Last week, The Overview Effect (TOE) participated in the Impact Fair and co-organized the Leaders xChange. This event truly lived up to its promise of bringing impactful leaders together. Unlike traditional conferences with lengthy presentations, this event stood out because of its focus on honest dialogue. Small groups of around 20 people gathered for authentic conversations in the glasshouses, led by inspiring moderators and thought leaders.
A New Format: Genuine Dialogue and Collaboration
The setup allowed for something rare: genuine exchanges between NGOs, start-ups, scale-ups, large corporations, and C-suite leaders. As Nick put it:
“The setting in the Leaders xChange allowed for impactful conversations. It was a unique combination of NGOs, start-ups, scale-ups, large corporations, C-suite, etc. The setting allowed for dealmaking.“
While moderating sessions, our team noticed something remarkable: this wasn’t just about sharing knowledge but about creating connections. As Bodine reflected:
“What was great about the Leaders xChange was that we could interact with leaders in smaller groups of 20-25 people. As TOE, we moderated multiple of these conversations.“
Insights That Stick: Balancing Facts and Emotions
One of the key takeaways from the event was the realization that sustainability is not just a matter of data and facts. As Nick noted:
“The coalition of the willing is growing, including C-suite. Sometimes, we are too focused on facts, but we should also trigger emotions to drive change.“
At the same time, Pascal reminded us that data is crucial to mobilizing people:
“Without facts, people and organizations don’t see their impact and can’t mobilize for more.“
These perspectives might seem at odds, but they reflect the balance needed in sustainability work. Facts provide the foundation for credible action, but emotions often inspire change. The key lies in combining data-driven insights with human-centred storytelling to engage and motivate stakeholders.
An Unexpected Perspective: Optimism About Progress
Amidst the challenging discussions, there were also moments of optimism and creativity. Bodine shared an inspiring insight:
“We are much further than we think, especially in the energy transition. Solar power is already so much cheaper than fossil energy. The oil companies are swimming against the stream, not the innovative, clean companies.“
Jessica added a positive note:
“Making an impact is fun. Once you start, there’s no way back.“
Also, lighter moments showed how creativity often sparks in unexpected places. Nick shared one such story:
“At some point, one of the glasshouses was way too crowded. People got creative with seating—using tables, planters, and even the floor.“
Hope for the Future: Taking Action Despite Uncertainty
What stood out most was the determination of leaders despite the current challenges. As Lena pointed out:
“It surprised me that many organizations and leaders continue their ambitions, even in turbulent times. And they remain open to adjusting along the way. That gives hope (at least in this bubble).“
The Impact Fair gave us a renewed purpose: honest conversations that drive action. Let’s keep building on this momentum—because moving forward means staying connected, challenging conventional thinking, and daring to aim higher.
As Bodine put it:
“Set a BIG goal. Companies often set small, non-visionary targets. Be bold—like Interface and Tony’s Chocolonely.“
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible—especially Leen Zevenbergen, Micha van Hoorn, Ivar Davids, Ralph Zebregs, and Geerd Schagen. Your vision and effort made this gathering truly meaningful.