We have had the industrial revolution. The digital revolution. Each time, it was about machines, systems and speed. But the next revolution? That one is about us. About empathy, creativity, moral courage and the ability to truly connect. Qualities we have dismissed as "soft" for far too long, when in reality they are the most robust and future-proof skills that exist.

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In this keynote, neuroscientist and bestselling author Elke Geraerts explains why human core qualities are our greatest asset in a world increasingly driven by AI. No algorithm will ever be able to replicate them. And they are precisely the qualities that bring us the deepest fulfilment as human beings. Not a talk about AI. A talk about you.

Your brain sends signals all day long. During stress, moments of doubt, a difficult conversation. Yet we have never really learned to read those signals. And that is a missed opportunity, because emotions are not a weakness. They are data. Those who learn to listen to that data understand themselves and others more deeply, and make sharper decisions.

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In this keynote, neuroscientist Aisha Cortoos unpacks what happens in your body when emotions arise, why you sometimes react the way you do, and how you can create more calm and resilience. Even in busy or challenging moments. You will leave with practical tools and micro-habits to strengthen your emotional intelligence. Small steps with a significant impact on your wellbeing, your relationships and your sense of fulfilment at work.

At a time when AI generates answers faster than ever, the ability to keep thinking for yourself may be more important than ever before. Because when technology begins to take over not only our knowledge, but also our interpretations, judgements and ideas, what happens to our critical thinking and creativity?

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In this talk, philosopher Lammert Kamphuis explores why perspectival agility, the ability to hold different realities alongside one another, remains a crucial human skill. Particularly in an age where a single, self-confirming answer is constantly at our fingertips.

Your body is the engine of your brain. It is not just stress that matters: recovery is what truly determines how sharply you think and how creatively you perform. Drawing on practical insights from elite sport, you will learn how to keep your window of tolerance open, so that attention, memory and imagination can work at their best. Think short recovery breaks, smart movement throughout the day and eating at the right moments for stable energy.

Gianni Faelens is a sports physician who translates recovery principles from elite sport into everyday life, helping your brain think more sharply, become more creative and sustain peak performance without burning out. With clear-headed science, measurable routines and immediately applicable tips, he helps people build lasting energy, focus and innovative thinking. "Investing in your body may feel like lost time, but in reality it is the only thing that keeps your body, your brain and your bottom line healthy."

What happens in your mind and body when stress takes over? And more importantly, how do you recognise the signals in time, in yourself and in those around you? Neurobiologist, author and winner of De Slimste Mens, Brankele Frank takes you inside the fascinating workings of the brain under pressure.

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Drawing on her own experience with burnout and her scientific background, she shows how stress builds up, why we so often ignore the warning signs, and what it takes to recover sustainably. With directness and humour, Brankele brings not abstract theory but sharp insights that speak directly to the daily reality of leadership. Particularly in organisations where pressure is high and long-term absenteeism is a growing challenge, this talk offers practical guidance for strong personal leadership and building lasting vitality.

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Closing Elke Geraerts

16:00 – 16:45

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