Maartje Bregman
“News and opinions about climate are often fraught and negative. I want to change that to being bold and positive.”
Maartje Bregman is a content creator, writer, and speaker with a refreshingly positive message about climate.
Maartje Bregman always wanted to “become something that doesn’t exist yet. Instagram is booming in her final years of high school. As an ‘early adapter’ of the platform, she immediately dives into the world of content creation, and into the world of “influencers”. Initially, she writes about nutrition, sports, sharing recipes, fun stories, and beautiful photos. In 2020, she takes a different approach. Maartje’s study to become a physical therapist is on hold, due to the corona pandemic, and she starts writing a book: ‘The power of giving back”, giving back to nature and to yourself.
For her research, she delves into veganism and its effect on health, climate, and animal welfare. But all this freshly acquired knowledge from many scientific articles comes at a great cost. The dawning realization that the situation is unsustainable and that her own influence is limited has her in a chokehold.
“I remember being at my parents’ house. The news was on, and I sank deeper and deeper into the couch with each newsitem. I couldn’t watch it anymore with everything going on in the world.”
She doesn’t want to be left feeling disheartened but looking away is not an option either. So, what then? She brainstorms that night and makes a decision. She will start using her talent to get others moving, but with a positive and hopeful story, because so much beauty exists in the world – now, that is news.
The moment Maartje participates in a Ted X talent show, she feels that on stage her despair at the world gives way to something else: more grasp. She can inspire likeminded people to turn their powerlessness into action; after all, together you achieve more.
“My positive approach, knowledge and age ensure that I get people on board. I share the genuine concerns of my generation, but I don’t point fingers. I also show how things can be different, yet in a fun way.”
Meanwhile, Maartje is raising her voice more and more often, and people are listening. She speaks before a very varied audience and also shares stories through her own platform Happytimesmagazine.nl as well as its physical magazine, diverse social media platforms and newsletter.
Maartje Bregman is a content creator, writer, and speaker with a refreshingly positive message about climate. Maartje Bregman always wanted to “become something that doesn’t exist yet. Instagram is booming in her final years of high school. As an ‘early adapter’ of the platform, she immediately dives into the world of content creation, and into the world of “influencers”. Initially, she writes about nutrition, sports, sharing View more…
Maartje has the ability to use her vulnerability and fear as a tremendous strength. She has a strong ambition to change things.
"I want people to leave the room with their heads held high, realizing that they are part of the solution."
It doesn’t have to be perfect all at once
Maartje holds her breath, looking at the models of climate scientists and the progress toward meeting the goals set for 2030 and 2050. The message from Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion is ‘We’re not doing enough yet.’ Maartje recognizes that activists like them are badly needed to reach the general public, yet this is not her method of persuasion.
“I admire activists like Greta enormously. At the same time, you also see that climate discussions get heated. Bringing negative news can feel like an attack and cause people to dig in their heels even more. Instead, I try to get them to understand what taking sustainable steps will bring and emphasize that it doesn’t have to be perfect all at once.”
She wants people to pick up on their own initiative and take responsibility, because if we all do this, only then will we really achieve something. She recently experienced that a lot of drops in a bucket can be enough to make the bucket overflow.
“I had the idea of publishing a physical magazine with positive climate news. By sharing this news, I received support from creatives from different corners. People volunteered their talents to make the magazine a reality. Together we can reach even more people. I could never have achieved this on my own.”
According to her listeners, Maartje possesses infectious enthusiasm and courage to speak out. She has the ability to use her vulnerability and fear as an enormous strength and is not constrained by “this-is-how-we-do-it-now frameworks”. In addition to climate change, she also addresses themes of injustice and inequality. Honesty and equality are close to her heart, and she doesn’t hide that.
“Even though my way of speaking sometimes seems sweet and soft, I have a strong opinion and ambition to change things. In all my lectures and stories, I call for action; no matter how or what you contribute, every step counts.”
Want to book Maartje as a speaker?
Would you like to book Maartje Bregman for your event? As a speaker or chairman of the day for example? Ask about the possibilities and availability.
1. Passionate
When Maartje speaks about sustainability, a fire is lit, and that fire is contagious. Her audience gets excited and often shares with her how they are already committed or how they want to do so because of her story.
2. Young speaker
Maartje often hears; “You are so young!” (1998). When I was that age I was mainly busy drinking and partying, certainly not involved with social issues.’ She often thinks that says more about the other person.
“I know plenty of young people who are also socially engaged. It’s just so important. It affects me, and my generation. I also prefer to be at parties and in the pub, but this is so important. I just can’t not do it.”
3. Recognizable
Maartje does not like finger pointing and endless discussions (although she does not avoid them). She prefers to connect with her audience by sketching recognizable situations. Dealing with feelings of powerlessness, frustration, ignorance, and your role in this complex problem. You feel heard, understood, and motivated to continue or take the first steps.
4. Positive
Maartje’s own experience shows how important a positive and hopeful narrative is. For your mental health, but also because it reaches a larger group of people and thus increases the impact.
5. Enterprising
Maartje has a large network and knows how to connect links like in a big spider web. She is ambitious and a ‘dreamer who does’. She seizes opportunities with both hands and enjoys establishing collaborations. She brings this energy and experience to the stage.
1. Passionate
When Maartje speaks about sustainability, a fire is lit, and that fire is contagious. Her audience gets excited and often shares with her how they are already committed or how they want to do so because of her story.
2. Young speaker
Maartje often hears; “You are so young!” (1998). When I was that age I was mainly busy drinking and partying, certainly not involved with social issues.’ She often thinks that says more about the other person.
“I know plenty of young people who are also socially engaged. It’s just so important. It affects me, and my generation. I also prefer to be at parties and in the pub, but this is so important. I just can’t not do it.”
3. Recognizable
Maartje does not like finger pointing and endless discussions (although she does not avoid them). She prefers to connect with her audience by sketching recognizable situations. Dealing with feelings of powerlessness, frustration, ignorance, and your role in this complex problem. You feel heard, understood, and motivated to continue or take the first steps.
4. Positive
Maartje’s own experience shows how important a positive and hopeful narrative is. For your mental health, but also because it reaches a larger group of people and thus increases the impact.
5. Enterprising
Maartje has a large network and knows how to connect links like in a big spider web. She is ambitious and a ‘dreamer who does’. She seizes opportunities with both hands and enjoys establishing collaborations. She brings this energy and experience to the stage.
What does Maartje Bregman offer?
Tailored keynote
With a tailored keynote, Maartje will raise the issue of climate change with the audience, focusing on the urgency and impact it is already having now. She will then move on to “how can I make a difference as part of society? We are not individuals working together, we are a group working together with all individual actions that may or may not contribute to our common goal. She then offers the audience a hand to take steps together. With concrete examples, they can take action themselves and leave the room with their heads held high.
Tailored keynote
With a tailored keynote, Maartje will raise the issue of climate change with the audience, focusing on the urgency and impact it is already having now. She will then move on to “how can I make a difference as part of society? We are not individuals working together, we are a group working together with all individual actions that may or may not contribute to our common goal. She then offers the audience a hand to take steps together. With concrete examples, they can take action themselves and leave the room with their heads held high.
Five questions for:
Maartje Bregman
For Good: what does it mean to you?
“I don’t really like the word ‘influencer,’ even though that’s exactly what I’m trying to do – influence behavior. Still, I prefer to call myself content creator, because of the commercial nature attached to the word ‘influencer.’
Influencers online often get questions like; ‘where did you buy those pants’. Within no time you get the brand, price and even the item number. People are much more than consumers, but the fact is still that we are all influenced and influence ourselves. Time to start using this for good. Not just me, but everyone. Use your voice or talent for good!”
What can the audience expect from you?
“I am young and for a long time that stopped me from speaking, until I learned that this is precisely my strength. I am often still seen as that sweet blonde naive girl with her ‘cute ideas’, but in the meantime, I show that I can really make a difference, speaking for big companies and standing next to big entrepreneurs.
So, what you can expect from me is an honest, powerful message, but focused on the positive. I want people to leave the room with their heads held high, with the conviction that they themselves are part of the solution to this complex social issue.”
Who is your greatest example or inspiration?
“Surely that’s Greta Thunberg. What I think is so cool about her is that she just says what she thinks, to anyone. She doesn’t care about what others think of her. What we have in common is our vision, but our approach is very different, although both are necessary. She blows everyone away with her urgent message. I prefer to help ‘those blown over people’ in taking concrete steps.”
What do you love and what makes you typically Maartje?
“I naturally get excited about working with others on sustainability, while doing my part .. Besides being a passionate climate optimist, I am also sporty and creative. I run and am a die hard, DIY’er; making something new from waste streams (there is no such thing as waste) is something I enjoy doing. By the way, I prefer to do that with Christmas music playing in the background, because I can listen to that even in the summer!”
For Good: what does it mean to you?
“I don’t really like the word ‘influencer,’ even though that’s exactly what I’m trying to do – influence behavior. Still, I prefer to call myself content creator, because of the commercial nature attached to the word ‘influencer.’
Influencers online often get questions like; ‘where did you buy those pants’. Within no time you get the brand, price and even the item number. People are much more than consumers, but the fact is still that we are all influenced and influence ourselves. Time to start using this for good. Not just me, but everyone. Use your voice or talent for good!”
What can the audience expect from you?
“I am young and for a long time that stopped me from speaking, until I learned that this is precisely my strength. I am often still seen as that sweet blonde naive girl with her ‘cute ideas’, but in the meantime, I show that I can really make a difference, speaking for big companies and standing next to big entrepreneurs.
So, what you can expect from me is an honest, powerful message, but focused on the positive. I want people to leave the room with their heads held high, with the conviction that they themselves are part of the solution to this complex social issue.”
Who is your greatest example or inspiration?
“Surely that’s Greta Thunberg. What I think is so cool about her is that she just says what she thinks, to anyone. She doesn’t care about what others think of her. What we have in common is our vision, but our approach is very different, although both are necessary. She blows everyone away with her urgent message. I prefer to help ‘those blown over people’ in taking concrete steps.”
What do you love and what makes you typically Maartje?
“I naturally get excited about working with others on sustainability, while doing my part .. Besides being a passionate climate optimist, I am also sporty and creative. I run and am a die hard, DIY’er; making something new from waste streams (there is no such thing as waste) is something I enjoy doing. By the way, I prefer to do that with Christmas music playing in the background, because I can listen to that even in the summer!”
Maartje in Ahoy tijdens Impact Night
2024
TedX
Maartje at ING
2023
A selection of companies that Maartje Bregman already had impactful collaborations with….
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“Maartje was very flexible and tailored her workshop to our needs and questions. A fine and enthusiastic workshop facilitator.” – Laura
Milieu Defensie -
Maartje was one of the top 10 finalists in our TEDx Amsterdam Women Talent Night Competition. I was the speaker coach that helped her to prepare her TEDx style video pitch and later her 5 minute talk before a live audience. She was eager to learn how to build a TEDx Talk, listened to my suggestions, and created her own inspirational and meaningful story. She is a passionate young lady who is on a mission as a “Climate Optimist” and brings her own unique style and sunshine wherever she goes. If you want a bright, young climate activist – with alot to say – to speak to your group – she will be a great choice. – Barbara Rogoski (Speaker coach TEDx)
“I was blown away when you spoke! 👏🏾 beautiful how you put this into words. Keep shining” – Rheyna Wijsman (audience TEDx)
Oh man it totally gave me goosebumps! What a beautiful message Maartje, and also your answer to the jury afterwards, really on point!!!” – Julia de Laat (audience TEDx)
TEDx Talentshow Amsterdam -
Maartje’s contribution to the farewell symposium enriched the discussion. Her positive contribution about what IS happening, and what a group of like-minded, enthusiastic people CAN achieve together!
The enthusiasm she sparked with her story and contribution to the discussion was contagious for many, and certainly for me!
Thanks in part to her contribution, the symposium was considered a great success by all. We wish her every success with all her wonderful activities, and look forward to seeing and speaking with her again in the future! – Jeroen Rijpkema (former CEO Triodos Bank)Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Triodos Bank -
“I think Maartje has a very enthusiastic -and age-appropriate- story about a sustainable lifestyle. We (as companies) can shout a lot about our corporate sustainability goals, but in the end it is also very important that employees know how to make their own sustainable decisions.”
Thijs Lindhout -
Univé.Univé
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“Recently Maartje was a guest to speak at the Fair and Sustainable festival in Kampen. Until then I only knew her from the videos I saw on insta. But Maartje is really much more than that! What a surprise! Her drive, enthusiasm and knowledge. Especially her knowledge really surprised me. Upon returning home I immediately started reading her book.” – Diana
Fair & Share -
ING.ING
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Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a University of Twente meeting.
Universiteit Twente -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a meeting of SDG local Oosterhout.
SDG Lokaal Oosterhout -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a Meeting from Waternet. Huge Impact.
Waternet -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a meeting of Waterschap Delta.
Waterschap Delta -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a meeting of HZ Knowledge Center for Coastal Tourism.
HZ Kenniscentrum Kusttoerisme -
Maartje Bregman appears on the Young Impact Podcast with a story about sustainability and her Happy Times Magazine.
Podcast Young Impact -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a meeting of Hogeschool Utrecht.
Hogeschool Utrecht -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a meeting of Knaapen.
Knaapen -
Maartje Bregman gives an inspiring and impressive lecture at a meeting of BREiNN.
BREiNN -
‘Great presentation and talking about sustainability and sustainable business in a positive and good way! Also for people who may not have much to do with it!’ – Entrepreneurship student at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences
‘Tone, visuals building interaction were top! Connected well with the target group.’ – Student Entrepreneurship at Hogeschool Utrecht
‘It was a flowing story, enthusiasm radiated from it. Nice that entrepreneurship was a big topic and included sustainability.’ – Student Entrepreneurship at Hogeschool Utrecht
Hogeschool Utrecht -
As a climate optimist, Maartje Bregman’s lecture was the icing on the applesauce for me. As a sustainability consultant, I am often preoccupied with the climate crisis and all the doom and gloom it brings, but Maartje brings the climate story with an energy as well as optimism, without compromising urgency. Thanks to her vibe and unique approach, I walked away with a smile and a new, lighter perspective on a challenging topic. Nice work, Maartje! – Esther Roelofsen – van den Nouwelant, Freelance strategic advisor on sustainability
Esther Roelofsen – van den Nouwelant
