Dr. Ben Tiggelaar PhD

About Ben Tiggelaar

Dr. Ben Tiggelaar has been fascinated for over 35 years by the question of why people within organizations often know what they should be doing, yet in practice things frequently turn out differently. As a behavioral scientist and independent writer, he focuses on leadership and change, with one clear mission: translating insights from science into concrete behavior in the workplace.

His work sits at the intersection of science and practice. Ben explores how behavioral change truly occurs and how leaders and teams can bridge the gap between intention and action. He makes complex insights from behavioral science accessible and practical, enabling professionals and organizations to apply them directly in their daily work.

Ben studied Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam and earned his PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, focusing on behavioral change in organizations. He further deepened his expertise in leadership and behavioral change at institutions including Harvard University and University College London. He combines his academic background with a strong sense of practical application and interaction.

As an author, he has written more than 15 books on leadership, work, and personal effectiveness, several of which reached the number one position in the management book Top 100. His work is read and translated worldwide. He is also a highly sought-after columnist; his weekly column in NRC is followed by a broad audience of professionals.

On stage, Ben is known for his energetic and interactive style. He combines scientific insights with relatable examples, humor, and immediate applicability. His sessions are not traditional lectures, but dynamic experiences in which participants actively engage and reflect on their own behavior and that of their organization.

In addition to his appearances in the Netherlands and abroad, he has delivered guest lectures at leading universities and spoken at more than 1,600 organizations worldwide. Through his well-known seminar on leadership and management, he has reached tens of thousands of professionals.

Ben Tiggelaar not only helps organizations better understand how change works, but, above all, how to actually make it happen.