Wim Schepens
Transform your event with Wim Schepens!
Booking Wim makes your event really unforgettable.
For everybody. In every aspect.
Looking for inspiration?
Looking for a speaker who will inspire your audience and provide insights into the links between major societal challenges? Wim Schepens is the speaker you need!
Bridge builder
Wim is an opinionated speaker and author who sees storytelling as his personal form of activism. With his versatile background as an editor-in-chief and program maker at VPRO and his keen social vision, Wim knows how to build bridges between different worlds.
Make it applicable
Wim playfully demonstrates that we are just weird creatures, who think sustainability is important, but an hour later cannot resist a juicy burger.
Whether you are organizing a conference or a small internal meeting, Wim’s energetic and interactive approach ensures that participants not only listen, but are inspired to take action.
Looking for inspiration? Looking for a speaker who will inspire your audience and provide insights into the links between major societal challenges? Wim Schepens is the speaker you need! Bridge builder Wim is an opinionated speaker and author who sees storytelling as his personal form of activism. With his versatile background as an editor-in-chief and program maker at VPRO and his keen social vision, Wim knows View more…
What is Wim talking about?
What dilemmas do you encounter in everyday life when it comes to sustainability? Wim evokes recognition with his engaging keynotes by talking about his daily dilemmas with humor.
Find some of his keynotes here. Customization is always an option, ask for the possibilities.
“With my lectures, I also want to make companies and consumers aware of their role in the transitions that are needed. The choices you make every day have an effect. We cannot underestimate that.”
Improve the world, start with ... yourself?
Individual actions count, but corporate actions accelerate
We all need to do our part to improve the climate – citizens, government and businesses. The impact that companies can make with their influence is huge, if they take their responsibility. That is why this keynote is about long-term thinking for companies, organizations and large institutions. This keynote is also very topical for education; after all, students are part of the ‘future economy’.
Living with a sweater on
About the daily dilemmas of a modest do-gooder
In this keynote, Wim Schepens, author of the book “Living with a Sweater on,” playfully takes you into his life full of sustainability dilemmas. Are you a hypocrite if you give in to unsustainable temptations, or just human? And how can you make making sustainability more and more fun? In this lecture, Wim does not shy away from discussing his own personal dilemmas and moments of “cognitive dissonance.”
Custom Keynote
Wim Schepens as speaker or moderator within your format
Are you looking for a speaker, moderator or chairman who knows how to touch the heart of your target group with his heart-warming story? Who understands the art of comic relief and yet knows how to convey an urgent message? Ask about Wim Schepens’ possibilities for a customized program.
Improve the world, start with ... yourself?
Individual actions count, but corporate actions accelerate
We all need to do our part to improve the climate – citizens, government and businesses. The impact that companies can make with their influence is huge, if they take their responsibility. That is why this keynote is about long-term thinking for companies, organizations and large institutions. This keynote is also very topical for education; after all, students are part of the ‘future economy’.
Living with a sweater on
About the daily dilemmas of a modest do-gooder
In this keynote, Wim Schepens, author of the book “Living with a Sweater on,” playfully takes you into his life full of sustainability dilemmas. Are you a hypocrite if you give in to unsustainable temptations, or just human? And how can you make making sustainability more and more fun? In this lecture, Wim does not shy away from discussing his own personal dilemmas and moments of “cognitive dissonance.”
Custom Keynote
Wim Schepens as speaker or moderator within your format
Are you looking for a speaker, moderator or chairman who knows how to touch the heart of your target group with his heart-warming story? Who understands the art of comic relief and yet knows how to convey an urgent message? Ask about Wim Schepens’ possibilities for a customized program.
“Telling stories – writing and speaking – those are my forms of activism.”
Wim Schepens is a sociologist, editor-in-chief and programmer. As the author of “Living with a Sweater on” and as a speaker, he connects the personal with the social.
In his words, Wim is an opinionated speaker who himself struggles with his path to sustainability, maneuvering between different social bubbles. It is precisely this that makes him approachable and able to build bridges.
Growing up in Bussum as the youngest in a family of 6 children, Wim’s childhood consisted mainly of playing soccer. And although he often dreamed of a career at Ajax, he decided to study sociology, because it combined all his interests: history, geography, economics, psychology, and philosophy.
He never became a sociologist, although people who knew him well thought otherwise. After all, Wim had always been socially involved. As director and editor-in-chief at VPRO, he made several pioneering programs on social themes, such as: Lopende Zaken, science programs, Noorderlicht, Labyrint, 2Doc and the National Science Quiz. He also directed Tegenlicht and the Beagle. Above all, it is raw, daring programs – such as cult program “Young Heroes” and the probing “Land Robbery” – that make Wim’s heartbeat faster.
“We made programs where we went to Russia, Czechoslovakia and Morocco with an illegal camera to expose issues.”
Wim Schepens is a winner of De Tegel, in the Innovative Journalism category, the Prix Italia in the “Empowering Audiences” category and the Jacques van Veen press award. Under his direction, several documentaries have been awarded, including a Golden Calf, IDFA awards and the Prix Europa.
Together with a partner, Wim founded video production company Personalview. For companies he makes films on a variety of subjects. In addition, he is involved as a guide and board member at Geological Museum Hofland in Laren.
Besides producing programs, Wim also wrote a lot about social topics such as climate, education and healthcare. One of his publications is the book ‘Living with a sweater on’ which he published in 2024 – a collection of columns about his personal quest about our own role and influence on major world problems. Not only in his book, but also in his lectures, he evokes a lot of recognition from his audience by humorously recounting his daily dilemmas as a humble do-gooder.
Wim Schepens is a sociologist, editor-in-chief and programmer. As the author of “Living with a Sweater on” and as a speaker, he connects the personal with the social. In his words, Wim is an opinionated speaker who himself struggles with his path to sustainability, maneuvering between different social bubbles. It is precisely this that makes him approachable and able to build bridges. Growing up in Bussum View more…
"I move among all walks of life in my work and free time. It's nice to be able to connect those different bubbles."
"You can't control nature, you can't say this animal we want, but not that one. Everything is connected in ecosystems and we as humans also depend on it."
Storytelling: a form of activism
As a child, Wim was already fascinated by nature and the environment. Partly by making programs around the theme, he began to be increasingly surprised that nature was considered inferior to the economy. Consequently, a program like Land Robbery sparked his personal form of activism.
“I saw what such a program triggered; how many people were activated. This form of activism – storytelling – suited me, and still does. I don’t go up the A12, but I write and speak. “
With the birth of his children, his needed to contribute to a better world grew even further. He used to take them regularly to the geological museum to which he now contributes as a volunteer and administrator.
“The museum has deepened my knowledge and respect for nature – surrounded by species that have lived or are still living for millions of years. As humans, we have only been on Earth for a short time, and we are a crazy species; the first that could kill itself.”
He talks about the massive increase in CO2 emissions and its irreversibility, the extinction and evolution of plant and animal species under human influence. He explains how ecosystems are under pressure because of this and why that is detrimental. It is complex and not a light subject; yet the cheerful Wim manages to keep a hopeful outlook. Moreover, he doesn’t shy away from some resistance in the process.
“I move among all walks of life in my work and free time. It’s just beautiful to connect those different bubbles and get the conversation going.”
What Wim particularly wants to achieve as a writer and speaker is for more and more people to make connections between major social challenges. Nature is a basic condition for economy. There is a threat of an (actual) asylum crisis if we do not invest in climate. Pesticides and fertilizers, on the other hand, threaten our food security in the coming years.
In addition, Wim playfully makes his readers and audience realize that we are just weird creatures, who think sustainability is important, but an hour later can’t resist a juicy burger. Is that hypocritical? Wim shows that nothing is alien to him but does not spare himself in his life full of everyday temptations. His lectures provide a personal, critical, humorous and hopeful note.
“In the 1980s, CFCs were radically abolished after discovering a hole in the ozone layer. In 2020, we took previously unthinkable measures when the pandemic broke out. We have already shown that change is possible. Now let’s do it!”
Interested to book Wim as a Speaker?
Would you like to book Wim as a speaker for your event? Inquire about the possibilities and his availability.
Why invite Wim as a speaker to your event?
1. Mirror
Wim holds up a mirror to himself and is critical of his own actions. This makes his story recognizable, understandable and sympathetic. He shows that our human imperfections are not a matter of success or failure, but points of departure to do better together, for ourselves, each other and the planet.
2. Fun
Wim masters the art of comic relief. His urgent message comes from his personal experiences, which makes it touching, but certainly not perceived as dramatic.
3. Fascination
Wim’s fascination with history, nature, biology, and evolution is contagious, puts things into perspective and elevates our contemporary choices into a new perspective.
4. Insight
Why is there a “gap” between dream and deed? Why don’t we do what we say or think deep down? Wim explores this, not shying away from discussing his own moments of “cognitive dissonance.”
1. Mirror
Wim holds up a mirror to himself and is critical of his own actions. This makes his story recognizable, understandable and sympathetic. He shows that our human imperfections are not a matter of success or failure, but points of departure to do better together, for ourselves, each other and the planet.
2. Fun
Wim masters the art of comic relief. His urgent message comes from his personal experiences, which makes it touching, but certainly not perceived as dramatic.
3. Fascination
Wim’s fascination with history, nature, biology, and evolution is contagious, puts things into perspective and elevates our contemporary choices into a new perspective.
4. Insight
Why is there a “gap” between dream and deed? Why don’t we do what we say or think deep down? Wim explores this, not shying away from discussing his own moments of “cognitive dissonance.”
Interview with Wim Schepens
What does the term ‘good’ mean to you?
“That I should be able to look at myself in the mirror and do things in the service of the community. It’s not perfect, but there are really so simple to do and have a big impact. For example, I drastically eat less meat and haven’t eaten dairy for about 5 years. It works best to start with things you enjoy, that you can have fun with. For example, until recently I persisted in using my battered iPhone 4. At tennis, they would ask, “and Wim, what apps were thrown off your phone this week?” Then it became quite a sport for me to keep it up as long as possible. A while ago I participated in the challenge not to buy anything new, I’ve become pretty good at that by now.”
What do you marvel at?
“About how we have distanced ourselves from nature. For example: it took us decades to connect natural areas, to increase biodiversity, to restore ecosystems. Now for several years the wolf has returned to our country, a wonderful indication that those efforts made sense; and then it was gone again. A wolf allegedly biting is headline news, but the 150,000 dog bites a year you hear little about. We seem to have lost our connection to and awe of nature. You cannot control nature. You cannot say we want this animal , but not that one. Everything is connected in ecosystems and we as humans depend on them as well.”
What do you think needs to change?
“The essence lies in the question ‘is green growth possible?’ There is a lot of talk about it, but in practice it is still often about ‘something less bad.’ That indicates that we cannot keep doing the same thing and expect improvement. I also wrote about this for ‘Just Enough’, the movement of economist Paul Schenderling (author of the book ‘There is Life after Growth’). We should focus on other factors than only financial-economic growth (Broad Prosperity).
To make real change, we need both government and the market – businesses and citizens. As far as government is concerned, I especially hope that they will make connections between environmental and climate issues and other major topics such as refugee crises, human rights violations, poverty and health crises. Everything is connected. I hope they will begin to realize that we have gone well past the limits of growth and that the decisions made today will have enormous impact on the generation already living on earth. I am already looking forward to the moment when a different wind blows in our current political climate.
At the same time, with my lectures I also want to make companies and consumers aware of their role in this. The choices you make every day have an effect. We should not underestimate that.”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration?
“Those are Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. Churchill, totally opinionated, persistent, was also a visionary regarding Europe, he was ahead of his time. De Gaulle, risked his life by deserting, evading authority; stubborn men, with a strong vision for change.”
What brings you joy?
“I have reached the age where I can almost retire, but for me it doesn’t feel that way. There is no distinction between work and private life with me now either, they blend seamlessly. I do important work that I enjoy and, as far as I am concerned, for a very long time to come. My father reached the age of 100, so if I have inherited this piece of his genes, I will go on for a while.
I also notice that getting older has also made me more sentimental. My daughter recently got married and that I got to witness her and also my son following their own path makes me happy.”
What does the term ‘good’ mean to you?
“That I should be able to look at myself in the mirror and do things in the service of the community. It’s not perfect, but there are really so simple to do and have a big impact. For example, I drastically eat less meat and haven’t eaten dairy for about 5 years. It works best to start with things you enjoy, that you can have fun with. For example, until recently I persisted in using my battered iPhone 4. At tennis, they would ask, “and Wim, what apps were thrown off your phone this week?” Then it became quite a sport for me to keep it up as long as possible. A while ago I participated in the challenge not to buy anything new, I’ve become pretty good at that by now.”
What do you marvel at?
“About how we have distanced ourselves from nature. For example: it took us decades to connect natural areas, to increase biodiversity, to restore ecosystems. Now for several years the wolf has returned to our country, a wonderful indication that those efforts made sense; and then it was gone again. A wolf allegedly biting is headline news, but the 150,000 dog bites a year you hear little about. We seem to have lost our connection to and awe of nature. You cannot control nature. You cannot say we want this animal , but not that one. Everything is connected in ecosystems and we as humans depend on them as well.”
What do you think needs to change?
“The essence lies in the question ‘is green growth possible?’ There is a lot of talk about it, but in practice it is still often about ‘something less bad.’ That indicates that we cannot keep doing the same thing and expect improvement. I also wrote about this for ‘Just Enough’, the movement of economist Paul Schenderling (author of the book ‘There is Life after Growth’). We should focus on other factors than only financial-economic growth (Broad Prosperity).
To make real change, we need both government and the market – businesses and citizens. As far as government is concerned, I especially hope that they will make connections between environmental and climate issues and other major topics such as refugee crises, human rights violations, poverty and health crises. Everything is connected. I hope they will begin to realize that we have gone well past the limits of growth and that the decisions made today will have enormous impact on the generation already living on earth. I am already looking forward to the moment when a different wind blows in our current political climate.
At the same time, with my lectures I also want to make companies and consumers aware of their role in this. The choices you make every day have an effect. We should not underestimate that.”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration?
“Those are Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. Churchill, totally opinionated, persistent, was also a visionary regarding Europe, he was ahead of his time. De Gaulle, risked his life by deserting, evading authority; stubborn men, with a strong vision for change.”
What brings you joy?
“I have reached the age where I can almost retire, but for me it doesn’t feel that way. There is no distinction between work and private life with me now either, they blend seamlessly. I do important work that I enjoy and, as far as I am concerned, for a very long time to come. My father reached the age of 100, so if I have inherited this piece of his genes, I will go on for a while.
I also notice that getting older has also made me more sentimental. My daughter recently got married and that I got to witness her and also my son following their own path makes me happy.”
A selection of companies that Wim Schepens already had impactful collaborations with….
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‘Wim knows how to captivate people, and make big and complicated topics engaging and manageable.’
Geologisch Museum Hofland
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Wim Schepens leaves a deep impression as panel discussion leader during the New Media Leader discussion at the Prix Italia in Turin.
Prix Italia -
Wim Schepens leaves a deep impression as a speaker during a meeting at Brenger Amsterdam in which he takes visitors through his book ‘Living with a jumper on’.
Brenger Amsterdam
