Folkerts & Smit
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Folkerts
Paul Smit
Paul Smit is a philosopher and comedian and one of the most in demand speakers in The Netherlands. He has authored 14 books on philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience.
Paul is a unique talent, effortlessly combining science with humor, captivating the audience from the first moment till the last. Paul addresses subjects such as change, innovation, collaboration and workplace happiness in relation to organizational processes. He collaborates with neuroscientist Ayca Szapora in supporting brain research at the University of Leiden and Dresden.
Arno Folkerts
Arno Folkerts is a prime example of a modern coaching leader. He is a practical man who, with knowledge, sensitivity, and humor, makes the concepts of change and collaboration clear and concrete.
Arno is renowned for his warm yet clear-cut approach, allowing him to communicate effectively at all levels. He delves into themes such as leadership, change, and collaboration. In his energetic, surprising and confidently relaxed style, he takes the audience on a journey. With his magnetic stage presence Arno leaves the audience inspired to collaborate and drive change.
Paul Smit - Keynote Speaker
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES
This keynote applies to organizations from an individual perspective. How does the brain react to a new way of working? Why is it so difficult to change our behaviour? How can we collaborate in a better way? How does our brain make choices? Blending the scientific insights with the magic of humor creates relatability for the audience. Paul turns neuroscience into a captivating performance.
“Funny, Authentic, Superior!”
“A multi-talent!”
"Hilarious and endearing!"
"Brilliant!"
“Your performance was highly appreciated by our employees. We have received multiple excellent feedback from our people.”
"With sincere admiration for someone who can deliver this so beautifully and skillfully to the audience!"
"Paul Smit was fantastic (it had substance, was interesting, engaging, and humorous), the hour flew by. Especially the part about social media usage (dopamine, etc.) and the different generations."
"Very good speaker! The best in a long time. Paul Smit was hilarious and informative."
"Relatable and very funny. It was a topic of discussion throughout the entire day."
"I'm now aware of how profoundly unconscious I am. The imitations were superb!"
"Brilliant performance yesterday, it was a world of recognition."
"What a successful afternoon! Good flow, enthusiastic colleagues, and a top-notch speaker. Compliments!"
"The combination of humor, pace, and content kept us on the edge of our seats, and there was plenty to contemplate afterward."
"A super after-lunch energy booster! Truly brilliant. He had humor, pinpointed the issues, really enjoyable. Interesting, engaging, and humorous, excellent!"
“Great talk today in Barcelona, we are all impressed and Paul raised the bar so high.”
"Yesterday, I greatly enjoyed the performance, it was intellectually fascinating and also fun and engaging."
"What a fantastic and inspiring speaker Paul is. He delivers the message clearly and humorously, making the impact significant!"
"It was an evening with a GOLDEN touch, thanks to your FANTASTIC contribution!"
"Your presentation was superb; I've been approached about it several times this past week!"
"I found the performance super fun and inspiring! It could have lasted much longer for me."
"Extremely inspiring! Clear examples with applicable tips & tricks."
"What a top performer. Paul not only managed to captivate and move the audience with how our brain astounds us both consciously and unconsciously but also consistently made excellent connections to the content of our gathering. It truly became a performance for us as MVO Westfriesland, top-notch! Classy!"
"What a compelling package! The content of his story provokes thought, the presentation style is refreshing and hilarious. Paul is a true entertainer, you must experience him!"
"A successful evening where Paul perfectly connects the dots between innovation & change and the battle in our neurological subconscious. Paul rapidly engages the guests in his reflections on our world of sales and printing, delightfully surprising the young audience a few times."
"I was wondering how someone would keep me entertained for 75 minutes. From start to finish, I was captivated, a wonderful show!"
"I laughed hard for an entire hour! I found it hilarious. And thanks for your book; I'll read it soon."
"What a combination of talents! Playing the guitar, singing, neuroscience, mentalism, imitations, and humor."
"I've seen many speakers over the past 40 years. This show was the best of them all. Outstanding!"
Arno Folkerts - Keynote Speaker
THE TRANSFORMATION
In this keynote, the focus is on the applicability of the human brain within companies, institutions, and organizations in transition. Providing answers for both management and employees, it explores how, in times of change, we can adapt the culture in such a way that it becomes a means to embrace a new structure. Subjects such as human behaviour, effective collaboration, the emergence of (empathetic) leadership, proper communication, vulnerability, innovation, and earning commitment are addressed in a pleasant, scientifically supported, and remarkably humorous and surprising manner. Arno transforms complex concepts into an engaging experience.
"Surprising and musical. A good story!"
"Good humor and a pleasant voice."
"Very endearing and versatile."
"Pure, powerful, charming."
"Good structure, nicely integrated with music!"
"Effectively conveying a message! Knows what he's talking about."
"An entertainer! Stunningly surprising!"
"A beautiful expression of a personal transition."
"Power, energy, and spot-on!"
"A masterful combination of entertainment, humor, and enlightening insights."
"Authentic, moving, inspiring."
"Plenty of humor and energy with valuable insights, a true performer."
"Compelling examples."
"An entertainer! Stunningly surprising!"
"Surprising, definitely a singing talent!"
"Fantastic speaker who continuously captivates the audience."
Keynote Subjects
- How does synergy emerge in collaboration?
- How does trust among people increase?
- Why does our brain struggle with change?
- How do we create workplace happiness?
- Which principles work best for change?
- How does innovation come about?
- What type of communication works best for our brain?
- How does influence operate in our brain?
- How is an agile organization formed?
- How does leadership develop?
- How do we ensure the right connection?
- How can we effectively utilize diversity?
- How can we positively influence the culture?
ARNO & PAUL & AYCA
AT YOUR EVENT
Arno, Paul and Ayca often collaborate at events. The day starts with high energy and ends with a touch of humor.
This structure gives the event a clear beginning and end, with similar topics presented in the same recognizable style but from different perspectives. This way, people start the day with energy and a smile (and then perhaps proceed to workshops), and they end the day with the same positive emotion (for instance, heading to dinner or a social gathering).
And it’s precisely this positive emotion that serves as the foundation in the human brain for successful change and collaboration.
Ayca Szapora - Keynote Speaker
Trainer, neuroscientist, cognitive psychologist, and business expert with a black belt in Lean & Six Sigma.
Her brain research has led to several scientific publications on creativity, unconscious cognitive strategies, and how you can change the way your brain solves problems and generates new ideas. With her extensive expertise, she can quickly identify the root causes of issues and support organizations and individuals on multiple levels in their change process.
Consultation and Training -
The 7 Laws of the Brain
More and more frequently, after our keynote, we receive the question: “Is there a follow-up?” or “Can we have a training session?” Therefore, we offer the training program “The 7 Laws of the Brain” as a deep dive into the keynotes! We follow three steps:
- A keynote by Paul Smit, Arno Folkerts or Ayca Szapora
- A consultation with the executive team or management by Arno Folkerts
- The 3-hour training “7 Laws of the Brain” given by Paul Smit, Mattie Kamminga or Ayca Szapora
In the “7 Laws of the Brain” training, we delve into topics like collaboration, leadership, change, and communication. Why is 70% of change management unsuccessful?
What causes so much noise in communication? How can we achieve desired and widely embraced leadership within an organization? How can we enhance teamwork and connections? How do we achieve and maintain workplace happiness?
In the “7 Laws of the Brain” training, neuroscientist Ayca Szapora or Paul Smit demonstrates how to take control. You will acquire a deeper understanding of the unconscious mind and receive practical tools you can apply right away. This lays the groundwork for a culture that strengthens organizations.
- The training lasts for 3 hours and can be conducted in-house.
- It accommodates a group size of up to 40 individuals.
- Because the training addresses (unconscious) behavior, it is suitable for all levels within the organization.
- The client pays a fixed price per training (not per participant).
After completing the training , you will know:
- How trust and connection between individuals grow
- How authentic leadership emerges
- How to guide people through a change process
- What scientifically proven change tools are most effective
- How to eliminate noise from communication
- How to convey your information as effectively as possible
- How to positively influence a culture
The 7 Laws of the Brain trainers
Ayca Szapora
Trainer, neuroscientist, cognitive psychologist, self-realization coach, and business expert with a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. She graduated with a study on how creativity functions in the brain, unconscious cognitive strategies, and how to change the way your brain solves problems and forms new ideas.
Paul Smit
Philosopher, comedian, and speaker. His studies explored human consciousness and he has written 14 books on philosophy, human behavior, and neuroscience.
Mattie Kamminga
Trainer and professional presentation coach. Graduated with honors for a Master’s Degree in Communication & Education. Taught Presentation Skills at the University of Groningen.
"Intellectually interesting with a good balance of humor."
"It's impressive how you can engage the audience for 3 hours straight."
"Absolutely AMAZING! Dynamic, relatable content, well-delivered, and enjoyable."
"Paul Smit was incomparably good and fun!"
"Top, always hire!!!"
"Energy, intriguing, stimulating, humorous. All the elements were present in the story. He managed to captivate me from start to finish and get me thinking. I could have listened to him for another hour!"
"Very energetic and funny!"
"Great energy, lots of recognition, surprising, and especially hilarious!"
"Energetic!"
"Great and relevant!"
"What a revelation! This is how it can be done, amazing. Not a second of distraction, captivating, humorous, and a clear story."
"I was never bored! Gained new knowledge."
"Substantially interesting, captivating, it has momentum, humor."
"A good blend of science, conveying information, and entertainment."
Additional Option: Online Teaser/Trailer
To generate excitement for your event and ensure maximum attendance, Folkerts & Smit provides an online teaser. This teaser is designed to eliminate any natural resistance people might have towards attending an event. The teaser is energetic and tailored to your event’s look and feel.
As the organizer, you can provide an introductory message, which can be recorded using your mobile phone. Folkerts & Smit will then incorporate this into their own professional studio editing.
Also available in English.
Contact
Address
Folkerts & Smit
Walmolenerf 34 – 36
2807DG Gouda
Phone number and e-mail
Arno Folkerts
0031 6 – 13 43 69 47
info@folkertsensmit.nl
