In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

TEDxVUamsterdam
De Boelelaan 1105
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1081HV
Netherlands

Ingmar Leijen

Senior Lecturer at the department of Marketing of the School of Business and Economics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Ingmar Leijen is senior lecturer at the department of Marketing of the School of Business and Economics of Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam. Formerly trained and working as a professional musician, he started an academic teaching career in 1998 after his studies in Arts Management and Policies. After some years teaching at Utrecht University and the Conservatory of Utrecht he started working full time at the VU since 2008. He is lecturing courses in Cross Cultural Marketing, Designing Interventions and Academic Skills, as well as several other topics. Pursuing a PhD, his research is focused on cross-cultural consumer behavior. Next to his teaching he is also involved in multiple coordinating roles in the master and the pre master marketing.

Jean-Pierre Van de Ven

Psychologist

* Jean-Pierre van de Ven holds a private practice in Amsterdam, the Netherlands forcouples therapy. He psychologically screens contestants in reality TV productions and is the Psych On Set for several shows, e.g. Love Island and Temptation Island. He was one of the experts on cam in the television show Married at first Sight. Furthermore, he writes (books, articles, columns) about relationships and love. Jean-Pierre is a spokesperson for Dutch Charity MIND Korrelatie.

Najeeb Azad

Political and Education Activist

* Najeeb Azad, political and education activist. Born in Afghanistan, Najeeb and his family fled Afghanistan during the Taliban regime in 1999 due to ethnic persecution and lived his childhood as a refugee in Pakistan. He recently completed his postgraduate studies as the first Afghan recipient of European Commission’s scholarship on Education Policies for Global Development. Najeeb has previously worked with the United Nations, NGOs and academic institutions. He has contributed to many national and international events about the situation in Afghanistan. As part of his political and education activism, he has spoken in various national and international events, organized panel discussionsand photo exhibitions across Europe to raise awareness about the situation inAfghanistan. Najeeb firmly believes in the collective power of individuals in shaping just and inclusive global policies and is dedicated to making the world a better and equitable place for all!

Sabayasachi Sengupta

Keynote Speaker, Coach and Banker,

* Sabyasachi is an author, keynote speaker, business developer based in the Netherlands. He has delivered his signature keynote speeches and workshops in over 10 countries. He is the author of the book "What's your Plan B?" and the book and his story were featured in the FD and the Telegraaf. Currently he works at ABN AMRO Bank as a Business Developer. In 2021, Saby started his podcast channel " Method in Madness" where he interviews people with stories of change, resistance and bounceback.

Saf Benaskar

Barrister

Called to the Bar of England and Wales (Barrister) LL.M, LL.B, BA.In 2018, at the age of 20, Saf graduated from the U.K. for her Master of Laws (LL.M) with a specialisation in International Law. She decided afterwards that she wanted her fifth degree to be an Accelerated LL.B with Scots and English law to extend her knowledge of different jurisdictions accordingly. Prior to her LL.M., Saf had obtained her BA in International Business Management in one year instead of four, after successful completion of a Dutch undergraduate degree in International Business Studies, which she started at the age of 14.While finishing her Barrister Training Course (London), she was also part of one of the defence team’s in the International Criminal Court, worked for a Security firm as investigative Counsel and as an assistant investigator for a well-known London Barrister.

Zhaxiyangzong Zhaxiyangzong

Student International Business Administration

* My name is Zhaxiyangzong, 23 years old, I was born and raised in a traditional Tibetan Buddhism family and nowadays I am majoring in international business administration at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.I am always very grateful for the diverse experiences that have benefited me so much, and nowadays I hope that I can maximize my own gains by sharing them, bringing the most suitable business knowledge to minorities, and sharing Himalaya’s compassion and wisdom to the West. I dream of being a small force to make the world a little better, and I dream that humanity can become more peaceful and happy through kindness, communication and learning.Therefore I am willing and trying my best to be the bridge, to be the one who has the ability to help and benefit the public.