Saskia Maarse

Why do the Dutch leave their curtains open in the evening? Who is actually the boss here? Where does Dutch directness come from? And what are the cultural differences and similarities with other countries?

Saskia Maarse takes you on a journey. A journey through Dutch culture as seen and experienced by other cultures. She provides a lively ‘strength-weakness analysis’ of Dutch peculiarities. For example, the phenomenon ‘an appointment is an appointment’: highly valued in a business environment by people from almost all other cultures. In the private sphere, however, this mentality is often perceived as bizarre: consulting your diary to make an appointment with family?

In a humorous manner, Saskia clarifies where the typically Dutch traits come from. At the same time, she shares her six cultural principles and shows what we can learn from both our own culture and other cultures in areas such as communication, trust, and social etiquette.

When we collaborate with different cultures, we can delve into certain symbols and rituals of the other, but that does not mean we can recognise the underlying values, let alone sense them. As creatures of habit, we humans have work to do. Curiosity about the other and gaining insight into one’s own culture can help with this.

In a humorous manner, Saskia Maarse sketches Dutch culture through the eyes of other cultures. After a look in the – sometimes hilarious – cultural mirror, Saskia delves deeper into her six cultural principles and shows what we can learn from the different perceptions that exist worldwide about trust, clear communication, and strong leadership.

Saskia’s lectures and workshops are a combination of content, anecdotes, interaction, and cultural insights. A practical and inspiring view of what culture is and how culture influences our daily lives.