Rise to Your Occasion: 43 Years of Curiosity Unleashed
With 30,000 hours spent investigating, inquiring, and intruding in organizations, Nicolas is ready to share the insights of organizational sense and nonsense, empowering you to master self-governance and navigate transitions with confidence.
From start-ups and local schools to government agencies and global corporations, Nicolas has delved deep into the inner workings of organizations, uncovering the sense—and the nonsense—that drive them. With a wealth of experience collaborating with thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries, he has a proven track record of helping teams cut through the noise to foster a work environment brimming with curiosity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. We invite you to explore how Nicolas can bring his unique insights and energy to your next event, creating a positive flow and adding exceptional value as a speaker.
About Nicolas Smoolenaars
Nicolas Smoolenaars is driven by a deep sense of curiosity, empathy, and enthusiasm. He is one of those individuals who dare to challenge the status quo, rising to the occasion when procedures overshadow the importance of people. Nicolas believes that every individual, team, and organization has the potential to create a working environment that truly works.
With a diverse background, Nicolas has honed his skills in various roles. As a chef, he mastered combining the diverse ingredients into a delicious dish. As a sales rep, he embraced humble inquiry to add long term value. As a manager, he learned that true leadership is about serving others. As a project manager, he learned to embrace conflict & resistance with curiosity and enthusiasm. As a consultant, he has helped organizations confidently change, empowering them through self-governance, humble inquiry and forecasting.
Nicolas focuses on helping people, teams, and organizations let go of nonsense—like the illusion of control—and embrace sense, like curiosity. His audiences walk away entertained, informed, and equipped with insights and tools to challenge the status quo and create a positive flow in their work and lives.
Talk topics
These are three of the topics Nicolas is asked to talk about the most. Each can be delivered as a 40-minute keynote. They can also be covered in interactive, skill-building workshop. Keynotes and workshops can be customized and delivered in person or virtually.
Unchain Your Workforce
The Power of Self-Governance for Sustainable Success
In this impactful talk on self-governance, Nicolas demonstrates how transparency, freedom, and responsibility—rooted in the universal human right for self-determination—can unchain the workforce. He establishes a clear playing field for decisive action, strategic diversity, and the resolution of conflicts through shared values that foster interdependent cooperation. By promoting open communication and a values-driven approach, Nicolas shows how self-governance empowers organizations to break through barriers, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable success in today’s competitive business landscape.
Three Certainties
Death, Taxes, and the Power of Change
In this dynamic talk on change, Nicolas offers a 360-degree perspective by integrating insights from biology, sociology, neurology, and psychology. He explores the mechanics of change, highlighting key elements such as uncertainty, identity, safety, diversity, and energy. Nicolas also introduces three critical levers for driving change: time, knowledge, and influence. By examining these factors through multiple lenses, he empowers audiences to navigate change with resilience, adaptability, and a comprehensive understanding of its complexities.
Curiosity Kills Cats—For Humans, It Fuels Innovation
In this thought-provoking talk on curiosity, Nicolas delves into the powerful dynamics of belongingness and uniqueness, exploring the trade-offs between exploring and exploiting opportunities. He examines how status syndrome, the power paradox, confidence, and trauma impact our capacity for curiosity. Nicolas highlights curiosity as the key skill essential for fostering inclusion, driving innovation, and sparking inspiration. By understanding these complex interplays, audiences gain valuable insights into how curiosity can transform both individuals and organizations, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing world
Past events
Self-Governance: booklet: How to and 8 rule of thumb
- Volksbank: Explore the implementation of self-governance within Volksbank and its impact on organizational culture.
- Research on Self-Governance in Volleyball: Discuss findings and insights from research into self-governance practices in volleyball teams, and their broader implications.
- ABN-AMRO Transition: Analyze the transition process at ABN-AMRO towards self-governance, focusing on challenges and successes.
- Below the Surface 2021: Review key takeaways from the 2021 “Below the Surface” event, particularly related to self-governance.
- Hamburg Talk: Summarize insights from the Hamburg talk on self-governance, including practical applications in various sectors.
- National Police Self-Roster: Examine the implementation of self-roster systems within the National Police and their effects on autonomy and efficiency.
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Transition booklet:
- 69,000 Decision-Making Processes in National Police: Delve into the massive transition involving 69,000 decision-making processes within the National Police and its outcomes.
- Rhedens: Highlight the transition strategies employed by Rhedens and the lessons learned.
- Certe-Talk: Discuss key points from the Certe-talk regarding organizational transitions and their broader implications.
- Robidus: Explore the transition journey of Robidus, focusing on strategies, challenges, and results.
- Rabobank: Analyze Rabobank’s transition efforts, particularly in the context of self-governance and decision-making.
Engaging Audiences, One Keynote at a Time
Take a glimpse into the energy and impact of Nicolas’s keynotes. With a unique blend of storytelling, insight, and interaction, each presentation captivates audiences, inspiring new perspectives and actionable change. Whether it’s a packed auditorium or an intimate setting, Nicolas brings his passion to every stage, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
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