Katja Schipperheijn

In these times of ever-faster innovation, the impact on us as people, as employees, and in our organisations is often overwhelming. A positive mindset towards learning is therefore the best way not to be left behind, and more so, to help shape the uncertain future itself. In this often-provocative keynote, we imagine a future that has already caught up with us and draw inspiration from innovations that support learning and growth. For this, we look at the concept of learning ecosystems where learning is supported by all stakeholders to support growth as individuals and as organisations and, by extension, society. A roadmap for continuous improvement through learning is the result there.

Based on the award-winning book Leaning Ecosystems, this talk is ideally suited for executives who want to commit to continuous improvement through innovation and a learning culture with engaged employees. An adapted form is also very interesting as an inspirational talk for employees to help shape a nimble learning and collaboration strategy in which their competences help shape the learning organisation.

This keynote can also be extended with a workshop for CEO/COO/CXOs or Senior Executives/Leaders in Innovation, HR and L&D. The aim of this workshop is to come up with implementable innovations (processes and technology) that support the future of work and put the organisation on a path of continuous improvement.

Unleash potential with a learning mindset supported by emerging innovations based on Katja’s new book The Learning Attitude: Combining Human Competencies with Technology to Thrive.

Developing a learning attitude is essential for success in a rapidly changing world of work. But how can you adopt this approach? What qualities do you need? What role do technology and neuroscience play? How can it foster innovation, problem-solving and collaboration?

This keynote explains what a learning attitude is, why it is urgently needed to survive and the benefits for individuals, teams and the organisation as a whole to thrive. Among other things, she covers the competences needed for this approach, including curiosity, resilience, innovation, realism and forward-thinking, and shows how these traits can be developed in all people, while respecting their individual differences. In doing so, Katja does not shy away from difficult topics and points out the need to surround yourself with a diversity team as a learning leader and to give misfits their place.

This new keynote from an international learning expert also outlines how to foster social and lean learning among colleagues, how to become a learning leader and how a learning approach can turn challenges into opportunities. There is also an essential discussion on the neuroscience of learning, the evolution of artificial intelligence and how humans and technology can work symbiotically together for the best results. The often-provocative keynote that leaves no one unprepared brings valuable insights, advice and practical guidance for new leadership in times of ever-faster waves of innovations and AI.

AI is not hype; scientists have been trying to develop algorithms to mimic the human brain since 1957. Hence, since the emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) using Generative AI, this future seems to be getting closer and closer. In these times of ever-faster innovation, the impact on us as humans and on the future of work is therefore often overwhelming.

Managers and employees who think they don’t need to adapt will soon find themselves at an irreversible disadvantage. The question, therefore, is not whether AI and futuristic innovations deserve their place in a human-machine symbiosis, but how. What is expected of sustainable strategies, future leadership and how will it affect the organisation and society.

In this often-provocative keynote, Katja Schipperheijn looks at the future that already seems to have caught up with us. Often inspired by the more than 15,000 children she had in her workshops, she brings innovations such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), as well as hyperreal alternative worlds, in which we can live, work and learn. In the learning ecosystems she outlines, she combines technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, video and 3D holographic avatars with NFLs and blockchain. Will we all soon enter this new world with the MetaHuman Creator, digital contact lenses or even brain implants?

Bringing together new digital innovations creates unprecedented combinations that offer possibilities beyond our imagination. This keynote is therefore extremely engaging for forward-looking leaders and employees who want to thrive rather than survive.

This keynote goes well with workshops that turn current obstacles into opportunities for continuous improvement.

This motivating and slightly provocative keynote will take you into the world of our children to shape the future of your organisation.

Meta- and virtual worlds have been the old normal for our children for years. Yet as adults, we mostly see the dangers and are driven by fear of the unknown. When we step into the world of children, we experience the opportunities that digital citizenship has to offer them. We close the gap between generations and learn from each other, each with our own background and competences. By highlighting the hypes and hopes of AI and its ethical impact, we point out the responsibilities for us as people, as organisations and as a society.

This keynote brings together the experience of workshops with more than 15,000 children and young people. It is an ideal session to engage employees in digital transformation and the opportunities it presents from a positive perspective. An adapted version for the education sector, it helps implement a sustainable vision of learning that supports children’s well-being.

“Mind-blowing! People walked out changed, inspired, and ready to think differently about the future of work. This wasn’t just a talk. It was a wake-up call, a moment of truth, and a gift of perspective.

Probably the most coherent, provocative, and sobering presentation about the mindset and shift needed in organisations to adapt to the new work context. What stood out wasn’t just the clarity of thought or the simplicity of the message — it was the way the story touched everyone.

Katja didn’t simply present ideas; she offered an emotional journey, one that made space for reflection, discomfort, and hope”

Amazing Keynote!! So good that our main stakeholders where commenting there praises of you to each other even during and not after! Thank you so much for taking part of this Katja and I’m really happy that we had you for the last week as you preffered, defenitely turned some heads!

— Filip Videira – Senior Manager  Open Innovation and Partnerships — United Kingdom

Katja’s session was incredibly practical and insightful. People loved it, and it made a significant impact on their learning experience. Her insights and expertise truly resonated with our audience, and her presentation style was engaging and informative. Her contribution to the Masterclass including a tailored keynote has left a lasting impression.”

— Huguette Andreoli – Director People and Culture MCI Group — The Netherlands

A great Keynote Katja. The importance of fostering a learning mindset can’t be overstated, especially in today’s fast-paced world where innovation is key! It’s inspiring to see how emerging technologies can support and enhance this process. This not only benefits individuals in their personal growth but also contributes significantly to organisational success. A win win!

— Cathy Hoy – CEO and Co-founder CLO100 — United Kingdom

Your intervention at the Netex Salon was amazing. This morning, when I woke up I didn’t think that we would be talking about something that for me is as important as children to improve as a person, so thank you for saying it with the naturalness and certainty with which you did it! I believe that imagination and creativity are key elements that make us unique and that can never be taken away from us by machines. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of calm, transformation, self-management and curiosity in this ever-evolving world. I hope to have the opportunity to talk to you more about this at some point.

— Clara Lepoutre – L&D Project Manager at ADEO Group — Spain

A couple of days ago, I had the privilege of attending the Toyota Tech Conference where Katja Schipperheijn was an esteemed speaker. She captivated the audience with her perspective on how lessons from children could be applied to shape the future of our workplaces. Katja, your thought-provoking insights and innovative approach to reimagining the work process were truly inspirational.
My heartfelt gratitude for enlightening us and instilling a fresh perspective on our professional journey.

— George Tsiramua – Head of Business Technology Department at Toyota Caucasus LLC — Georgia