Theme: Seeking Golden Horizons

'Seeking Golden Horizons' resonates profoundly amid current global challenges, becoming a rallying cry for resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to creating a better world. Even though a golden horizon may not always be visible, focusing on the present and the future will guide you toward it.

TEDxVUamsterdam
De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1081HV
Netherlands

Guido Everaert

Contrarian - Storyteller - Copywriter - Public Speaker (Coach) - Trainer

About five years ago, he decided to focus on content marketing and storytelling. His blog was a first step, and he soon became a regular columnist and blogger for De Morgen, De Volkskrant, VAB, VDAB, Sporta, VUB, Unizo, Libelle, and many others. He also teaches (Visual) Storytelling, Blogging, and Content Marketing at the Karel de Grote Hogeschool and the Hogeschool Amsterdam, Haaga Helia Helsinki, and Universidad de Valencia, and he is the author of two books: Storytelling, Stories Make Brands (Lannoo, 9th edition, revised edition in 2021) and Melting Pot, the world is cooking in Belgium (Luster, Photos Karin De Bruyn)). Guido Everaert is a much sought-after speaker at home and abroad who explains the principles of storytelling and content marketing in a fascinating and entertaining way.

Karim Amghar

Dutch writer - Program maker, - Television presenter - Eductaion professional - Teacher of Moroccan descent

Karim is currently producing a six-part series on mental health in diverse cultures, along with a series highlighting an extraordinary primary school in Maastricht and a new program called ‘Villa Ramadan.’ His documentary work, including series such as ‘Geloof In Het Onderwijs’ and ‘Karim Pakt Zijn Kans,’ has sparked significant reactions. Karim’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion is evident in his articles, workshops, and masterclasses, earning him the Compassion Award in 2018, and he has met Their Majesties, the King and Queen, several times for his work. He is also ranked in the top 5 of the media community’s top 100 this year.

Maria Grazia Testa

Systems Thinker - SDG and ESG strategist - Educator - Transition leader - Founder of 'The Best Journey Ever'

Maria Grazia Testa is an expert in systemic approaches that enhance compassionate cognitive and behavioral responses. She helps private, public, and non-governmental organizations accelerate and intensify their sustainable impact by embracing complexity and a human-centric approach. She has run operations on 6 continents, driven transitions for multinationals worldwide, and led global programs affecting ecology, people, and economy in collaboration with the United Nations, the European Commission, local institutions, businesses, and civil society. In addition to her professional, environmental, and societal commitments, she brings expertise in engineering, the circular economy, organizational design, social sciences, and creativity, supporting evolutionary transitions and transformations that reconcile people and the planet. Her favorite quote is from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso: “We live very close together, so our prime purpose in life is to help others.”

Max Hunter

Chief Joy Officer - Co-founder Motivators@Work

As co-founder of Motivators@Work, the company’s contribution to this mission is by bringing people together to connect, build trust, and co-create a brighter future. Having worked with over a hundred organizations, from Start-Ups in Berlin to Multinationals in Boston, Max brings a passion and understanding of how to get the best from teams in various settings.

Pim Vellenga

Accomplished Leader in Operations Management - Strategic Program Development

Pim has a proven track record of coaching numerous startups in optimizing their physical and offline operations, ensuring seamless product delivery to customers. Notably, he played a pivotal role in expanding the physical operations of VanMOOF. Currently, Pim is actively engaged in driving the physical expansion efforts at Emma Sleep.

Quintie Mijnals

Inspirational student - Junior consultant - MSc Business Administration (Strategy & Organisation)

In the midst of juggling her packed schedule, balancing between her classes and full-time job as a consultant, she consistently carves out time to indulge in her passions. Whether it’s playing football with her team, dancing till the lights fade, or having unintended long dinners with her housemates. She consistently finds new ways to challenge herself, delights in captivating her friends with animated conversations, and turns anything completely unrealistic into something relatively attainable.