prof. dr. Herman Wijffels

About Herman Wijffels

Herman Wijffels was, among other roles, chairman of the executive board of Rabobank, member of the Board of the World Bank in Washington, cabinet formateur, and chairman of the SER. Currently, he is a professor of Sustainability and Social Change at Utrecht University and co-chair of World Connectors, an organization committed to a sustainable and just world.

Herman Wijffels advocates for a new level of consciousness, where the economy serves people. Business-oriented production will remain central, but companies will be evaluated based on their contributions to society and the happiness of ordinary people. It also concerns the quality of relationships among people, taking future generations into account.

According to Herman Wijffels, the great challenge of the 21st century is to remain within the earth’s carrying capacity with the help of new technology. New technology will truly assist us, and by focusing on sustainability, the Dutch economy will become more competitive.

ICT technology will increasingly cater to highly skilled employees who embody New Ways of Working. New Ways of Working requires leaders who understand the art of delegation and tap into the resources of their employees. Leaders are also evaluated based on their contributions to society and the happiness of ordinary people.

Herman Wijffels advocates for more women in top positions within organizations. “The interaction between man and woman is the core of the creative process.” The New Leader will also strive for the right balance between work and private life; he wears multiple hats, but ultimately, a healthy private life is the foundation for healthy leadership.

Herman Wijffels inspires people to think and shows that a more beautiful and better world is a realistic option.