The speakers at Amsterdam Business Forum are meticulously selected. Our goal is to establish this event as the National Leadership Day, not just for the Netherlands, but beyond. To achieve this, we craft a cohesive, world-class program that delivers maximum impact.

This storyline reflects the curators’ vision for this year’s theme:

• How does each speaker contribute to Optimistic Leadership?
• What are the key takeaways from each speaker?
• What will you walk away with after Amsterdam Business Forum 2025?

Theme: Optimistic Leadership

In times of uncertainty and rapid change, we need optimistic leaders, leaders who see and seize opportunities, unite diverse teams, foster trust, and offer clarity in a world filled with polarization and ambiguity.

At Amsterdam Business Forum 2025, we explore five key dimensions of Optimistic Leadership, so you can become the leader you wish you had.

~ Below this image you will read more about every speaker and their key takeaways ~ 

Block 1: The Optimistic Future

Our first speaker, Peter Hinssen, describes himself as a pathological optimist. He helps organizations harness AI and technological trends to drive business growth. Change can feel overwhelming or it can be an untapped goldmine. Peter will show you how to navigate the Never Normal and turn disruption into your competitive advantage.

Next, Sanna Marin shares her remarkable journey as one of the world’s youngest prime ministers. At just 34, she led an all-female cabinet through an unprecedented mix of crises: a global pandemic, a neighboring country's invasion, and Finland’s historic NATO accession. How do you lead with optimism in the face of chaos? Sanna’s firsthand experience will leave you inspired.

Block 2: Optimistic Teams

Great teams are the heartbeat of every organization. But how do you build high-performing, multi-generational teams, where Boomers and Gen Z don’t just tolerate each other but inspire one another?

Eliza Filby, an expert in generational dynamics, will share research-backed insights on how different generations approach work, leadership, and collaboration along with practical strategies to turn generational friction into fuel for innovation.

Taking it a step further, Neil Pasricha, former Director of Leadership at Walmart will reveal a counterintuitive truth: happiness is not a reward, but a catalyst for performance. He will show how prioritizing well-being leads to higher sales, better results, and more innovation.

Block 3: Leading with Optimism

Amsterdam Business Forum 2025 will close with an interactive session from Simon Sinek, founder of A Bit of Optimism. Simon will share his insights on:

• How to become the leader you wish you had.
• How to help teams find deeper purpose in their work.
• How to lead multi-generational teams with confidence.
• How to drive change without micromanaging it.

Simon will equip us with optimistic solutions to the toughest leadership challenges, both in our teams and beyond.

Your Ultimate Takeaway

“Amsterdam Business Forum 2025 equips you to lead with optimism, embrace uncertainty with confidence, and build teams that thrive on diversity. You will create a culture where positivity fuels performance and change becomes opportunity. Your leadership will set the tone for a future driven by vision and purpose.”