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Here are 3 lessons you can learn from Netflix

Netflix’s culture manifesto is world-famous. And astonishing, remarkable, or even shocking when you read it without context. But it works. Culture expert Erin Meyer examined it. That’s why we invited her to the Amsterdam Business Forum 2023. She’ll be there! Here are 3 lessons we share in advance, for a culture that attracts top talent like Giethoorn attracts Chinese tourists.

Together with Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Erin Meyer wrote the book “No Rules Rules” about Netflix’s culture of innovation. “You need talent density, candor, and context,” Erin summarizes the key to success. Let us explain.

#1 Talent density: fire your best friend

Performance is contagious. Erin and Reed call this the “rockstar principle”: every team performs as well as its worst employee. If you want the very best team, you fire an average employee. Yes, even if they were a witness at your wedding.

That sounds harsh. But Reed Hastings says, “At Netflix, we’re not a family, but a team.” The more top colleagues within the company, the more freedom you can give. And freedom? That leads to maximum job satisfaction and maximum innovation.

Action: the keeper test. Ask yourself once a year about each employee on your team: if they said today that they have another job, would I try to change their mind?

YES? Clear, this employee is a perfect fit.

MAYBE? It’s time for feedback: what can the employee improve?

NO? Give a generous severance package and find another talent.

#2 Candor: make feedback your superpower

Only candid feedback is valuable. For that, you need frameworks. Because feedback with kid gloves is useless. And the blunt axe leads to a runaway primitive brain (Fear! Flight! Fight!)

Action: the 360-feedback dinner. Organize a dinner with your team members every year. Everyone gives and receives feedback. Do it with the 4A method.

For the feedback giver:

Aim to Assist. You provide feedback not for yourself but to help the other person. So don’t vent your frustrations and don’t deliberately hurt the other person.

Make it Actionable. Give concrete feedback that clearly states what the receiver can do with it. 25% of the feedback can be positive, 75% should be focused on improvement.

For the receiver:

Show Appreciation. Ignore your primitive brain: don’t defend or explain your behavior. Receive the feedback as something valuable. Say thank you.

Choose to Accept or Discard. Listen to the feedback and think about it. Then decide what to do with it. You know which feedback you truly need to act upon.

#3 Context: be a tree, not a pyramid

Let these two sentences sink in:

  1. Freedom leads to innovation.
  2. Processes and protocols kill flexibility.

Exactly. That’s why Netflix sees its organizational structure as a tree. The leaders are the roots: they make the organization strong and provide direction. This allows the branches and leaves to make decisions without asking for permission. Try doing that in a pyramid.

Action: provide context, not control. Set a good example. Toss out your vacation policy, expense protocol, and work-from-home rules. Truly good employees don’t need them. In fact, they thrive on freedom.

One warning though: don’t try this if you make Cessnas, bungee cords, or ready-to-eat baby food.

Want to know more? Mark September 29th on your calendar. Erin Meyer is one of the keynote speakers at the Amsterdam Business Forum 2023

Yes, I want to register!

Table of Contents

Neil Pasricha

About Neil Pasricha

“It’s easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than to think yourself into a new way of acting.”  
  • Global bestselling author of The Happiness Equation and Two-Minute Mornings with over 2 million copies sold
  • Former Director of Leadership Development at Walmart
  • One of the 10 Most Inspiring TED Speakers of all time
Neil Pasricha is a top-rated leadership keynote speaker, bestselling author, and positive psychology researcher focused on the relationship between happiness and leadership in business. Neil is one of the most popular TED speakers. His first TED Talk The 3 A’s of Awesome ranked as one of the ten most inspiring of all time. His second TED Talk How will you maximize your tiny, short life? was the world’s first ever TED Listen, composed entirely of questions. Neil gave the most attended feature keynote at SXSW 2019 called Building trust in distrustful times. Neil has written five global bestsellers including: The Book of Awesome, Awesome Is Everywhere and The Happiness Equation. His books have been on bestseller lists for over 200 weeks and sold millions of copies. Before leading The Institute for Global Happiness and keynote speaking, Neil spent a decade running Leadership Development and working directly for two CEOs at Walmart, the world’s largest company. He was responsible for CEO onboarding, executive development, and talent management across all levels of the organization. Audience testimonials “Neil is a rock star! He visited the Googleplex and you could hear a pin drop while he was speaking. Many people commented that he was the best speaker we have had!” Rachel O’Meara, Google “Neil Pasricha was the highlight of the day. From my perspective, the highlight of the year at Microsoft! What a genuine, authentic, inspiring person. He connected with the audience and made our themes come to life in the best possible way.” ~ Rekha Rao-Mayya, Microsoft “It is rare to find a speaker that can ignite such passion and unify the audience on a common theme that transcends generation and function. Please keep writing books. Yours changed my life.” ~ Britta Lesaux, 3M “We all LOVED Neil’s keynote and received amazing feedback from our clients. His presentation earned a 4.9/5!!” ~ Sonia Bell, Indeed “Neil joined the Audi Executive Team his lessons were the highlight of the show, engaging and invigorating the audience. He is always on point, thought-provoking, and receives near-perfect ratings. Listen to him!” ~ Peter Donnellan, Audi “Before Neil came to Uber we had seen his TED Talk, Google Talk, and some had read his books so our expectations were already pretty high. But he exceeded them! A life-changing talk. Thank you, Neil!” ~ Kristy Bates, Uber

Sanna Marin

About Sanna Marin


“The strength of a society is measured not by the wealth of its most affluent members, but by how well its most vulnerable citizens are able to cope. The question we need to ask is whether everyone has the chance to lead a life of dignity.”



  • Former Prima Minster of Finland
  • Youngest Prime Minister of the world (at 34)
  • Finland’s leader during Covid, start of the war with Ukraine and Finland’s NATO accession



Sanna Marin is the Former Prime Minister of Finland (2019-2023) and the leader of the Finnish Social Democratic Party. Appointed at the age of 34, Marin served as the youngest Prime Minister of the world when taking office.


Marin’s government has been considered one of the most successful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of lost lives and economical damage caused by the pandemic. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Marin led her country through the most swift NATO accession process in the whole history of the alliance.


Marin made history as the longest-serving woman Prime Minister of Finland, leading a parliamentary coalition entirely headed by women and a majority-women cabinet.


In addition to the historical challenges during her leadership Marin’s government passed many progressive reforms in Finland. Including world’s most ambitious climate laws aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035, family leave reform sharing paid leave with both parents equally. As well as major reforms improving healthcare, education and human rights.



Audience testimonials


“Her session was ranked the highest out of the entire agenda.”
~ Cherry Ventures Management


“Sanna Marin was a wise and good decision. Full house, great content, amazing feedback, a lot of selfies with attendees after her slot… 100% recommended.”
~ Cloudfest


“Sanna Marin was very accessible and kind to everyone she interacted with. She is a powerful speaker, and she made a fantastic impression on our guests. She is exactly what she projects: an excellent human being.”
~ Candriam

Simon Sinek

About Simon Sinek

“The primary ingredient for progress is optimism. The unwavering belief that something can be better drives the human race forward.”

  • TED Talk Start with Why (60+ million views) and interview on millennials (100+ million views)
  • Author Start with Why, Leaders Eat Last & The Infinite Game
  • Podcast A Bit of Optimism

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect”, Simon Sinek is an unshakable optimist who believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together. He envisions a world where the vast majority of people wake up every single morning feeling inspired, safe, and fulfilled by the work they do.

A trained ethnographer, Sinek is fascinated by the people and organizations that make the greatest and longest lasting impact. Over the years, he has discovered some remarkable patterns about how they think, act, and communicate, and also the environments in which people operate at their best.

Sinek may be best known for his TED Talk on the concept of “WHY”, which has been viewed over 60 million times, and his video on millennials in the workplace — which reached 80 million views in its first week and has gone on to be seen hundreds of millions of times.

Sinek’s unconventional and innovative views on business and leadership have attracted international attention, and he has met with a broad array of leaders and organizations in nearly every industry. He frequently works with different branches of the US Armed Forces and agencies of the US government, and is an adjunct staff member with the RAND Corporation — one of the most highly regarded think tanks in the world.

Sinek is the author of several bestselling books, including the global bestseller Start with Why and New York Times bestsellers, Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game. In partnership with Penguin Random House, Sinek publishes works by other inspiring thinkers and doers through his imprint, Optimism Press. He is also the host of the podcast, A Bit of Optimism, and the founder of The Optimism Company, a leadership learning and development agency.

In addition, Sinek is active in the arts and with not-for-profit work, or what he likes to call the for-impact sector. In 2021, he founded The Curve, a diverse group of forward-thinking chiefs and sheriffs committed to reforming modern policing from the inside-out. Their purpose is to build a profession dedicated to protecting the vulnerable from harm while advancing a vision of a world in which all people feel justice is administered with dignity, equity, and fairness.

Simon Sinek in quotes:
“Good leaders share the credit when things go well and take responsibility when things go badly.”

“Vision is the ability to talk about the future with such clarity, it is as if we are talking about the past.”

“Don’t show up to prove. Show up to improve.”

“If no one ever broke the rules, then we’d never advance.”

Jitske Kramer

About Jitske Kramer

Jitske Kramer, a corporate anthropologist and author, is known for her fresh perspectives on teamwork, culture, and leadership. Her best-selling book ‘Work Has Left the Building’ topped the charts, and her latest release, ‘Tricky Times,’ has also gained widespread acclaim. Her presentations are highly praised for their insightful and innovative ideas.

As a corporate anthropologist, Jitske provides a unique and practical approach to organizational challenges. She addresses questions like how to foster connections within teams, give minorities a voice, and manage power and conflict constructively. Her work focuses on fostering real, meaningful conversations beyond traditional metrics and checklists.

Jitske is the founder of HumanDimensions, where she applies anthropological insights to improve organizational cultures. 

Kim van Wilgen - Transformation Leadership Europe

Kim van Wilgen

About Kim van Wilgen

Kim is a seasoned leader in software and cloud technology, currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Schuberg Philis, a premier IT-outsourcing company renowned for its mission-critical solutions that are designed never to fail. 

 With a deep passion for technology, Kim’s expertise extends to cutting-edge domains such as edge computing and streaming data platforms. However, her interests go beyond just technology; she is equally committed to the human aspect of tech, advocating for continuous learning, addressing social debt, and offering coaching to help tech teams thrive and grow. 

Kim is particularly skilled at optimizing tech processes, with a strong focus on DevSecOps, agile methodologies, and fostering self-organizing teams. She firmly believes that success in technology is driven by a critical balance between technology, culture, organization, and people. This holistic approach ensures that businesses not only adopt the latest technologies but also achieve real, tangible value from them. 

With over a decade of experience in bridging the gap between business and IT, Kim brings a unique perspective and invaluable expertise to her role. Her leadership continues to inspire and drive innovation within the tech community. 

 

Talk Show: “Authentic Leadership in Transformations” 

The courage to use your personal values as a compass to lead organizational change. 

In this inspiring and insightful talk show, we explore the powerful stories of remarkable women who have successfully led transformational changes within large organizations. While these leaders have navigated the complexities of change, it raises the question of how their values played a role during those times. Did they always follow their values, or were there moments of compromise? This session offers an opportunity to hear their stories, not just about successes but also the complexities they faced. 

Expect to hear genuine, vulnerable stories and examples that highlight the importance of authentic leadership. Panellists will share how personal values have influenced their journeys, with space to explore moments where those values may have been challenged. The discussion will be balanced, with each participant having the opportunity to share their experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue, sparking reflection on what it truly means to lead with authenticity.

TLE - Anke den Ouden

Anke den Ouden

About Anke den Ouden

As General Manager of Microsoft Netherlands, Anke is at the helm of bringing Microsoft’s mission to life: empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. Her leadership focuses on driving this vision for all Microsoft customers and partners in the Netherlands. Anke has been a vital part of the Microsoft family for 25 years, starting her journey with Microsoft Germany in various roles spanning marketing, sales, and business management. Her career trajectory has also seen her take on key leadership roles in the business and consumer markets at Microsoft Russia and Poland, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe. 

Anke’s deep knowledge of the Microsoft organization, its culture, and its ecosystem of customers and partners, positions her uniquely to guide the company’s efforts in enabling digital transformation across the Netherlands. Her experience and insight continue to shape the future of Microsoft, aligning it more closely with the evolving needs of its customers and partners. 

 

Talk Show: “Authentic Leadership in Transformations” 

The courage to use your personal values as a compass to lead organizational change. 

In this inspiring and insightful talk show, we explore the powerful stories of remarkable women who have successfully led transformational changes within large organizations. While these leaders have navigated the complexities of change, it raises the question of how their values played a role during those times. Did they always follow their values, or were there moments of compromise? This session offers an opportunity to hear their stories, not just about successes but also the complexities they faced. 

Expect to hear genuine, vulnerable stories and examples that highlight the importance of authentic leadership. Panellists will share how personal values have influenced their journeys, with space to explore moments where those values may have been challenged. The discussion will be balanced, with each participant having the opportunity to share their experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue, sparking reflection on what it truly means to lead with authenticity.

Candice Dillon - Transformational Leadership Europe

Candice Dillon

About Candice Dillon

Candice is the Chief Information Officer at VodafoneZiggo, bringing over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. A recognized leader in digital transformation, Candice has a proven track record in post-merger integration, IT strategy, and core system implementation across a range of industries, including Financial Services and Telecommunications. Her career has spanned multiple continents, with leadership roles in global programs across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and professional experience in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. 

Candice is driven by a clear mission: to enhance VodafoneZiggo’s standing as an innovative market leader. She believes that staying ahead in today’s dynamic environment demands agility, rapid adaptation to change, and a pioneering mindset. Her leadership continues to shape the future of VodafoneZiggo, helping the company maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry. 

 

Talk Show: “Authentic Leadership in Transformations” 

The courage to use your personal values as a compass to lead organizational change. 

In this inspiring and insightful talk show, we explore the powerful stories of remarkable women who have successfully led transformational changes within large organizations. While these leaders have navigated the complexities of change, it raises the question of how their values played a role during those times. Did they always follow their values, or were there moments of compromise? This session offers an opportunity to hear their stories, not just about successes but also the complexities they faced. 

Expect to hear genuine, vulnerable stories and examples that highlight the importance of authentic leadership. Panellists will share how personal values have influenced their journeys, with space to explore moments where those values may have been challenged. The discussion will be balanced, with each participant having the opportunity to share their experiences and engage in meaningful dialogue, sparking reflection on what it truly means to lead with authenticity.

Janine Vos - Amsterdam Business Forum - Rabobank

Janine Vos

About Janine Vos 

Janine’s remarkable journey in the corporate world speaks volumes about her expertise and leadership skills. 

As a distinguished figure in the industry, Janine not only holds the prestigious title of ‘CHRO of the Year’ (2017), but she has also been named ‘Topvrouw van het Jaar’ – ‘Woman of the Year’ (2021). These recognitions empower her mission to contribute to more diversity, equity, and inclusion at work. 

Beyond her roles at Rabobank, Janine is a member of the Supervisory Board of KLM, and UNICEF Netherland. She actively participates in the Advisory Board of SER Topvrouwen. Her dedication to various boards and organizations underscores her commitment to driving positive change and fostering growth across different sectors. 

Courageous Transformations: Humanizing Work in the Age of Technology 

At TLE tracks, Janine will be speaking on AI and its impact on the workplace, social implications, productivity, and how this all translates to leaders. She will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace and the social and productivity benefits it can bring. She offers leaders insights into how they can embrace these technological changes to create a more human-centered workplace. 

Key takeaways 

  • Impact of AI on the workplace: Exploration of how AI transforms processes and tasks, and what this means for employees. 
  • Social implications: Analysis of the social impact of AI, including the challenges and opportunities for inclusion and diversity. 
  • Productivity enhancements: How AI can contribute to increased efficiency and productivity within teams and organizations. 
  • Leadership in the AI era: Practical tips and strategies for leaders to integrate AI ethically and effectively into their organizations. 

Anneke Keller

About Anneke Keller 

Anneke’s extensive experience and leadership in the technology industry have made her a distinguished figure in the corporate world. 

Anneke has spent 25 years working in the IT industry and has held leadership roles in organizations such as Wehkamp, Coolblue, Jumbo, KPN, TomTom, and she is currently the CTO of PostNL.

Throughout her career, she has gained expertise in managing and scaling organizations, developing server-side and embedded software, implementing quality assurance measures, and working with distributed teams and cloud infrastructure.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Anneke is also a member of the Supervisory Board for WWF Netherlands, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural environment, and BrandMR, a company focused on making legal assistance more accessible.

Ikenna Azuike

Ikenna Azuike started his career as a lawyer, but is now a sought-after journalist, presenter, speaker and filmmaker. Ikenna was born in Lagos, Nigeria, grew up in the UK, studied law in the UK and France and has been living in The Netherlands with his family since 2004.

 

FROM LAWYER TO BROADCASTER

After working as a lawyer with Shearman & Sterling in London, Singapore and New York, and with Clifford Chance LLP in Amsterdam, he decided to change course and follow his passions for broadcasting and social activism.

Together with his wife, Mette te Velde, he created the satirical news show What’s Up Africa. Since 2017 Ikenna has worked on a variety of longer form journalistic projects including the 6-part travel series ‘Planeet Nigeria’ (Planet Nigeria) for BNNVARA and the documentary ‘De Post-Racistische Planeet’ (The Post-Racist Planet) for VPRO Tegenlicht. 

 

CHAIRMAN AND BOARD MEMBER

In addition to his work as a journalist, Ikenna was also the chairman of The Correspondent Foundation, a foundation launched by the Dutch journalism platform De Correspondent from its inception to 2023. In 2023 he was appointed to the Board of Tony’s Chocolonely Mission Foundation B.V.

 

EVENT HOST

Ikenna is regularly invited to host national and international events where he interviews professionally and enthusiastically with his trademark disarming charm and sense of humour. 

 

Ikenna was host of Amsterdam Business Forum 2022 and got an insanely high rating of 9.04/10. And 35% gave him a perfect 10/10. The highest rating of all people on stage that day. We had no doubt: Ikenna needs to return to Amsterdam Business Forum!

Michiel Muller

“WHAT DRIVES ME MOST IS HAVING A PROBLEM, A CRAZY IDEA, AND THEN ASK OURSELVES WHETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN, DESPITE ANY HURDLES.”

Michiel Muller is perhaps Holland’s most famous disruptive entrepreneur. He enjoys shaking up industries with creativity, bravery and drive.

 

FOUDER PICNIC

Michiel is co-founder of Picnic, an innovative online supermarket, started in Holland but rapidly growing into Germany, Belgium and France. One of the investors in Picnic is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust.

 

FOUNDER TANGO & ROUTE MOBIEL

As a serial entrepreneur, Michiel Muller, along with co-founder Marc Schröder, developed the unmanned gas station chain Tango into a remarkable success story. Subsequently, he and Marc Schröder founded Route Mobiel, a competitor to ANWB Wegenwacht, effectively disrupting another market.

 

AWARDS AND BOOKS

As a Top 100 marketer, Muller has won numerous marketing awards, frequently appears on radio and television, and has been honored with awards such as the Effie and an Accent. He authored ‘Ondernemen is een ABC-tje’ and ‘Ervaringen van een Serial Entrepreneur’, which was voted entrepreneurship book of the year.

 

OUTSTANDING SPEAKER

On stage, Muller enjoys revealing the business models behind enterprises, offering genuine insights. His ability to think creatively and originally, coupled with his skill in engaging the audience, makes him the perfect closing speaker at a seminar on Courageous Leadership.

Margriet Sitskoorn

Margriet Sitskoorn is a neuropsychologist and professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at Tilburg University. She is perhaps the best-known brain expert in the Netherlands. She owes her fame to bestsellers such as ‘The makeable brain’ and her many TV appearances in popular science programs. 

 

RESEARCH ON MANIPULATION

Sitskoorn conducts research into the relationship between the brain and behavior. She is mainly concerned with the question of how we can develop our brains by changing our behavior and our environment. Margriet Sitskoorn has done a lot of scientific research into manipulation. She argues that influencing others is at the heart of all our social interactions. It happens at work, at home and in the supermarket. In fact, everywhere and by everyone.

 

USING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE

Consciously and unconsciously, we put all our possessions into influencing the other. She shows how you can use scientific knowledge in a positive way to achieve your goals, live a happier life and even how you can easily reduce the experience of pain.

 

BESTSELLERS

Margriet Sitskoorn is author of an impressive list of books, including:

  • Het Maakbare Brein (2008)
  • Ik wil iets van jou, jij wil iets van mij (2016)
  • Passies van het brein (2016)
  • IK  kwadraat  / Train  your  CEO-Brain  (2015)
  • Hersenhack  (2019)
  • Het  50+  Brein  (2019)
  • Tijd tekort / Tijd genoeg (2022) 

Elke Geraerts

With a PhD in psychology, Dr. Elke Geraerts held various positions at the universities of Harvard, St Andrews, Maastricht, Rotterdam and Ghent, where she attracted international attention with her solid research work.

 

SPECIALST IN RESILIENCE

But she was drawn to the business world. Triggered by her scientific insights about mental resilience, she started the company Better Minds at Work, specializing in increasing mental resilience, energy and productivity of employees.

 

BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Her big breakthrough came in 2015 with her bestseller Mentaal Kapitaal (Better Minds). She also wrote Het Nieuwe Mentaal (The New Mental), Authentieke Intelligentie (Authentic Intelligence) and The Mental Reset.

 

PSYCHOLOGY OF WORK

Elke’s trademark is without doubt the way in which she manages to translate new psychological insights into fresh and accessible day-to-day applications. This is how she inspires people and organizations to hone their mental resilience and to become the best possible version of themselves.

Brené Brown

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. She also holds the position of visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. 

Brené has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers and is the host of two award-winning podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.

Brené’s books are translated into more than 30 languages, and her titles include Atlas of the HeartDare to Lead, Braving the Wilderness, Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection. With Tarana Burke, she co-edited the bestselling anthology You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience.

Brené’s TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability is one of the top five most-viewed TED talks in the world, with over 60 million views. Brené is the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix, and in March 2022, she launched a new show on HBO Max that focuses on her latest book, Atlas of the Heart

Brené spends most of her time working in organizations around the world, helping develop braver leaders and more courageous cultures. 

She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Steve. They have two children, Ellen and Charlie, and a weird Bichon named Lucy. 

Adam Grant

Adam Grant: Organizational psychologist at Wharton, bestselling author of Think Again, and host of the podcasts WorkLife & Re:Thinking

Adam has been Wharton’s top-rated professor for 7 straight years. As an organizational psychologist, he is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and live more generous and creative lives. He has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and Fortune’s 40 under 40.

​He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 5 books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 45 languages: Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B, and Power Moves. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal. His viral piece on languishing was the most-read New York Times article of 2021 and the most-saved article across all platforms. His next book, Hidden Potential, launches in October 2023.

Adam hosts the TED podcasts Re:Thinking and WorkLife, which have been downloaded over 65 million times. His TED talks on languishing, original thinkers, and givers and takers have over 30 million views. 

Joseph Oubelkas

“WHEN JOSEPH SPEAKS, EVERYONE FALLS SILENT.”

Everyone has a story. Joseph Oubelkas has a story about resilience and adaptation. About choice and perseverance. At the age of 24, Joseph is wrongfully convicted of drug smuggling. He receives a 10-year prison sentence and ends up in in a Moroccan prison. Innocent.

Independent investigations by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that there was no evidence whatsoever.

Despite his unjust imprisonment and the harsh prison life, Joseph decides to make the best of the situation. He puts things into perspective, values the little things, cherishes what he has, and turns his sorrow, anger, and frustration into positive energy.

After 1637 days, he is released: stronger, more positive, and more resilient than ever.

Joseph’s story is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. With his life-changing experience, he has touched, moved, motivated, and guided tens of thousands of people in their journeys. Professional and personal.

Get ready for an unexpected masterclass in resilience and courage.

Melati Wijsen is a young changemaker from Bali. In terms of personality, she is best characterized as a blend of Greta Thunberg, Bojan Slat and Barack Obama. At the age of only 12 (!) Melati and her sister managed to get single use plastic bags banned in Bali. Melati is the founder and figurehead of Youthtopia, a network of young changemakers around the world. A film about her and this movement launched in 2022: Bigger than Us. Melati is one of those speakers you may not know upfront, but will never forget after September 29.

Glenn de Randamie, better known as Typhoon, will wrap up this seminar. He will take us on a journey to connection, inclusion and fresh perspectives. How can we make even more impact by working together in a better way? How do we ensure that all voices are heard and blend into better decisions? How do we bridge gaps and break barriers? Glenn will share unexpected and valuable lessons about personal leadership, vitality, inclusion and diversity, growing, slowing down, trusting and connecting.

Tim Ferriss is one of the world’s leading experts on leadership, entrepreneurship and personal innovation. He is the author the iconic global bestseller: The 4-Hour-Workweek. He is an early investor in companies such as Uber, Shopify, Duolingo and Alibaba. Tim is on Fast Company’s list of “Most Innovative Business People.” His podcast The Tim Ferriss Show is the world’s most listened-to podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders with over 900 million (!!!) downloads.

“Tim Ferriss is the Oprah of Audio”
(The Observer)

Maryna Saprykina  won the 2023 Speaker contest with her speech: “Sustainability in the Times of War”. 

She is sustainability consultant from Ukraine who has seen the resilience of Ukrainian businesses firsthand.  

Her keynote addressed the role of sustainability in business continuity during times of war.

Britt Breure is Director of HR and CSR at AFAS Software, a unique family company with a strong corporate culture and impressive results. 

AFAS has 600 employees, but only 1 HR employee. That’s Britt. She is also committed to social responsibility and sustainability within AFAS and beyond.

Alix Jacobson is Former Vice President HR EMEA by Netflix. She is a commercially driven international HR executive with an extensive track record of building and sustaining healthy, efficient and high-performing teams.

Alix staunchly believes in company culture as a business driver – A clear and common set of values and behaviors can drive employee performance and team effectiveness, and ultimately business performance.

Douglas Lamont is CEO of Tony’s Chocolonely, joining in October 2022 from innocent drinks where he was CEO for nine years. 

As innocent’s CEO, Douglas put his advocacy for building businesses that balance people, profit and planet into action.

Lilian Geijsen is Managing Director of Ben & Jerry’s Europe, she embodies the company’s mission of delivering high-quality, socially responsible products while making a positive impact on the world.

She is responsible for driving growth while prioritizing social impact across all three parts of the business, including product, economic, and social.

Erin Meyer is a science rockstar in the field of (company) culture. She is professor at INSEAD Business School and she is listed in Thinkers50 the list of best leadership thinkers in the world. Erin’s book The Culture Map became a worldwide bestseller. Her book No Rules Rules, co-authored with Netflix founder Reid Hastings, deconstructs the unique culture that enabled Netflix to grow and become one of the most successful companies on earth. “The most important document to come out of Silicon Valley” (Sheryll Sandberg on the Netflix Culture Manifesto)

Rutger Bregman  is one of Europe’s most prominent young thinkers. The 35-year-old historian and author has been nominated twice for the prestigious European Press Prize for his work at De Correspondent. His articles have been featured in The Washington Post and on the BBC. His book, Human Kind (De Meeste Mensen Deugen) is a worldwide bestseller, with over 1.5 million copies sold and translations in 40 languages.

“Rutger Bregman is the Dutch Wunderkind of new ideas”
(The Guardian)