Denise Pellinkhof

Ambassador | Expert | Figurehead

Denise helps organizations to organize visibility on three levels: ambassadors who proudly share their story, experts who build authority, and figureheads who break the status quo in the world. From masterclasses at NIMA and Erasmus University to personal coaching of leaders at organizations such as EY, Berenschot, Society College, and Alzheimer Nederland.

Employability:: Keynote speaker, Moderator, Workshop
Languages:: Dutch, English
Categories:: Arts Culture & Lifestyle

Individual development

Leadership & Strategy

Lifestyle

Marketing & Sales

Motivation

Storytelling

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30 years matching events with the right speakers
The most experienced team of consultants
50,000+ satisfied clients worldwide

About Denise Pellinkhof

There is a trend underway: CEOs of companies like Shell, DAF Trucks, Coolblue, Rabobank, and KLM are stepping forward. They personally share their vision on platforms like LinkedIn or on stage, interpret the news, and speak out on social issues. Why? Because they understand how valuable visible leadership is.

Three layers of visibility

Denise helps organizations to strategically organize visibility:
1. Ambassadors: employees who proudly share content (62% cheaper than traditional marketing)
2. Experts: specialists who build authority and attract customers
3. Figureheads: leaders who share their vision as the voice of the organization and break the status quo
The art: making agreements about who takes which role. Because all three are essential.

From ambassadorship to figureheadship

Denise worked as a brand strategist, branding, PR, and marcom manager for scale-ups and corporates. She developed employee advocacy programs for Eneco, ING, CroonWolter&Dros, and Laurens Ouderenzorg. She still gives masterclasses at NIMA and Erasmus University. And now exclusively guides partners, executives, and directors of organizations such as EY, Berenschot, and Alzheimer Nederland towards figureheadship.

Her approach

No superficial visibility, but credibly conveying mission and vision. With courage, relevance, and humanity. Through earned media attention, opinion pieces, LinkedIn, speeches, and videos. She stands for servant leadership and authenticity. Because as Brené Brown says: imperfection is not a weakness, but the source of connection and impact. And that is more necessary than ever in our society.

As a moderator, Denise makes complex issues light and airy. She dives into the themes of the organization, is curious and open, and involves everyone on stage, making them feel seen and valued. Expect sharp questions and uncomfortable moments, but she primarily turns it into a collective celebration.

Remaining unnoticed is out of the question.

Topics

1. Ambassador - Expert - Figurehead: the three layers of visibility

Every organisation needs three layers of visibility. The art is to make agreements about who takes on which role.

You will learn:
• Recognise the three layers in your organisation
• How to facilitate and activate each layer
• Why diversity in visibility ensures reach and trust

For: management, marketing, HR, communication
Form: keynote, workshop, training
2. Visible leadership: from role to responsibility

No time for visible leadership is the same as telling your employees you have no time for them.

You will learn:
• Why visibility is a responsibility
• How to use 10 minutes per week for maximum impact
• How to create internal trust by being externally visible

For: management, leaders, partners
Form: keynote, workshop
3. Interpreting news as a leadership responsibility

Leaders who remain silent when interpretation is needed abandon their organisation. Sustainability, AI, competitiveness: the question is not whether you have something to say, but do you dare to say it?

You will learn:
• How to link societal themes to your expertise
• How to be sharp without becoming polarising
• Why caution is good, but silence is not

For: leaders with societal impact
Form: keynote
4. 4. Authenticity as leadership strength

Let go of the perfect image. Then you make a connection.

You will learn:
• How to use vulnerability as a strength
• Why servant leadership is more effective than alpha behaviour
• How to remain yourself in an era of AI content

For: leaders who want to take off the armour
Form: keynote, workshop
5. Employee Advocacy: turning employees into ambassadors

62% cheaper than traditional marketing. Based on experience at Eneco, ING, masterclasses at NIMA and Erasmus University.

You will learn:
• How to move from control to facilitation
• Why it starts with internal trust
• How to create a culture where visibility is a given

For: HR, marketing, communication, management
Form: keynote, workshop, training
6. Brand strategy & storytelling

Brands that make an impact stand for something. From positioning to corporate story to content that resonates.

For: management, marketing, communication
Form: keynote, workshop