At our biggest Grid Night so far three business leaders pitched their challenges to a diverse audience. The brainstorm sessions moved these questions into a broader discussion. We're glad this inspiring and long night was fueled by great people, diner, music, and drinks. A special thanks to: - Onno Franse & Selma Seddik (Ahold) - Jeroen in 't Veld (Rebel Group) - Jan Moors (Capgemini) - Indira van 't Klooster for guiding the discussions - The Alma Quartet - Hidde van der Lijn for making great photos - Pllek for hosting us
Young social entrepreneurs are continuously challenged to convince older generations of business leaders. But what about these leaders, what challenges do they have, and can young entrepeneurs help them? Let´s pass the torch! That’s exactly what happened on our latest Grid Night at .
Before all this action, there was time to fuel ourselves with a wonderful dinner. Beetroot Tortelloni, what more could you wish for.
After the food, it was time to talk. Tom opened the evening with the legendary words: “We're going to ask you very difficult questions... soon”. That’s a promise worth keeping. Our guest speakers took the stage and challenged the public to think of the problems they face.
Onno Franse and Selma Seddik from Ahold: “How do we accelerate the process towards a more sustainable food system?”
Jeroen in 't Veld from Rebel Group: “How can Rebel Group grow within different cultures and countries with the universal concept of trust?"
Jan Moors from Capgemini: “How to create commitment and ownership amongst employees with CSR projects, such as Community Building?"
Sharp-witted Indira van ‘t Klooster questioned the speakers, and then it was time to come up with some great advice. Fueled by a short brainstorm session, the young generation took the stage and presented their ideas.
"Besides reducing food waste, let's focus on making the supply chain more sustainable. Stakeholder involvement is the key success factor in both solutions. Approach both strategies top-down and bottom-up. In that case we can come up with amazing results, such as thinking about banning parma ham or adding insects to the assortiment."
"Universal trust requires both small and big solutions on each of the items considered...
... And within Energy and Materials we thought of an energy donation system. All employees are facing the challenge to generate the energy they need."
It is hard to come up with solutions without involvement of all stakeholders. The Capgemini group came up with questions that motivate solution finding.
" To involve employees within CSR projects we advice you to answer these questions:
- What is the actual relationship between the CSR projects and your core business model?
- How does commitment and ownership look now and why do you say it's missing?
- How does Capgemini enable and reward employees to include CSR in their business model?
- What would you like to do as an employee?
And last but not least:
It all comes down to "less is more".
The brain part of the evening ended, and then it was time to sit back, relax, and close your eyes. The Alma Quartet, a new collaboration of musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, provided just that. After their last notes, followed by a grand applause, there was just enough time to enjoy a last drink before catching the ferry.
Thanks everyone for making it an evening to remember, and a special thanks to Carmen, Chantal, Erik, and Tim for organizing the evening, Pllek for the great location and support, Onno Franse, Selma Saddik, Jeroen in 't Veld, and Jan Moors for challenging us, Indira van ‘t Klooster for hosting the evening, and the Alma Quartet for soothing our brains. Next fall will be the next Grid Night, will we see you there?
Check out these awesome pictures on Facebook:
June 25, 2014