Inspiring in 2026!

Collaboration, communication, undermining behaviour, teenagers, development, leadership, generational diversity, home-office, connection, influencing behaviour, social safety, observation, working safely, social media, team dynamics, change management, polarisation, herd behaviour, politics, leading by example, diversity, in short: Behaviour!

How can I inspire you in 2026?

During lectures, interviews, conversations, in columns and books, Patrick van Veen articulates what he observes and how he interprets human social behaviour. Humans are not primates, yet we share 98.6% of our genetic material with chimpanzees. In our primal behaviour, we are social animals capable of working and living together effectively. Yet that same instinctive behaviour can also hinder us  in modern society. Not because it is disruptive, but because we do not recognise it. Perhaps social fragmentation is our greatest challenge. We have not become less social, we are simply part of too many social structures.

Since the publication of the book "Help, mijn baas is een aap!" (Help, my boss is a monkey!), Patrick van Veen has become the go-to expert on human social behaviour, both the positive and the negative behaviour. His work addresses organisational behaviour, education and societal issues.

Chimpanzees, like humans, can recognise themselves in a mirror. This ability contributes to perspective-taking, the capacity to put oneself in another’s position. Chimpanzees often use this skill to manipulate or deceive, but it can also encourage reflection on the impact of our own behaviour and actions. As a speaker, author and media commentator, Patrick enjoys holding up this mirror to his audiences.

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