The Mental Revolution

Dr. Elke Geraerts, 09:45-11:00

‍

We have already been through the Industrial Revolution and the Digital Revolution. Both were all about machines, systems and speed. But what about the next revolution? That one is about us. It’s about empathy, creativity, moral courage and the ability to truly connect. Qualities that we have dismissed as ‘soft’ for far too long, when in reality they are the toughest and most future-proof skills there are. In this keynote, neuroscientist and bestselling author Elke Geraerts shows why core human qualities are our greatest asset in a world increasingly driven by AI. No algorithm will ever be able to replicate them. And they are precisely the qualities that fulfil us most as human beings. Not a talk about AI. A talk about you.

Emotional Intelligence

Dr. Aisha Cortoos, 11:30-12:30

‍

Your brain sends out signals all day long – when you’re stressed, when you’re feeling uncertain, or during a difficult conversation. But we’ve never really learnt to read those signals. And that’s a missed opportunity, because emotions aren’t a weakness. They’re data. If you learn to listen to that data, you’ll understand yourself and others better and make more informed choices. In this keynote, neuroscientist Aisha Cortoos unravels what happens in your body when you experience emotions, why you sometimes react the way you do, and how you can cultivate greater calm and resilience – even in busy or challenging moments. You’ll be given practical tools and micro-habits to boost your emotional intelligence: small steps with a big impact on your wellbeing, your relationships and your job satisfaction.

Enjoy a healthy lunch!

12:30-13:30

‍

Perspectival Agility in the age of AI

Filosopher Lammert Kamphuis, 13:30-14:30

‍

At a time when AI is generating answers ever more quickly, the ability to continue thinking for ourselves is becoming more important than ever. For if technology begins to take over not only our knowledge, but also our interpretations, judgements and ideas, what will become of our critical thinking and creativity? In this lecture, philosopher Lammert Kamphuis explores why perspectival flexibility – the ability to see different realities side by side – remains a crucial human skill. This is particularly true in times when that one, self-affirming answer is constantly at our fingertips.

Invest in your body, boost your brain

Dr. Gianni Faelens, 15:00-16:00 (only in Antwerp)

‍

Your body is the engine of your brain. It’s not just stress that matters: effective recovery, in particular, determines how sharply you think and how creative you are. With practical insights from elite sport, you’ll learn to keep your ‘window of tolerance’ open, so that your attention, memory and imagination function at their best. Think of taking short recovery breaks, moving around sensibly throughout the day and eating at the right times to maintain stable energy levels.  Gianni Faelens is a sports physician. He applies recovery principles from elite sport to everyday life, so that your brain thinks more clearly, becomes more creative and performs at its best for longer without burning out. With down-to-earth science, measurable routines and practical tips, he helps people sustainably boost their energy, focus and innovative capacity. ‘Investing in your body might feel like a waste of time, but in reality, it’s the only thing that keeps your body and brain healthy.’

The brain under pressure

Brankele Frank, 15:00-16:00 (only in Utrecht)

‍

What happens in your mind and body when stress takes over? And more importantly: how do you recognise the signs in time, both in yourself and in those around you? Neurobiologist, author and winner of *De Slimste Mens*, Brankele Frank, takes you on a journey through the fascinating workings of the brain under pressure. Drawing on her own experience of burnout and her scientific background, she shows how stress builds up, why we often ignore the warning signs, and what is needed to make a lasting recovery. With candour and humour, Brankele doesn’t present abstract theory, but sharp insights that touch on the day-to-day reality of leadership. Particularly in organisations where the pressure is high and long-term absenteeism is a growing challenge, this story offers practical guidance for strong personal leadership and boosting vitality.

‍

The Mental Revolution

Dr. Elke Geraerts, 16:00 – 16:45

Elke Geraerts brings things full circle and rounds off the day with the second part of her keynote. Just in case you thought it couldn’t get any more personal. An honest look at your own mind, your own patterns and your own potential for growth.

‍