Designing technology for the real world

In this episode, Maarten Cordenier (Managing Director, delaware Netherlands) and Frank van de Ven (CEO of i-team Global) explore how organizations approach technology in a world where innovation is moving faster than ever.

Not from a purely technical perspective, but from a practical one: how technology actually works in real environments, with real users. They argue that the true value of technology is not defined by complexity, but by usability. A solution can be technically perfect, but if it doesn’t work in practice, it fails to create impact.

The conversation also highlights a growing responsibility. From AI to automation, technology is becoming more powerful, but also more energy-intensive and harder to control. This raises important questions about how consciously we design and use it. At the same time, they point out a fundamental gap. While technology continues to evolve, the people working with it don’t always evolve at the same pace. Assumptions about usability often don’t match reality.

Bringing people together in a hybrid world 

In this episode, Jeroen van Hooff (CEO Koninklijke Jaarbeurs) and Frank van de Ven (CEO of i-team Global) explore how organizations rethink physical interaction in a digital-first world. 

While online tools make information accessible, they argue that real value is created when people meet in person. Not for scale, but for depth. To exchange ideas, learn from each other, and build trust. 

They discuss how this shift is changing their industries. Events are becoming smaller but more meaningful. Physical spaces are evolving into hubs for learning and transformation. And organizations are expanding globally through local presence, from international trade shows to regional hubs and pop-ups. 

Sustainability also plays a key role. Not only in reducing travel and resource use, but in making conscious decisions about when physical presence truly adds value. 

Building the stage for impact

In this episode, Micha van Hoorn (Future Proof Convention) and Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) discuss how real change happens when idealism meets commercial ambition. From connecting NGOs with corporates to creating experience centres that operate year-round, they show how stages can become accelerators for sustainable growth. Especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty, they argue that European businesses must collaborate more closely to remain resilient and future-proof.

Leading with clarity: the power of values in legal leadership

What does it take to run a law firm where values like clarity and courage guide every decision, from hiring to handling complex cases? In this episode of Business Dialogues, Jolien Macken (Valiant Lawyers) and Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) explore how leading with integrity can shape both company culture and client outcomes.

From litigation and leadership to stress, sustainability and self-respect, this is a personal and practical conversation about creating systems that serve people.

Rethinking routines: energy, ownership and starting from scratch

What happens when you leave a successful business… and decide to begin again? In this episode of Business Dialogues, Don Ritzen (Shift, formerly co-founder of The Student Hotel) joins Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) to explore the messy, meaningful side of starting over. From energy rituals and morning routines to vision, failure and faith. This is a raw, honest look at leadership as a personal journey.

Wings of leadership: How KLM drives change 

What does it mean to lead thousands of people, and stay grounded in your values? In this episode of Business Dialogues, Noud Duyzings (KLM) and Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) talk about long-term leadership, shared values and navigating complexity without losing sight of the human touch.

From airline operations to foundation work in Uganda, Noud shares how clear purpose and consistency can shape culture across continents.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

An honest conversation about people, purpose and the power of example.

From capsules to impact: how coffee, cleaning and B Corp connect

Can a coffee capsule be sustainable? Can a cleaning tool inspire dignity? In this episode of Business Dialogues, CFO Pieter Brokx (Euro Caps) and CEO Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) share how their companies use business as a force for good.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

B Corp in traditional industries: leading change

What happens when two traditional industries embrace transformation? In this episode of Business Dialogues, Ruud Muis (Aegir Marine) and Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) explore how purpose-driven innovation can reshape even the most established sectors.

Ruud shares how Aegir Marine, operating in one of the world’s oldest industries, uses its B Corp journey to drive cultural change, from CO₂ reduction to people-focused leadership.

Frank explains how i-team Global translates the same mindset into cleaning technology that saves water, energy and time, while improving the lives of cleaners worldwide.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Both leaders show that becoming a B Corp is not a finish line. It’s a starting point for continuous improvement.

Turning waste into worth

From compostable materials to cleaner buildings: what connects these worlds of innovation? In this episode of Business Dialogues, Robert de Jong (Solinatra) and Frank van de Ven (i-team Global) discuss how technology and purpose can accelerate the shift from fossil-based to plant-based solutions.

Robert explains how Solinatra transforms agricultural waste into fully natural, compostable materials that can replace single-use plastics without leaving a trace. Frank reflects on i-team’s mission to make cleaning smarter, greener, and healthier - from water reduction to plant-based cleaning liquids.

 In this episode, you’ll learn:

 Why real innovation starts with rethinking materials, not just recycling them

Both leaders show that sustainability is not a side project. It’s the new foundation of business itself.