Thijs Suijten
“I have discovered that it is possible to contribute to something good in the world in the most extraordinary places with your work-skills.”
Thijs Suijten is a software engineer using his tech-skills to solve “real” problems in the world. He talks about how all of us can contribute to something good with our own talents!
In his own words, Thijs is a real ‘tech-nerd’ and has spoken often in his (20+ years) career in front of his peers. But his real passion turned out to be in ‘tech-for-good-projects’ which he now speaks about to a wider audience. His lessons from recent years are in fact relevant to anyone who experiences insufficient meaning in his or her work and wants that to change that. Thijs is the perfect person to give them a push; with impressive examples, images and a story which many will recognize themselves.
That Thijs has a thing for computers became clear when he was thirteen years old. His father – a true early adopter – bought an expensive computer and, unlike his father, Thijs knew how to use it. He later studied computer science at the Haagse Hogeschool. After graduation he started working for a small software company, where he later became co-owner. He noticed that the pleasure in his work was gradually disappearing. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but was ready for something else. Enterprising as he was, Thijs founds several start-ups. He later came into contact with tech and Internet company Q42, and was so impressed that he decided, “If you can’t beat them, join them. Thijs developed apps for 9292, PostNL and the Rijksmuseum, among others.
He worked for a nice company, developed great projects, and yet… the unsettling feeling crept up on him again.
“I realized that the thousands of lines of code I had written felt useless. Yes, it made life for people and companies just a little easier, more comfortable. I wondered how I could get the most out of my lines of code.”
He discussed his thoughts with a colleague Tim, who ran “Hack The Planet” within Q42, which sought answers to the question: how can we use tech to contribute to the world? Suddenly it all fell into place. The restlessness Thijs felt, the indefinable feeling …
“When I looked back on it, all these years it was just a piece of meaning I was missing in my work.”
Since 2019, Thijs has been contributing his skills to projects for Hack The Planet. He also speaks about his experiences and wants to show people from all kinds of professions that you can choose what you use your talents for; if it was up to him “for good!”.
Thijs Suijten is a software engineer using his tech-skills to solve “real” problems in the world. He talks about how all of us can contribute to something good with our own talents! In his own words, Thijs is a real ‘tech-nerd’ and has spoken often in his (20+ years) career in front of his peers. But his real passion turned out to be in ‘tech-for-good-projects’ which View more…
"Don't ask the question 'can it be built', but 'should it be built?
"I want to inspire others so that more professionals and companies start using their 'force for good.' I assure you; it makes you a happier person."
Tech what the world really needs
One of the moments that has stayed with Thijs, was the starting point for his ‘180-degree turnaround’ were the insights after reading the book ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries. He realizes that his pitfall – like that of many engineers – that too much is built that ultimately nobody wants, just because it can be done; useless lines of code, with which the talents of good people are wasted.
“I wanted to stop feeling useless, not contribute to first-world inconveniences, but to solve real problems that help humanity and nature. You can do almost anything with technology, but the question is, should you want to?”
With Hack The Planet, Thijs has now put his vision well into practice. Thijs contributed to ‘ – an interactive tool to make young people aware of online sexual violence and its psychological consequences. He wants to change that with his project, because only 1% currently find their way to counseling services.
“Young professionals like engineers often want to work for big names, earn a lot. They often don’t consider the fact that meaning is also an important factor, and that with their talent they can have a huge impact on something important.”
Much of his time is spent working on wildlife conservation projects; rangers in Africa protecting elephants from poachers. They do this by using cameras and sensors, allowing a much larger area to be monitored.
These are stories that capture the imagination and show that chasing “the big money” is not sacred. That it can give an enormous kick to do adventurous things that no one else does, to get to places you never thought possible and as a result the world becomes more beautiful.
“More than once we had to flee from a herd of elephants, or a cheetah that passed that had just caught an impala. You don’t experience that high behind a desk in the Netherlands. I visited the Elephant Orphanage in Zambia; those caretakers are heroes in my eye., contributing to that is worth much more to me than a fat salary.”
Innovation for good with Celine Dion
That ‘tech-for-good’, adventure and humor can also go well together is demonstrated by this anecdote the title of one of Thijs’ keynotes:
“In Gabon, elephants regularly broke into plantations and attacked people. These in turn attacked the elephants. We are now using the same cameras and technology to alert people and chase away the elephants. We do this with sound and music. The first successful attempt was thanks to none other than Celine Dion. We’ll keep that one in!”
Thijs inspires and motivates the audience to use their own talents ‘for good’ in whatever form and for whatever purpose. How can you as an individual and professional contribute or encourage the company you work for to do something.
Want to book Thijs as a speaker?
Would you like to book Thijs Suijten for your event? Ask about the possibilities and his availability.
1. Tech Expert
Technology (including AI) holds few secrets for Thijs anymore. With a background in software engineering, he has written millions of lines of code and as a tech entrepreneur has also had bigger tech issues on his plate. As a result, Thijs easily levels with a room full of tech experts.
2. Adventurous
Did you know tech could be so adventurous? You’ll find out during a talk with Thijs. He developed projects that make the world more beautiful. In the Netherlands, and in the most unexpected places, such as Africa and Romania, he likes to talk about his experiences and adventures.
3. Broadly accessible
Although Thijs is an expert in the tech field, his talks are also relevant to a wider audience. His message is about finding and experiencing more job happiness and meaning by following your heart and doing something good for the planet and everything on it.
4. Open doors
Do you ever wonder if you as an individual can make a difference at all? Thijs’ answer to this is a resounding yes! In any profession or field, with any skillset or talent, you can contribute to a more beautiful world. Thijs explains why you should want this and how you can tackle it.
1. Tech Expert
Technology (including AI) holds few secrets for Thijs anymore. With a background in software engineering, he has written millions of lines of code and as a tech entrepreneur has also had bigger tech issues on his plate. As a result, Thijs easily levels with a room full of tech experts.
2. Adventurous
Did you know tech could be so adventurous? You’ll find out during a talk with Thijs. He developed projects that make the world more beautiful. In the Netherlands, and in the most unexpected places, such as Africa and Romania, he likes to talk about his experiences and adventures.
3. Broadly accessible
Although Thijs is an expert in the tech field, his talks are also relevant to a wider audience. His message is about finding and experiencing more job happiness and meaning by following your heart and doing something good for the planet and everything on it.
4. Open doors
Do you ever wonder if you as an individual can make a difference at all? Thijs’ answer to this is a resounding yes! In any profession or field, with any skillset or talent, you can contribute to a more beautiful world. Thijs explains why you should want this and how you can tackle it.
Four questions for:
Thijs Suijten
For Good: what does that mean to you?
“That everyone uses their unique skillset to do something good for the planet. What that is, is different for everyone, but that’s what makes it so beautiful; one is not better than the other. It’s important to do something that makes your heart beat faster or makes you angry. You need that fire to really pursue your goals.”
Walk the Talk: what is your added value?
“I talk about what drives me as a true tech nerd and why I made the choice to choose meaning over a fat salary and solving first-world ‘problems.’ How I continually research how to make the most impact with my lines of code. I also explain how Q42 enables the non-profit projects we run. This includes protecting elephants, and rhinos in Africa and bears in Romania. By inspiring, evoking recognition and showing what is possible, I hope that more professionals and companies will start using their “force for good. It makes you a happier person.”
Do you have any role models or inspirations of your own?
“Yes, many in fact, but they are not big names. They are the people who have their feet in the mud, who do the work and sacrifice themselves for others. The image that comes to mind are the caretakers of a shelter for orphaned elephants in Zambia. When the mother is killed by poachers, the orphan stays with the mother, and eventually dies as well. They catch those elephants. Each orphan gets its own caretaker, who is ready for the animal day and night, like a parent. Their whole life is dedicated to those little elephants, until after a few years when they are ready to go back into the wild with a herd. I have deep respect for those people; those are the real heroes.”
What do you hope to achieve with your audience?
“That I manage to touch as many people as possible with my story, that they recognize themselves in my turmoil of the time and start to long for a (work) life with more meaning. I hope to give them a big push to act. That will really make the world a more beautiful place.”
For Good: what does that mean to you?
“That everyone uses their unique skillset to do something good for the planet. What that is, is different for everyone, but that’s what makes it so beautiful; one is not better than the other. It’s important to do something that makes your heart beat faster or makes you angry. You need that fire to really pursue your goals.”
Walk the Talk: what is your added value?
“I talk about what drives me as a true tech nerd and why I made the choice to choose meaning over a fat salary and solving first-world ‘problems.’ How I continually research how to make the most impact with my lines of code. I also explain how Q42 enables the non-profit projects we run. This includes protecting elephants, and rhinos in Africa and bears in Romania. By inspiring, evoking recognition and showing what is possible, I hope that more professionals and companies will start using their “force for good. It makes you a happier person.”
Do you have any role models or inspirations of your own?
“Yes, many in fact, but they are not big names. They are the people who have their feet in the mud, who do the work and sacrifice themselves for others. The image that comes to mind are the caretakers of a shelter for orphaned elephants in Zambia. When the mother is killed by poachers, the orphan stays with the mother, and eventually dies as well. They catch those elephants. Each orphan gets its own caretaker, who is ready for the animal day and night, like a parent. Their whole life is dedicated to those little elephants, until after a few years when they are ready to go back into the wild with a herd. I have deep respect for those people; those are the real heroes.”
What do you hope to achieve with your audience?
“That I manage to touch as many people as possible with my story, that they recognize themselves in my turmoil of the time and start to long for a (work) life with more meaning. I hope to give them a big push to act. That will really make the world a more beautiful place.”
What is Thijs talking about?
Would you like to book Thijs as a (keynote) speaker for a conference, lecture or event? On the right you will find a selection of keynotes.
Tech for Good
Innovation for good – with Celine Dion
From techie to techie, how is your job happiness? Do you have the feeling that you are stuck, that you are constantly in need of something different, without ever achieving true satisfaction? Then come and listen to a talk by Thijs. His story will not only evoke recognition but also inspire you as a techie to search for more meaning.
Corporate Altruism
Business for good
In this talk for entrepreneurs and leaders, I explain my vision of corporate altruism. Because altruism not only makes you feel good, it also provides business benefits in the long run. Thijs tells you about his adventures and non-profit projects with ‘Hack The Planet’ and ways you too can use your business ‘for good’.
Tech for Good
Innovation for good – with Celine Dion
From techie to techie, how is your job happiness? Do you have the feeling that you are stuck, that you are constantly in need of something different, without ever achieving true satisfaction? Then come and listen to a talk by Thijs. His story will not only evoke recognition but also inspire you as a techie to search for more meaning.
Corporate Altruism
Business for good
In this talk for entrepreneurs and leaders, I explain my vision of corporate altruism. Because altruism not only makes you feel good, it also provides business benefits in the long run. Thijs tells you about his adventures and non-profit projects with ‘Hack The Planet’ and ways you too can use your business ‘for good’.
A selection of companies and people that Thijs Suijten already had impactful collaborations with….
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As co-organizer of the “DrupalJam” event, I asked Thijs to deliver the closing keynote at our event. With verve, Thijs performed this; 350 attendees hung on his every word and allowed themselves to be carried away across his landscape. With playful ease, IT and the goal of protecting wildlife came together via an elephant trail, floating to the sounds of Céline Dion. If that sounds mysterious, ask Thijs to do his journey as a true storyteller at your event. As president of the Drupal Netherlands Foundation and co-organizer, I say, do it! – Bert Boerland, organizer DrupalJam
DrupalJam
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Thijs is one of the greatest Tech speakers I have had a chance to listen to. In one of the latest events at Rabobank, he shared with us how he is using technology to make a positive change in the world. From taking on real life challenges like wildlife poaching, online sexual abuse, his success stories planted a seed for us to rethink about how can we use technology for good ! Thijs is an excellent public speaker and an amazing personality. As a Tech professional as well as an avid listener, I have been thoroughly motivated by his session and amazed by all the capabilities he has leveraged to tangibly contribute to making this world a better place 🙂 – Susmita Guha Thakurta
Rabobank -
Vereniging van Registrars.Vereniging van Registrars
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Thijs really has a story! He knows what thinking out of the box Is! With his field experience, he shows how, by keeping it simple, you can come up with the most brilliant solutions. technical solutions for social, economic and scientific problems. Thijs takes you into solutions you would not have thought possible yourself. Afterwards, you really start thinking about your own work. Am I doing the right things and am I doing them as effectively as possible? Highly recommended.
Ester van der Voort
