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EP16
On Embracing Rebellion, Breaking and Optimising Systems, and Challenging the Status Quo
Simone van Neerven
Founder reBella, Innovation & Change Catalyst
In this episode, Simone shares how her restless curiosity and instinct for disruption led her to redefine her career multiple times. She talks about the importance of leaning into discomfort, navigating corporate resistance, and creating opportunities where none exist.
She also reflects on why rebels are often misunderstood, how organisations can harness their potential instead of suppressing them, and why slowing down is the key to making bold moves.
About
Simone van Neerven is not your typical corporate leader—she’s an Innovation & Change Catalyst who has spent nearly two decades shaking up traditional industries.
From leading innovation at KLM and Vueling Airlines to working with global brands like LEGO, Chanel, IKEA, and Miele, Simone helps organisations embrace rebellious talent to drive real change. She’s also the founder of reBella, where she challenges outdated leadership models and empowers people to think and act differently.
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EP15
On Redefining Landscapes, Taking Risks, Craftsmanship, and Intuition
Piet Oudolf
Garden Designer
In this episode, Piet reflects on his decades-long career, from his early days working in a bar to discovering his passion for plants and design. He shares the risks and leaps of faith that shaped his journey, the importance of failure in creative work, and how he has maintained his drive and curiosity well into his late 70s.
About
Piet Oudolf is a renowned Dutch landscape designer and nurseryman. Born in 1944, he began his career as a nurseryman and eventually opened his nursery. His passion for plants and a keen eye for texture, colour, and form led him to develop a unique design style emphasising perennials, grasses, and naturalistic plantings.
Oudolf's work has been widely acclaimed, with notable projects including the High Line in New York City and the Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millennium Park. He has written several books on garden design and received numerous awards, including the 2013 Prince of Wales Award for Sustainable Excellence.
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EP14
On Rethinking Cities, Challenging Norms, and Inspiring the Next Generation
Javier Arpa Fernandez
Architect, Academic, Curator
In this episode, Javier discusses his journey from academia to hands-on research, the challenges and opportunities within urban development, and the importance of fostering curiosity and collaboration in education and practice.
About
Javier Arpa Fernández is an architect, academic, and curator at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and education. As Head of Building Audiences at TU Delft, he explores how research, exhibitions, and public programs engage communities and drive action.
Javier has shaped global architectural discourse through teaching experience at institutions like Harvard, Columbia GSAPP, and Penn. He was also the Research and Education Coordinator at The Why Factory, a think tank led by Winy Maas (MVRDV).
His editorial work with a+t research group has contributed to critical discussions on the evolving needs of cities and societies.
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EP13
On Creative Confidence, Branding, and the Future of Analogue
Julian Mollema
Founder Analogue Agency
In this episode, Julian delves into the journey of launching Analogue, balancing life as an entrepreneur and parent, and his unique philosophy on branding and creativity. He shares insights into building a strong team, navigating challenges in the creative industry, and the importance of intuition and structure in personal and professional growth.
About
Julian Mollema is the founder and creative director of Analogue, a digital agency blending creativity and innovation to craft award-winning brand identities and digital experiences. With over 15 years in the creative industry, Julian’s expertise spans digital marketing, brand building, and e-commerce, with clients including Suitsupply, Atomic Skis, and Chocoloney. Beyond his agency work, he’s a jury member at Awwwards, where he evaluates cutting-edge digital creativity.
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EP12
About Writing For Change. Empowering Voices. Rewriting History.
Charlotte Thomas
Editor at De Architect
In this episode, Charlotte discusses her journey from studying history to editing one of the leading architecture publications. She also reflects on the challenges of navigating a creative career, her mission for more acknowledgement for female architects, and why storytelling remains at the heart of great design.
About
Charlotte is an editor of Interior & Design and currently works for De Architect. She graduated as an art and architectural historian. Previously, she worked at Stroom Den Haag, Museum Het Schip, AFFR, Vice, Van Eesteren Museum and Galerie Bart.
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EP11
From Corporate Life to Regenerative Farming: A Journey to Improving Ecosystems
Thomas Verdel
Director of Moestuin Vollenhoven
From managing boardrooms to working with volunteers in a regenerative garden, Thomas shares how bold decisions and discipline shaped his journey. In this episode, we explore his two-year motorcycle journey during the COVID period, how yoga became his mental reset, what it takes to sell to both local communities and high-end restaurants and why Lean Six Sigma is vital. This isn’t just a story about farming—it’s about leadership, personal growth, and creating ecosystems that thrive.
About
Thomas holds master's degrees in business administration and philosophy from Erasmus University and began his career at Philips. However, feeling unfulfilled, he embarked on a transformative journey, travelling for two years on an off-road motorcycle. This experience led him to regenerative farming, which he now pursues at regenerative garden Vollenhoven, promoting healthy food production.
Photo: Robert Nel
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EP10
Teaching, Leading, and Evolving: About Design, Growth, and Resilience
Nathalie de Vries
Founding Partner MVRDV
In this episode, Nathalie shares how teaching keeps her sharp, why stepping out of her comfort zone fuels her growth, and how she juggles leadership with reflection. Nathalie's story is inspiring and deeply relatable, from advocating for inclusivity in the industry to sharing lessons learned from balancing career and family.
About
Nathalie de Vries is a renowned architect, urban planner, and educator who has shaped the design world through her work as a founding partner of MVRDV and her academic role at Delft University of Technology. With a decades-long career, Nathalie brings a unique perspective on balancing professional ambition with personal growth.
Photo: Barbra Verbij
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EP09
From Grassroots to Game-Changers: Football, Fashion, and Resilience
Akaar Amin
Founder Lack of Guidance
In this episode, we’re joined by Akaar Amin, founder of Lack of Guidance, a brand that’s redefining football culture through fashion and storytelling.
From humble beginnings to collaborating with global icons, Akaar shares how resilience, creativity, and a love for the game drive his work.
About
Akaar founded Lack of Guidance, a distinctive clothing brand from Amsterdam that merges football culture with fashion. With a sharp eye for design and a deep-rooted passion for football, Akaar has developed a brand that redefines traditional sportswear, curating collections that celebrate football’s rich history and culture.
Photo: Eva Roefs
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EP08
The Power of Connection: Margreeth Olsthoorn on Fashion, Creativity, and Resilience
Margreeth Olsthoorn
Fashion Curator
In today’s episode, we sit down with Margreeth Olsthoorn, the visionary behind one of Holland’s most iconic boutiques. Margreeth shares how fashion became her tool for creating connection and individuality. She offers profound insights into resilience, creativity, and the art of staying true to yourself.
About
Margreeth Olsthoorn is a leading figure in the Dutch fashion and cultural scenes. She is known for her Rotterdam boutique, which showcases avant-garde fashion and supports emerging designers. Her work merges fashion with art and culture, making her boutique a creative hub and reflecting her commitment to pushing boundaries and influencing the industry beyond clothing.
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EP07
From Graffiti to Galleries:
Art, Resilience, and Modern Storytelling
Said Kinos
Contemporary Artist
In this episode, Said reflects on his journey from graffiti to fine art, the challenges of balancing a thriving creative career with parenthood, and the evolving role of typography in shaping narratives. Join us for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and finding balance in art and life.
About
Said Kinos is an artist whose vibrant creations merge his graffiti, journalism, and graphic design backgrounds. Through paintings, sculptures, and murals, Kinos captivates audiences with his abstract concepts and impactful messages. His work has been exhibited at museums like Kunsthal, and he has collaborated with brands like FILA and Denham.
Photo: Lizzy Zaanen
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Team Thursday
Graphic Design
In this episode, Team Thursday shares their journey of building a collaborative practice, the role of teaching in shaping their perspective, and how they balance creative freedom with professional challenges. Join us as they discuss the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and inspiration, offering insights for both seasoned creatives and aspiring designers.
About
Team Thursday, founded by Loes van Esch and Simone Trum, is a graphic design studio. They specialise in visual identities, books, and spatial objects, focusing on typography and materials. Next, they teach at ArtEZ Arnhem, conduct international workshops and host exhibitions.
Photo: Liza Wolters
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Kim discusses her path in media relations, the unique challenges of representing a major city, and her insights into fostering meaningful connections that impact Rotterdam's visibility and growth on the world stage.
About
Kim Heinen plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s image and fostering strategic relationships to promote Rotterdam globally. With expertise in media relations, Kim leads initiatives highlighting Rotterdam’s innovation, diversity, and cultural richness, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant international city.
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Dennis Vanderbroeck, a talented spatial designer whose work spans theatre, fashion, art, and working with clients like DIESEL and Dries van Nooten, shares how he builds immersive spaces, the importance of collaboration, and why having a personal “cocoon” fuels his creativity and self-reflection.
About
Dennis Vanderbroeck's spatial design manifests itself internationally in various contexts and disciplines, such as theatre, fine art, fashion, and music. With its hyper- aesthetic visual language, Dennis creates physical spaces where a dialogue between the designed space and the visitor is key. He has collaborated with fashion brands and institutes like DIESEL, Mugler and Palais de Tokyo.
Photo: Ashley Rottjers
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EP02
Building Creative Success: Strategy and Branding
Sarah Schulten
Creative Strategy Consultant
I sat down with Sarah Schulten, a Creative Strategy Consultant who helps artists and designers bring their ambitious projects to life. She opens up about her journey of self-discovery, how embracing uncertainty led her to launch her consultancy, why art and fashion are her biggest inspirations, and how strategic thinking helps creatives find their voice.
About
Sarah Schulten is a creative strategy consultant who helps artists and designers bring their ambitious projects to life. She worked for Studio DRIFT and Daan Roosegaarde and collaborates with notable artists such as Boris Acket, Jonathan Prince, and Frederik Molenschot and institutions like Buro Stedelijk. Sarah is also co-organising a design biennale with Liv Vaisberg, set to debut in Rotterdam in 2025.
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Joost Grootens
Graphic Designer & Professor Royal Danish Academy Copenhagen
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