Canada Chapter

To connect people and create bridges! And strengh the SE ecosystem at the local level with our members in the country and regional chapters.

With Metamorphany Changemakers our purpose is to catalyse and cultivate holistic well-being for people and planet. I believe that this is only possible when we ensure the realisation of the SDGs, all of them holistically. It is not only my professional calling, but a highly personal one. I have worked in different fields, from human rights and humanitarian work in the field in post-conflict countries and disaster response areas, to innovation and coaching related work in the boardrooms of corporations, I have lived and worked in more than ten countries across all continents and have seen the unfortunate ripples of the systems we have created as humans, from immense poverty and inequity to tortured human rights activists and the death and despair after natural disasters. I not only believe we can do better, i know we can. And I know that I have to take the responsibility to share and activate my skills and whole self to help myself and others create a better world, one we all want to live in. Our family is one with a mix of cultures and backgrounds, from the Netherlands where I was born and raised to the Philippines where my wife was born and raised, to the commonwealth influences of Australia and Canada where our three children spent their primary years. Our children and the image of their children and all youth and future generations are my personal driver that makes me get up every morning, at all cost, even though it is sometimes hard knowing that I'd be able to earn ten times more if I'd go back to the corporate world. I genuinely believe that humans as a species are good, and that, together, we will find our way. Like Mark Twain said "Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.". As an innovation coach trained in mindfulness, happiness and well-being, I feel priviliged to be part of the large community of Catalyst working with all of you to co-create a better world. Thank you all for being YOU, and for standing tall for what you believe in. With gratitude and grace, Michael

Collaborative Work

Collective effort to empower impact-driven careers and shape a sustainable world

My motivation to join the Catalyst 2030 community on behalf of EmpowHERto is driven by our commitme

I am seeking collaboration and partnerships

Being able to connect with like-minded funders to discuss systems change in philanthropy.

As a member of Catalyst 2030, I hope to collaborate with like-minded orgs & individuals to transform industries. By exchanging knowledge & best practices, we aim to create a global network that drives change. Through my network, I can provide intros & funding support in addition to advisement on strategic planning, innovation development & sustainable growth. In return, I seek guidance, resources & partnerships. Together, we can build a better future prioritizing safety, inclusion & long-term development in a sustainable & equitable world.

Sharing experience, knowledge, and mentoring. Receiving support to build connections, partnerships, and funding.

It's a question of scale. I strongly believe that we need to invest locally to create global change. I have been engaged in place based systems change work for more than two decades. What drives me is the deep belief that communities are the foundation for addressing the urgent issues of our time: racism, climate change and economic inequities. While is intentional, meaningful and authentic investment in communities, that drives change, it can only be truly transformational change if we connect the local to the national to the global. That is what I am hoping being part of Catalyst 2030 will help accomplish. I'm interested in connecting with others who think deeply about the processes that make this possible, as well as those who could use support in helping institutions, businesses and governments work better with and in communities.

To connect people and create bridges! And strengh the SE ecosystem at the local level with our members in the country and regional chapters.