ‘green influencer’ and sustainability consultant. She talks about making business, and real estate models more sustainable and the individual impact we can all make.
She has gone from flying around the world as a flight attendant to advising companies about sustainability. That was not the most obvious ‘flight path’, but for Inge nothing made more sense than that. Her worldview began to tilt from 2020, the year when life came to a standstill for many due to the corona pandemic. Because the airports were so quiet, Inge like almost all her colleagues, found herself sitting at home.
She decided to delve into one of her other interests, fashion. She took the Sustainability and Fashion course at the University of London. It changed her view of the fashion industry quite a bit.
“The effect on the planet, on people and on how they are treated in the non-transparent production chains opened my eyes.”
Via Instagram, as a “sustainable influencer,” she decided to give others a glimpse into that dark side of the fashion world as well, and her platform is steadily growing.
The realization was also growing that abuses were not only the order of the day in fashion, but that other industries were also polluting the earth. Flying as a flight attendant began to falter and Inge chose a new direction. She went to work for a large law firm, where she became increasingly involved in projects because of her interest in sustainability. When sustainability certifications were imposed by the landlord of the building, Inge carefully plotted how they could comply.
She discovered a new talent and interest here and decided to take several courses focused on sustainability at Erasmus University and University of Cambridge. She is now officially allowed to supervise certification processes herself (WELL, BREEAM, B-Corp, EcoVadis) and advises companies on sustainability strategy.
“I look at how to get sustainability going in companies. Every organization and every department have its own interpretation.”
The knowledge and experience Inge has gained over the past few years provided a rich breeding ground for her talks and workshops. With a Bachelor and Master’s degree in “Musical Theatre,” Inge knows how to get her message across in an energetic, entertaining and interactive way.
Inge Westerink is a ‘green influencer’ and sustainability consultant. She talks about making business, and real estate models more sustainable and the individual impact we can all make. She has gone from flying around the world as a flight attendant to advising companies about sustainability. That was not the most obvious ‘flight path’, but for Inge nothing made more sense than that. Her worldview began to View more…
"Legislation lags behind business, so we need forerunners."
"I like the 'ecological handshake' concept; sharing knowledge and inspiring each other to increase your impact together."
Making sustainability easier and more fun.
A moment that still stands out in Inge’s mind is seeing the documentary “The True Cost,” which, among other things, zooms in on Rhana Plaza, a fast fashion factory in Bangladesh that collapsed in 2013 and took the lives of 1,134 people.
“That docu really impacted me. I find it incomprehensible that we don’t accept these kinds of conditions in the Netherlands, but we do import stuff that is produced out of our sight in inhumane conditions.”
In terms of taking care of the planet, there is still a world to be won; and that is precisely Inge’s personal mission.
“2050 is not so far away at all, the clock is ticking. Laws and regulations are often just a bit behind the business world. We need forerunners, small companies, start-ups that dare to experiment, and big multinationals to make big strides.”
Inge indicates that the complexity of laws and regulations and terms create a jumble of unnecessary confusion and high barriers to doing something. She wants to change that. She creates order in the chaos and shows that a shift from a financial starting point to one where society and planet are central can be profitable in the end.
“I show that if you work with a strategy, it becomes not only easier, but also more fun to become more sustainable.”
Inge often gives the example of Unilever, which proves that large companies can indeed shift from doing better for society and the planet, that sustainable is not just expensive. Indeed, companies only become stronger, more profitable, and more future proof by making this choice. Their reputation is better, they face less risk and have stronger relationships with stakeholders and customers.
In her talks and workshops, Inge convinces companies of the value of developing a sustainable business strategy and is well prepared for the topics and challenges that concern the audience. By telling her story, she wants to make it clear that everyone, every individual, can make a difference; by moving in a more sustainable direction or by making an impact in the workplace.
Want to book Inge as a speaker?
Would you like to book Inge Westerink for your event? As a speaker or chairman of the day for example? Ask about the possibilities and availability.
1. Knowledge
Inge has gained in-depth knowledge and helped many organizations shape and communicate their sustainability mission, vision and KPIs. Her inspiring stories are substantiated with facts and examples from her own experience. Inge understands organizational structures and how to translate the sustainability message to different departments and stakeholders.
2. Performance
Even before Inge became a flight attendant, she was active in theater. With a Bachelor and Master’s degree in “Musical Theatre,” she is in her element on stage. As a result, her presentations and workshops are energetic and an interactive experience.
3. Together
Inge says, “Every event and every organization are unique and so is my approach,”. Together with the client or organizer, she maps out what the dot on the horizon is and what themes or challenges lie ahead. She then deploys her talk or workshop live to arrive at solutions tailoring it completely to her audience.
In any case, ‘together’ is an important key word in Inge’s daily life. Sharing knowledge and best practices, inspiring each other to increase impact, she is a great advocate of that. She also calls it an ‘ecological handshake’.
4. Energetic
Inge’s passion for sustainability comes from within and you can feel it. The road she has taken is an inspiration to many, but above all it shows that everyone can do their bit to create a more beautiful world. Let Inge inspire and motivate you!
1. Knowledge
Inge has gained in-depth knowledge and helped many organizations shape and communicate their sustainability mission, vision and KPIs. Her inspiring stories are substantiated with facts and examples from her own experience. Inge understands organizational structures and how to translate the sustainability message to different departments and stakeholders.
2. Performance
Even before Inge became a flight attendant, she was active in theater. With a Bachelor and Master’s degree in “Musical Theatre,” she is in her element on stage. As a result, her presentations and workshops are energetic and an interactive experience.
3. Together
Inge says, “Every event and every organization are unique and so is my approach,”. Together with the client or organizer, she maps out what the dot on the horizon is and what themes or challenges lie ahead. She then deploys her talk or workshop live to arrive at solutions tailoring it completely to her audience.
In any case, ‘together’ is an important key word in Inge’s daily life. Sharing knowledge and best practices, inspiring each other to increase impact, she is a great advocate of that. She also calls it an ‘ecological handshake’.
4. Energetic
Inge’s passion for sustainability comes from within and you can feel it. The road she has taken is an inspiration to many, but above all it shows that everyone can do their bit to create a more beautiful world. Let Inge inspire and motivate you!
What does Inge Westerink offer?
Would you like to book Inge Westerink as a (keynote) speaker for a conference, lecture, or event? You will find a selection of keynotes below.
Customized program? Ask for the possibilities.
Sustainability for real estate entrepreneurs
Where do you start and how can you even get ahead on ESG?
Strategy building and certifications are the basis, but there is much more room to develop in the field of sustainability, such as new systems, making sustainability even more measurable and entering new partnerships. What role can and do you want to play in this and how do you involve all departments of your company in this mission?
The successful company of the future
Profit in all areas
How do you look beyond profit and how do you develop a successful strategy for this? What is your motivation and how can you fulfill it for a company that can exist for a long time? How can you make sustainability as important and measurable as the financial side of your business? There are already many tools available, and Inge shows how you can use them in unique, creative ways.
Sustainability laws and regulations
How do you prepare and work with them?
What does a reporting requirement mean for your company? How do you further prepare for the future so that you not only meet the requirements but become a forerunner and inspiration within your own industry?
A sustainable career
‘I went from flying all over the world to sustainability consultant in 3 years.‘
You think sustainability is important, but at the same time feel small or powerless. Good news, you’re not! Everyone can play a role in this story. Find your passion, talents, and skills and together we will explore how you can use these to make more impact as an individual.
Sustainable living - how
How do you personally make the most impact?
There are many ways to live sustainably, but how do you make a real difference?
Is this by living more sustainably, by sharing your knowledge, by inspiring others or by making an impact at work? Find your motives that help you to really make a change. I share tips and experiences from my own personal and business life and from my network.
Sustainability for real estate entrepreneurs
Where do you start and how can you even get ahead on ESG?
Strategy building and certifications are the basis, but there is much more room to develop in the field of sustainability, such as new systems, making sustainability even more measurable and entering new partnerships. What role can and do you want to play in this and how do you involve all departments of your company in this mission?
The successful company of the future
Profit in all areas
How do you look beyond profit and how do you develop a successful strategy for this? What is your motivation and how can you fulfill it for a company that can exist for a long time? How can you make sustainability as important and measurable as the financial side of your business? There are already many tools available, and Inge shows how you can use them in unique, creative ways.
Sustainability laws and regulations
How do you prepare and work with them?
What does a reporting requirement mean for your company? How do you further prepare for the future so that you not only meet the requirements but become a forerunner and inspiration within your own industry?
A sustainable career
‘I went from flying all over the world to sustainability consultant in 3 years.‘
You think sustainability is important, but at the same time feel small or powerless. Good news, you’re not! Everyone can play a role in this story. Find your passion, talents, and skills and together we will explore how you can use these to make more impact as an individual.
Sustainable living - how
How do you personally make the most impact?
There are many ways to live sustainably, but how do you make a real difference?
Is this by living more sustainably, by sharing your knowledge, by inspiring others or by making an impact at work? Find your motives that help you to really make a change. I share tips and experiences from my own personal and business life and from my network.
Four questions for:
Inge Westerink
What do you love and what makes you typically Inge?
“I love discovering new things in the field of sustainability, which is related to my personal life. I like to look for cool new innovations on Instagram, or people who are just a step ahead and trying something new. I like to be inspired. In addition, exercise, sports, and hiking in nature is a must for me, probably because I danced a lot in my theater days. I enjoy that.”
For Good: What does 'good' mean to you?
“We live in a world that largely revolves around money. At ‘for good,’ you let go of this and focus solely on making an impact. A livable world for future generations, keeping biodiversity intact, us as part of nature. That may seem super idealistic, but the beauty is that a focus on these things often has positive financial consequences for individuals and companies as well, provided you take a strategic approach.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
“Within my work as a Sustainability Consultant, I help my clients in their transition to a sustainable strategy in business. Being profitable and making an impact can go well hand in hand. And isn’t that the best thing there is? I like to help others in their approach. In addition, I share the knowledge I have gained in making my life and work more sustainable in social media. In this way I hope to help as many people as possible in the transition to a more sustainable existence. This has brought me great satisfaction and I wish that for everyone!”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration yourself?
“Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever. His book Net Positive has been an inspiration to me in developing my career in the field of sustainability. He clearly shows that it is possible to achieve positive financial results while making a positive impact on society and the planet. I want to make this a reality for as many companies as possible and inspire others to also seek a sustainable career. After all, within our work there is so much to achieve!”
What do you love and what makes you typically Inge?
“I love discovering new things in the field of sustainability, which is related to my personal life. I like to look for cool new innovations on Instagram, or people who are just a step ahead and trying something new. I like to be inspired. In addition, exercise, sports, and hiking in nature is a must for me, probably because I danced a lot in my theater days. I enjoy that.”
For Good: What does 'good' mean to you?
“We live in a world that largely revolves around money. At ‘for good,’ you let go of this and focus solely on making an impact. A livable world for future generations, keeping biodiversity intact, us as part of nature. That may seem super idealistic, but the beauty is that a focus on these things often has positive financial consequences for individuals and companies as well, provided you take a strategic approach.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
“Within my work as a Sustainability Consultant, I help my clients in their transition to a sustainable strategy in business. Being profitable and making an impact can go well hand in hand. And isn’t that the best thing there is? I like to help others in their approach. In addition, I share the knowledge I have gained in making my life and work more sustainable in social media. In this way I hope to help as many people as possible in the transition to a more sustainable existence. This has brought me great satisfaction and I wish that for everyone!”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration yourself?
“Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever. His book Net Positive has been an inspiration to me in developing my career in the field of sustainability. He clearly shows that it is possible to achieve positive financial results while making a positive impact on society and the planet. I want to make this a reality for as many companies as possible and inspire others to also seek a sustainable career. After all, within our work there is so much to achieve!”
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World Port Center
Rotterdam 2024
Dutch Green Building Week
2024
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Funky Vegan Festival
2023
A selection of companies that Inge Westerink already had impactful collaborations with….
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Inge Westerink makes an inspiring and impressive contribution at the Funky Vegan Festival about sustainability.
Funky Vegan Festival -
Inge Westerink makes an inspiring and impressive contribution at Facility Management Nederland about Sustainable business operations.
Facility Management Nederland -
Inge Westerink makes an inspiring and impressive contribution at the Sustainable Fashion Giftcard event about sustainability.
Sustainable Fashion Giftcard
