Kemal and I dive into his fascinating journey from growing up in the Netherlands with Turkish roots to becoming a key figure in crisis management, innovation, and health. He’s got some incredible stories about handling crises both locally and internationally, and we chat about the unique challenges and surprising opportunities that pop up in these situations.

We also get into a deep conversation about how crises bring out the best in human values, contrasting that with the often superficial achievements we chase daily. Kemal’s scientific approach to handling crises, using hypotheses and thoughtful analysis, shines through in our talk.

We touch on cultural differences in long-term thinking, the importance of introspection in challenging personal judgments, and the real motivations behind helping others. Kemal shares his thoughts on balancing ego and empathy, positively impacting society, and finding true purpose in both professional and personal life.

As we wrap up, Kemal tells me who he’d love to spend a day with from any period, and he leaves a great question for my next guest: “What’s the defining experience that has shaped who you are or who you aspire to be?”

So, grab your headphones and join us for this engaging chat. Kemal’s insights will inspire you to think differently about crises and innovation and find deeper meaning in your own actions and contributions.