Leen Zevenbergen

About Leen Zevenbergen

Sustainability @ the speed of passion

In 1985, Zevenbergen founded the first AI company in the Netherlands and has since established 21 companies worldwide with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility. He has written several books on sustainable leadership.

Leen has been a sustainable entrepreneur for 27 years and an author of management books, as well as the initiator of several sustainable companies. Leen Zevenbergen was originally an accountant but became an entrepreneur with the founding of Bolesian. He led companies such as Everex, Trendsoft, and Electrogig, served as president of rcc (Roccade), and was managing director of Origin. In 2000, he founded Escador, which evolved from an internet powerhouse to a growth developer. For boards of directors of large companies, he and his team have become a think tank, sounding board, coach, and initiator. Additionally, he was a partner at investment firms and an entrepreneur with an unstoppable flow of initiatives.

In 2013, he co-founded B Lab Europe with his partner Marcello Palazzi, and there are now over 3000 B Corps in Europe. They bring together leaders from around the world to devise sustainable solutions and inspire each other. He is the European chair of the Social Venture Network and co-founder and board member of B Lab Europe, currently with around 1000 B Corps. He is also a member of the Global Governance Council of B Lab and a speaker at numerous international B Corps events.

Once upon a future

The world is in confusion. Technology is developing rapidly, the ecological situation is deteriorating quickly, and globalization affects us all. The building blocks and institutions we know are changing at a high pace and call for a reconsideration of our world; a reset to WE 0.0

Providing clarity so that people can make an informed choice about their future is what Leen wants to dedicate his talents and energy to worldwide. Everyone can contribute, and it is also enjoyable. Only in radical interdependence and collaboration can we build a world that we all want.

His entrepreneurial world changed in 1997. After a decade of leading in the development of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, the Internet, and Virtual worlds, he met Ben Cohen (Ben & Jerry’s) and Anita Roddick (The Body Shop) that year. Together with Josh Mailman, he founded the Social Venture Network (SVN) in 1987, the oldest network of sustainable entrepreneurs.

Sustainable entrepreneurship inspires

This inspiring group of doers and activists ensured that from that moment on, all his entrepreneurial activities were aligned with sustainability. For him, the year 1997 was a “tipping point,” a monumental change in his view of the world.

Only sustainable thinking and entrepreneurship will survive

There is no other way to live and work. It is pointless to spend energy on things that do not contribute to a better world. At least, that is his manifesto.

Why now?

With around 700 million people on the planet actively working towards a better world, we are approaching a tipping point for humanity. It is said that a group of 10 to 15% can lead the remaining 80 to 90%. The world currently has about 700 million Cultural Creatives. They strive for a fair and sustainable world for everyone. It is now that we must contribute to that; each for themselves.

His GOAL

To help people and organizations develop a sustainable strategy for both the individual and the group. And this within an international framework, where collaboration is central.

He dedicates all his time, talent, and energy to initiatives that help humanity build a better and fairer world. Together and in full interdependence. When you leave the world, you should leave it in good condition for the next generation. It starts with children and education. It starts with parents and upbringing.

With his first book “And now I will let my beard grow” (Management Book of the Year and nominated as HR Book of the Year), he sold over 100,000 copies. His most recent book “Minister of Sustainability” has already sold over 20,000 copies. This book aims to make sustainability normal, less elitist, and even fun. In this book, Leen takes you into a world that can be heaven on earth, provided we take a number of steps towards improvement together.

What makes Leen Distinctive?

Tailored solutions for every client: every organization is different and has its own wishes, desires, and objectives. Leen works intensively with you in a preliminary discussion to determine the exact goal so that he can incorporate it into his presentation.

Self-reflection, humor, and depth: thirty years of entrepreneurship and management have, with ups and downs, led to a reflective way of presenting. With over twenty years of experience before thousands of groups both domestically and internationally, he has developed a relaxed and humorous storytelling style without losing depth. This makes him one of the most highly regarded speakers at events.

Unique content from practice: by being fully engaged in international companies, Leen speaks from experience. Leen is not a full-time speaker/moderator but brings his daily practice of sustainable entrepreneurship into every presentation.

Pragmatic approach: No empty talk, just action. A lecture should serve a purpose and is not merely for the entertainment of the audience. All lectures are narrative, drawn from real-life experiences. Leen is not a trend-watcher but a trend-maker. That pragmatism is evident in every lecture that will inspire the audience to take action.