Food for thought: Modesty won’t change anything

An interactive lecture on storytelling that inspires people to take action, by Ken Veerman

Your organization has ambitions, makes an impact, and works hard to bring about change. But are you able to turn that into a story that people understand, remember, and that inspires them to take action? Modesty is a virtue, but it can sometimes hold organizations back unnecessarily. A strong story helps set a direction, get people on board, and turn ambitions into reality.

During this interactive lecture, strategic consultant and author Ken Veerman will show you how to move from scattered plans and good intentions to a powerful strategic narrative that inspires others. Drawing on insights from his book *You Can’t Change Anything by Being Modest*, you’ll take a critical look at your own organization’s narrative and discover where it can be strengthened.

For whom

For cultural professionals who want to engage others in their organization’s ambitions and story. Whether you’re a manager looking to guide your team toward a new direction, inspire collaboration partners, or convince funders of your plans.

After this lecture

• Do you know what elements make up a strong strategic narrative;
• you'll have a clearer understanding of your organization's story and where it can be even stronger;
• you can translate your ambitions more convincingly into a story that draws others in;
• Have you taken a critical look at your own organization's story;
• You'll have specific areas for improvement that you can start working on right away.

Program

On October 27, Ken Veerman will share the key insights from his book *You Can’t Change Anything by Being Modest*. You’ll learn how a strong strategic narrative provides direction, how to clearly articulate the impact you want to achieve, and how to get others on board.

Then it’s your turn to get to work. Using the SAAGA model, you’ll analyze your own organization’s narrative. Where is it already strong? Where is there a lack of coherence? And where are the opportunities to make it sharper and more compelling? This way, you’ll leave with concrete areas for improvement that you can immediately apply in your own practice.

On December 1, we’ll meet online again for a peer review session. You’ll discuss what you’ve put into practice since the first meeting, the challenges you’ve encountered, and the results you’ve seen. Together with Ken and the other participants, you’ll share your experiences and further refine your approach.

About the trainer

Ken Veerman is a strategic advisor and experienced leader for cultural organizations and other mission-driven organizations. Before launching his own practice in 2020, he worked for about fifteen years as a director at various cultural organizations, including the Trix pop venue and the network of Antwerp cultural centers. Ken is affiliated with Live DMA, the European network of concert halls. For Cultuurloket, he developed the Cultural Values Scan, and for Live DMA, he created the Crowdbuilder, a tool that European concert halls use to work on audience development.

In 2023, his first book , *Storytellers, Not Salespeople*, about management for mission-driven organizations, was published. This was followed in 2026 by *You Can’t Change Anything by Being Modest: How Conscious Leaders Create Their Own Success Stories*. In his work, Ken combines strategic advice with process guidance, leadership support, and impact measurement.

Practical information

Dates: October 27 and December 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: €35, including VAT, per person
Location: De Transformatie Zaal (October 27), Arnhem, and online (December 1)

Sign up and more information

Cultuur Academy ’s programs not only offer in-depth exploration of specific fields of expertise but also valuable opportunities to connect with other cultural professionals from the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. The exchange of experiences and knowledge, as well as the chance to expand your network within the sector, are valuable benefits of participating in our programs. Do you have questions or would you like additional information? Please contact Moniek Klabbers. Do you have practical questions, such as about registration or the location? Please contact us at info@cultuuracademy.nl.

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