On November 26, Amsterdam buzzed with excitement as over 420 members of the Dutch B Corp community came together for the first-ever Beyond Summit in the Netherlands. The vibe? Electric. The theme? The Future of Business for Good—because let’s face it, the world needs bold ideas and action now more than ever.
The event brought together changemakers, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the vital role of business in shaping a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable future. Through engaging discussions, inspiring stories, and actionable insights, attendees left energized and ready to roll up their sleeves, turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Why does The Future of Business for Good matter? Moderator Jahkini Ugboduma kicked things off by reminding attendees that business leaders today hold the power to shape the world for generations to come. If we want a future that’s thriving and fair, it starts with bold, values-driven action—right here, right now.
The summit wasn’t about sitting back and listening—it was about engaging, creating, and connecting. From inspiring panels to hands-on sessions, each participant could create their own agenda, diving into the topics that mattered to them most. A few highlights and takeaways:
Anniek Moonen introduced us to the Seventh Generation Principle, rooted in the Indigenous wisdom of the Haudenosaunee. She challenged us to rethink the way we make decisions. Instead of focusing on short-term wins, what if we considered the impact of every choice on seven generations? It’s a reminder that our actions today shape the legacy we leave behind. Anniek asked the room a question that continues to resonate: “Are we building for today, or creating something future generations will thank us for?”.
Hans Stegeman warned of the web of global crises—climate chaos, biodiversity collapse, and fragile ecosystems—all amplified by outdated systems chasing endless growth. He argued it’s time to embrace complexity and rethink what “progress” means. Businesses and governments must move away from the obsession with “more” and focus on resilience, sustainability, and fairer systems. Stegeman stressed that real change doesn’t happen with quick fixes or flashy headlines—it’s about tearing down outdated systems and rethinking the rules from the ground up. The future of business? It’s about bold, sustainable models that put people and the planet first.
The Beyond Summit proved that the mission-driven business movement is stronger than ever. The sold-out event showcased an energized, growing network committed to change. What stood out the most? The community’s passion to share knowledge and take collective action. This energy is contagious and reminds us that real change happens when we come together. And once we’re united? The ripple effect is unstoppable. This was echoed by Daan van Apeldoorn in the Future of the B Corp Movement panel:
Collective action drives the systemic change we need. Whether shaping EU policies, transforming industries through collaboration, or building local networks, B Corps demonstrate how working together amplifies impact. It’s not just about participation—it’s about stepping up, leading, and creating solutions that go beyond your own business.
As the day wrapped up, one big question lingered: What does the future of business for good look like? For some, it’s about pushing boundaries in sustainability and regeneration. For others, it’s creating a world where inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s a given. Whatever the vision, one thing’s clear: we’re in this together, and we’re not waiting for change. We’re building it.
