Social Impact Factory –
Kauwgomballenfabriek

Willem Fenengastraat 2

1096 BN Amsterdam

hello@theovervieweffect.nl
+31 6 11 02 89 77

Meet the founders:
Koen Hut.

 

An introduction

Meet Koen.

As we’ve just launched, we’d like to take this opportunity to properly introduce you to the faces behind The Overview Effect. Every week, we’ll be spotlighting a different team member through a quick interview to give you a feel for their expertise and journey. We’re kicking off with our co-founders. This time in the Spotlight: Koen Hut.

 

How did you get into the world of sustainability and eventually become a co-founder of The Overview Effect?

I completed my Master’s in Business Information Management at Erasmus University, but quickly realized that the typical big tech route wasn’t for me. While I achieved high grades—and many of my peers went on to work at companies like Google and Salesforce—I wanted to do something with more societal value. This led me to a management traineeship at Engie NL, a subsidiary of the French energy multinational Engie, where I worked in the Ventures & Integrated Solutions department, directly involved in the energy transition. This role introduced me to sustainability from an energy perspective.

After two years, I found the company culture wasn’t the right fit and transitioned to freelancing at nlmtd. I initially focused on energy transition projects but gradually shifted toward corporate sustainability and ESG. When Lena approached me about co-founding The Overview Effect, I didn’t hesitate. And the rest is history!

 

What do you find the most challenging aspect of sustainability today, and how does The Overview Effect approach this challenge?

There’s always a tension between the pace of change that clients can realistically achieve and the speed we need to see globally. We’re all moving far too slowly. Our economy is often structured in ways that conflict with sustainability. Some companies want to act but feel limited, while others don’t want to act at all and need a push. I often think of a certain cartoon—it’s hard to step back and appreciate the progress being made, while still questioning if it’s enough. Are we doing enough? I’m not sure.

 

If you could change one thing about how companies approach sustainability, what would it be?

I’d change the mindset that sustainability is just about compliance or ticking a box. Too many businesses don’t look beyond their current models—like importing cheap good from Asia and reselling them at a markup without questioning the long-term sustainability of that approach. In 5 or 10 years, that won’t be a viable business model, and to be honest, it’s not sustainable now. I wish more companies would realize that adapting to sustainability is the only way to ensure their survival.

Where do you see The Overview Effect in 5 years, and what’s your personal mission in that vision?

Aim for the moon, right? I see The Overview Effect as a leading consultancy with 75+ sustainability professionals working every day to make the world a better place. I also envision some of the freelancers who started with us building their own businesses in the sustainable economy, under The Overview Effect’s umbrella. Personally, my mission is to keep our bigger purpose in focus, while empowering our freelancers to make a real difference—without losing sight of their own well-being and enjoyment at work.

 

What personally inspires you in your work at The Overview Effect?

I love connecting clients with one another. For instance, bringing Zeeman in to inspire nexeye was a fantastic experience. I’d like to keep facilitating those kinds of collaborations.

 

What unique contribution do you bring to The Overview Effect, and how does your experience help the company move forward?

I like to think that my critical mindset helps us stay focused on the bigger picture—we’re here to make a meaningful and positive impact. I’m also passionate about building connections and fostering enthusiasm for the work we do, which I hope inspires others to join the sustainability profession. My experience in the energy transition has been particularly valuable when talking to clients about their climate transition plans, especially when they face challenges like energy grid constraints that often slow down electrification and Scope 1 and 2 reductions. It’s this blend of strategic thinking, collaboration, and practical experience that I believe adds value to The Overview Effect.

 

If you had to predict the next big step in sustainability, what would it be?

Biodiversity. It’s going to be what climate change was 10 years ago. Additionally, when  companies are required to publicly report on ESG in 2026, there will be an increase in  pressure from stakeholders. I also foresee a rise in legal actions from interest groups, which, though tough, are necessary. Another emerging trend is the “Rights for Nature” movement, which is worth keeping an eye on.

 

Have you ever had an ‘overview effect’ moment in your life- a moment when you suddenly saw everything clearly and your perspective changed?

Not just one, but several “wake-up” moments sparked my passion for sustainability. Ironically, these often happened while traveling after long flights. The first was when I was 18, traveling through Central America, where I saw pollution, litter, and miles of banana plantations replacing jungles. Another was during my internship in Kuala Lumpur with Heineken, where we watched An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. And again, in Sumatra, Indonesia, where I saw miles of palm oil plantations where primary jungles once stood.  

 

If you could change one thing about our planet from an ‘overview effect’ perspective, what would it be?

I’d grant legal rights to nature. This is a very new development but promising movement.  An example: some treeswill be on Earth much longer than the time an average human being. That should include basic rights. We need to prioritize and protect its interests.

Get to know all of us.

Curious to meet the rest of the passionate experts driving change at The Overview Effect? Get to know the team and discover how we’re making sustainability happen.

 

About The Overview Effect

Do you have a question or do you want to discuss how The Overview Effect can support your sustainability journey? Reach out to Koen and start the conversation today!