Better Future

14/12/2020

17/09/2020

Do you recognise this feeling? When you're halfway through telling a story. You haven't even made your point and someone else steers the conversation in a different direction. Or they choose to offer solutions and advice to solve your problem. Usually with the best of intentions of course.

Keeping your mouth shut is another way to help. Our colleague Daan Modderman has written his third and last piece about listening. For this series, he highlights why listening is incredibly important, gives insights into how to listen properly, and now rounds off with practical tips. ⁠

Read the full article (in Dutch): https://bit.ly/3iESPdM
For the series (in Dutch): https://bit.ly/3msGpbh

14/09/2020

Join us! Better Future is hosting the masterclass Diversity & Inclusion: from dialogue to action on September 25, 2020.

"When good people meet, good things will follow” is our guiding principle. After all the online meetings, we think it’s about time to bring a select group of people together in an offline session. To make diversity & inclusion tangible and personal for you as a first step in taking it to your company policies and leadership. The Better Future way: through experience and by connecting with people you haven’t met before.

The event is compliant with the RIVM safety rules regarding Corona, meaning we have limited spots available spread across two sessions. You can choose between:

Friday 25th of September, 10:00-12:00 (incl. lunch following the masterclass), at our home in Austerlitz

Friday 25th of September, 14:30-16:30 (incl. drinks following the masterclass), at our home in Austerlitz

Is this something for you?
Simply reach out to get your hands on a ticket:
[email protected]

10/09/2020

Impact starts by taking the first step.
Watch this and find out what you can do today.


Need help? Contact us:
+31(0)343449300
www.better-future.com



With special thanks to Stephanie Bakker, Franka Wiggers and John Weich

08/06/2020

As of today (World Oceans Day), things at Better Future are going to look a little different. We’ve pledged to ban single-use plastic water bottles from our organisation.

In doing so, Better Future has become a proud part of the Dopper Wave. A movement of organisations and individuals alike, all committed to turn the tide on plastic pollution.

Why we're doing this? Because this issue is relatively easy to solve. Knowing that every minute a truckload of plastic waste enters our oceans, and in that same minute 1 million single-use plastic bottles are sold around the world, it's time to do things differently.

With simple, everyday actions, we can save hundreds of single-use water bottles from entering our oceans this year. By simply choosing reusable options and drinking from the tap whenever possible. It's time to take action; and it’s time to play our part in the fight against plastic pollution

Want to join the wave or find out more?
Read our article: https://bit.ly/2UmpZVp
Or visit www.dopper.com

04/06/2020

Dear industry, we have to talk. Why are you only just realising that racism is manifested on so many levels and in so many places across the world? ⁠

Dear industry, we have some serious work to do. Our responsibility goes beyond challenging systemic standards; beyond turning business into a force for good; beyond transforming individuals into leaders of the future. Our responsibility is to save humanity.⁠
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We call you to redefine what sustainability, diversity and inclusivity mean to you and your organisation. We challenge you to act accordingly. To contribute; to take bold actions; to join forces right now and in the future.⁠
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We’re dealing with an issue that goes beyond racism in the US. An issue that’s bigger than us. An issue that involves all of us. An issue that is everyone's concern. Because racism is visible on so many levels across the world. ⁠
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We believe that we’ve reached a tipping point. If this COVID-19 crisis has taught us anything, it's that we're capable of taking global action; of changing our ways; of ridding ourselves of habits that no longer serve any of us.⁠
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We've been forced to have difficult conversations, to do our research, to feel uncomfortable, to be challenged, and to reflect. It's time to do it again. To step out of our comfort zone, and into the world.⁠
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It's now time to take our voices and turn them into bold actions.

13/06/2019

WHEN GOOD WOMEN MEET

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Last week we had a super takeoff during our journey by the Kaag. These women shared amazing life stories, exuded extensive amounts of strength and courage, and shared and learnt a lot from each other.

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As a group, these women looked beyond the first impression and stereotypes that are imprinted on our brains. It was a two-day session about , and .

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Through workshops, exercises, and spending time together strong bonds were created. A safe haven was born where moving, complex and sensitive moments were shared. All of this to work towards a together.

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Want to know more about our Face the Female Future program? Have a look: https://lnkd.in/d7rjkQk

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Nava Hinrichs-Pasutto Jolanda Holwerda

11/06/2019

🍦WHEN GOOD WOMEN EAT 🍦

Wat gebeurt er als je allemaal leuke, grappige, slimme stoere vrouwen uitnodigt aan tafel en rond een prikkelende vraag met elkaar in gesprek laat gaan?

💥 Wij zijn net zo benieuwd. Mooie gesprekken? Vast. Nieuwe connecties? Zeker. Verrassende inzichten? Ook. Want, zoals het vertrekpunt bij Better Future altijd is: when good people meet, good things will follow.

🍾 Tijdens ons 'When good women eat' diner op 17 juni is Mariah Mansvelt Beck – medeoprichter van Yoni - speciale gast. Zij zal haar verhaal met ons delen, waarom zij doet wat ze doet en waar ze trots op is. Die vraag ligt ook voor jullie op tafel.

🙏🏼Opbrengsten van het diner gaan naar Buzz Women. Dus door te komen eten, maak je onderwijs voor vrouwen in India en Gambia mogelijk.

Nog een kleine week te gaan, dus koop snel een kaartje: https://fienta.com/nl/when-good-women-eat

Ma 17. juni om 18:00 - 22:00

03/06/2019

Why do you do what you do? 🌍

Simon Sinek

30/05/2019

DID YOU KNOW THAT 💡
We bring clients from all over the world together to tackle major issues along the lines of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDGs, otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Tackling the world’s biggest challenges requires collaboration, dedication and a healthy amount of ambition. Which is why building strong relationships with our corporate and social partners is key.

Purpose-minded businesses and organizations play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and working to achieve the SDGs.

By operating in ways that create better opportunities for workers while protecting the environment and strengthening their communities.

A great example of said collaboration, dedication and ambition is 'Mission Water'. A project we've been working on together with AMREF Flying Doctors and MegaGroup Trade Holding BV.

Check it out!

B Corporation Europe

Our fundamental belief is "when good people meet, good things will come out of it". This video shows how Better Future brings together a cooperate company, M...

21/05/2019

CULTURAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
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🙌 Today it's World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
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Although this is a topic that should be dealt with on a daily basis, we still asked our Senior Adviser Diversity & Inclusion, Nava Hinrichs-Pasutto, to write a short piece about the importance of this topic.
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Here's a snippet of her thoughts, and click on the link below to read the full piece:
"Inclusion in the workplace and its benefits come to life when diverse individuals feel the liberty to bring all of who they are into their work and are encouraged to nurture connections with their peers whilst celebrating diverse ways expression, thought, and belief."
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What are your thoughts on the subject? Let us know in the comments below 👇‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍
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Diversity & Inclusion is growing in the workspace, but companies are still uncertain about how to effectively incorporate it in their day-to-day practice.

19/05/2019

🍦WHEN GOOD WOMEN EAT 🍦

Wat gebeurt er als je allemaal leuke, grappige, slimme stoere vrouwen uitnodigt aan tafel en rond een prikkelende vraag met elkaar in gesprek laat gaan?

💥 Wij zijn net zo benieuwd. Mooie gesprekken? Vast. Nieuwe connecties? Zeker. Verrassende inzichten? Ook. Want, zoals het vertrekpunt bij Better Future altijd is: when good people meet, good things will follow.

🍾 Tijdens ons 'When good women eat' diner op 17 juni is Mariah Mansvelt Beck – medeoprichter van Yoni - die avond speciale gast. Zij zal haar verhaal met ons allemaal delen, waarom zij doet wat ze doet en waar ze trots op is. Die vraag ligt ook voor jullie op tafel.

🙏🏼Opbrengsten van het diner gaan naar Buzz Women. Dus door te komen eten, maak je onderwijs voor vrouwen in India en Gambia mogelijk.

Eet je mee? Gezellig!
Koop hier een kaartje: https://fienta.com/nl/when-good-women-eat

09/05/2019

🇳🇱 NL
What’s your secret weapon?

Heb je je weleens afgevraagd wat jouw meervoudige ambities zijn en hoe je daarmee omgaat, of hoe je ervoor zorgt dat je meer voldoening en zingeving in werk en leven ervaart?

Dan ben je bij de Lof Female Leadership Journey aan het juiste adres. Tijdens deze meerdaagse ervaring nemen we je mee in een training die antwoord geeft op bovenstaande vragen, je in je kracht zet, en je bewust maakt van de weg vol uitdagingen naar jouw top.

Je gaat van je drijfveren naar bronnen, van ego naar animo, en vanuit macht naar kracht. Als deelnemer ontdek je hoe je jouw invloed binnen je organisatie vergroot en hoe je een rolmodel en inspiratiebron wordt voor anderen.

Aan het eind van de training geef jij met (zelf)vertrouwen een eigen leiderschapsstijl vorm die jij in je organisatie kunt neerzetten.

In samenwerking met Face the Future zullen we ook nieuwkomers met een verblijfsstatus verwelkomen deel te nemen aan het programma. Met deze groep gaan we samen op ontdekkingstocht naar elkaars kwaliteiten en toekomstdromen.

Heb je zin om met ons op reis te gaan? We hebben nog maar een beperkt aantal plekken beschikbaar, dus schrijf je snel in via deze link: https://bit.ly/2UQtjW2

Lof Female Leadership Journey
Powered by Lof & Better Future

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🇬🇧 ENG
What’s your secret weapon?

Ever wondered what your countless ambitions are and how you can deal with them, or how to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life at work and home?

If you have answered yes to at least one of these questions, then the Lof Female Leadership Journey is right up your alley. During this multi-day experience, we guide you through a process that will empower you, provide answers to the questions above, and make you aware of the challenges that await on the way to your top.

You will move from motivation to action, ego to eagerness, and potential to power. As a participant you will discover how to increase your impact within your organization, and how to be a role model and inspiration for others.

By the end of the training you will design your own leadership style that you can implement in your own organization.

Together with Face the Future we also welcome newcomers with a residential status to participate in this program. As a group we will reveal what our qualities and biggest dreams are.

Ready to pack your bags? We have a limited amount of spaces, so get your hands on a ticket before it’s too late: https://bit.ly/2UQtjW2

Lof Female Leadership Journey
Powered by Lof & Better Future

02/05/2019

🇳🇱 NL
When good people meet, good things will follow ☀️
Zo hebben wij ons team ook eigenlijk samengesteld, en ook zij mogen een keertje in de spotlight staan.

Sommige mensen zijn oprecht geïnteresseerd in wie je bent, hoe het met je gaat, en wat voor grappige dingen je dit weekend weer hebt uitgehaald. Anneke is er zo ééntje; en lachen doet ze als geen ander. Vandaar dat ze ook onze Chief Happiness Officer is. Makes sense, right?

Maar wie is Anneke nou eigenlijk?
“Ik hou van mensen. Opgevoed in een warm gastvrij Indisch gezin ben ik in mijn element als ik iedereen echte aandacht kan geven, kan verbinden en overzicht kan houden van alles wat er speelt op zowel het werk als privé. Als Chief Happiness Officer geloof ik in de slogan van IKEA; Aandacht maakt alles mooier."

Wat is haar grootste droom?
"Ik leef mijn grootste droom, en ben mij heel bewust van wat ik heb. Ik ben een gelukkig mens met een lieve man, prachtige kinderen, fijne familie en vrienden en een interessante baan waar ik mijn talenten kan inzetten en mij zeer gewaardeerd voel."

Wat maakt het werk zo leuk?
"Het is heerlijk om de spil te zijn in de organisatie, te werken in het kloppend hart van de organisatie.
Ik ken geen mooier bedrijf. Wij werken met een team gedreven, en getalenteerde, mensen. Het is prachtig om te zien hoe wij als team organisaties en individuen verder helpen, altijd gericht op betekenisvolle groei. Wij willen de wereld immers een betere toekomst geven."

Mijn lievelings moment van de dag…
"…is de ochtend. Heerlijk om ‘s ochtends vroeg een kop thee te drinken met de krant. Ik hou van de ochtend, de start van een nieuwe dag en de serene rust die de ochtend biedt."
🇬🇧 ENG
When good people meet, good things will follow ⁣☀️
That’s exactly how our team has grown into what it is today, and we thought it was about time for you to meet the brains behind it all.⁣⁣

Some people have a sincere interest in how you are, who you are, and what silly things you got up to last weekend. Anneke is one of those people; and her laughter is infectious. So, it makes sense that she’s our Chief Happiness Officer, right?⁣

But if we get down to the crux of it all, who is Anneke?⁣
“I love people. I’m at my best when I can pay sincere attention to things and people around me; when I can connect; and when I have an overview of everything that’s going on at home and at work. This has to do with growing up in a warm and welcoming Indonesian family. As Chief Happiness Officer I truly believe in IKEA’s slogan; attention makes everything more beautiful.⁣

What’s her biggest dream?⁣
“I’m living it, and completely aware of what I’ve got. I’m completely happy with a fantastic husband, beautiful children, wonderful family and friends, and a job where I can put my talent to good use and where I feel appreciated.⁣”

Why does she enjoy going to work?⁣
“I love being in the middle of it all; right by the beating heart of the organization. In my eyes, there’s no better company than this. Our team is filled with driven and talented people. It’s wonderful to see how we help organizations and individuals move forward through meaningful growth. At the end of the day we want to provide a better future for the world.⁣”

My favorite time of day is…⁣
“…the early morning. A cup of tea whilst reading the newspaper. I love the mornings; the tranquility it offers and it’s the start of a brand new day.”

25/04/2019

💥
Last week, during the B Corporation HR dinner at Better Future, we looked at how we can raise the bar, what we can improve, and how we can grow. We explored ways to establish meaningful collaborations amongst different B Corps.

Awareness for inclusion and diversity is growing in the workspace, but companies are still uncertain about how to effectively incorporate these topics in their business practice to support their growth and value-creation goals.
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🤔 At the moment few Benelux B Corps are rated high for their diversity & inclusion policies and action. So how do we make our B Corps more inclusive and diverse? What could you, as a leader of a B Corp, do to create more opportunities in your workforce for women, immigrants, refugees or other underrepresented groups?
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👍 In the Benelux we see some initiatives emerging: Ben & Jerry's launched the ICE Academy: a collaboration with DELITELABS that offers newcomers the opportunity to develop on a personal and professional level. While B Corp Swink webservices has been working with employees who have autism for years.
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✨ As a community, we play an essential role in the global B Corp movement. Let’s address these questions and opportunities together. Let’s visualise what a more diverse and inclusive team will bring to our organisations.
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Yoni

18/04/2019

☀️ What happens when 
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"In a week from now, my dear colleague Daria Luca and I will arrive in Wellington, South Africa. It’s about to happen: the Buzz Women Journey South Africa 2019! A female leadership program for game changing individuals. 
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No family Easter brunches, matzos or egg hunts for us this year. Instead we welcome six amazing women from the Netherlands to South Africa where we will introduce them to eight local powerhouses of NORSA Community Care; an NGO fighting poverty with a focus on kids."
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During this trip there's a twofold of questions and challenges that we will address:

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* How could NORSA become more entrepreneurial and financially sustainable?

* How would Buzz Women be an impactful program in South Africa and what is required to make it a success?
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Pumped, ready and excited to make this happen we can finally start packing our suitcases. Knowing it’s going to be impressive, inspirational, yet tough at times, this will lead to something we can’t predict. That’s the magic of Better Future.
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Words by Annemarie de Jong

Read the full blog here: https://bit.ly/2UGjT4k

Buzz Women South Africa: a female leadership program for game changers. Find out what we'll be doing in Wellington with six Dutch female changemakers.

11/04/2019

🇬🇧 ENGLISH
On a daily basis, and together with a group of mothers, these two women cook lunch for more than 600 children at a school in Fass, Gambia. In a kitchen full of smoke or simply outside. Whilst one of the circumstances is bad for their health, the other makes it very hard when it’s raining. On top of that, money is sometimes scarce which means lunch isn’t always a given.

During the “SDG & Me" program, initiated by Better Future and Sustainalize, Gambian and Dutch participants explored how they could ensure that lunch could be provided all year round; so that the children could fill their tummies with nutritious food, and have the energy and concentration to learn. A different menu and a smart procurement plan seemed to be part of the solution. Another team delved into ways that the cooking facilities and water supplies could be improved. Better for their health, and better for the climate.

Sometimes the Dutch participants wonder: what can we achieve in just one week? Well, clearly a lot! For the school children in Fass, for the connection with others, and the connection with themselves.


🇳🇱DUTCH
Twee vrouwen die samen met andere moeders iedere dag een lunch koken voor meer dan 600 kinderen op de school in Fass, in Gambia. In de rook of buiten, het ene is ongezond en het andere kan niet als het regent. En iedere dag is helaas ook niet het geval omdat er niet altijd voldoende geld is.

Tijdens het "SDG & Me" programma van Better Future en Sustainalize hebben Gambiaanse en Nederlandse deelnemers samen onderzocht hoe er toch het hele jaar rond een lunch gekookt kan worden en kinderen met een volle maag de energie en concentratie hebben om te leren. Een ander menu en een slimmer inkoopbeleid bleken een deel van de oplossing te zijn. Een ander team heeft gekeken naar slimme eerste stappen om de omstandigheden voor het koken en de watervoorziening te verbeteren. Beter voor de gezondheid en beter voor het klimaat.

Soms zeggen Nederlandse deelnemers vooraf, wat kunnen we nu bereiken in één week daar? Heel veel dus! Voor de schoolkinderen in Fass, voor de verbinding met anderen en voor de verbinding met hen zelf.

Thanks for the lovely words and pictures Annet Van de Laak

19/02/2019

WOMEN'S BUZZNESS

In de week van Internationale vrouwendag staan we stil bij vrouwen met kracht. Hoe kunnen we onze krachten bundelen en meer vrouwelijk perspectief aan de wereld toevoegen? Welke leiderschapskwaliteiten zijn daarvoor nodig? Hoe maak jij een verschil?

Jolanda Holwerda, oprichter van LOF en change leader bij Better Future, verkent graag met jou de antwoorden tijdens ons Women's BUZZness Diner op 6 maart 2019

Laat je inspireren door Buzz Women: our mobile classroom to educate and empower women at the bottom of the pyramid. De oprichter Dave Jongeneelen deelt zijn verhaal.

Meer info: https://bit.ly/2SLP4uc