Olivier Van Duüren

Microsoft executive turned innovation expert helping organisations navigate transformation and future growth.

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Belgium

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9 Client reviews

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It was a great pleasure to have Olivier as full day keynote speaker and workshop owner at the Executives' Global Network Future of Work Member Event. Our 90 C-Level Members (CEO/COO/Fin/HR) present were delighted by his presentation, which was very insightful and thought-provoking. Straight after the event, I immediately recommended Olivier to my General Manager colleagues in the 14 remaining EGN countries.

Pia Hinz

General Manager Executive Global Network

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Why you should book Olivier Van Duüren for your next event

Former Microsoft executive with 22 years of international leadership experience across innovation, transformation and customer behaviour.
Inspiring speaker connecting technology, business strategy and human behaviour to help organisations prepare for tomorrow.
Investor, professor and board member bringing hands-on insights from startups, scaleups and global organisations.

Non-binding request for Olivier Van Duüren

Innovation strategist, investor and expert on transformation in the digital age

After more than two decades in senior international leadership roles at Microsoft, Olivier Van Duüren has developed a rare perspective on innovation, transformation and the evolving relationship between technology and human behaviour. Today, he helps organisations understand how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world by combining strategic insight with practical experience from both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Alongside his work as a keynote speaker, Olivier is an active investor, professor and advisor working with startups, scaleups and global organisations. His engaging presentations explore the future of business, customer expectations, digital transformation and leadership in the age of innovation.

From Microsoft executive to innovation strategist

Olivier Van Duüren spent 22 years working within the senior international executive ranks at Microsoft, one of the world’s most influential technology companies. During this time, he gained extensive experience in digital transformation, innovation strategy and customer engagement across both B2B and B2C markets.

His international career gave him first-hand insight into how organisations adapt to disruption, embrace technological change and create cultures that support innovation. Olivier combines these experiences with a strong understanding of human behaviour, helping audiences see how technology and people must evolve together for businesses to succeed in the future.

Today, Olivier brings this knowledge to organisations looking to navigate uncertainty, accelerate transformation and prepare for the customer of tomorrow.

Innovation, transformation and future-ready thinking

As an active investor in 9.5 Ventures, Olivier works closely with groundbreaking pre-seed startups and innovative corporations developing new solutions for future markets. The fund focuses on building tailor-made startups designed to address changing customer expectations and emerging business opportunities.

This direct involvement in entrepreneurship and innovation allows Olivier to deliver highly relevant and practical insights into:

Innovation and disruption
Digital transformation
Future customer behaviour
Leadership in changing environments
Business reinvention
Corporate innovation culture
The future of work and technology

His keynote presentations are designed to inspire organisations while also providing practical perspectives leaders can apply immediately within their own businesses.

Olivier understands the realities facing organisations of all sizes — from startups and scaleups to large international corporations — making his talks highly adaptable across industries and audiences.

Visualising the future of business

Olivier is also part of the Visual Senseformers, a collective helping organisations envision and visualise future-proof strategies and cultures for the digital age.

Through inspiration, co-creation and visualisation, they guide organisations in reflecting on the “why”, “what” and “how” behind personal and business transformation. This process helps companies identify their current position, define their desired future state and create a clear bridge between the two.

This unique approach makes Olivier’s presentations highly engaging and forward-thinking. He encourages audiences to think beyond traditional business models and embrace innovation in a way that is both strategic and human-centred.

His ability to simplify complex topics and make future trends tangible makes him a sought-after keynote speaker for leadership conferences, innovation events and transformation programmes.

Investor, professor and trusted advisor

Beyond speaking and consulting, Olivier holds several board positions across innovative and fast-growing organisations. He serves on the board of:

The Park Playground (Telenet mixed reality)
Avail (Torfs fashion)
Filou BCO Oostende (basketball)
Maison Slash (Next Generation parents)

These experiences keep him closely connected to emerging technologies, changing consumer expectations and new business models across multiple sectors.

Olivier is also deeply involved in education and thought leadership. He is a professor at Zigurat Business School for Technology and Innovation and guest lecturer at Vlerick Business School, Thomas More, VUB and RUG..

His broad experience across academia, business leadership, startups and investment gives him a unique ability to connect strategic thinking with practical execution.

Why audiences book Olivier Van Duüren

Organisations book Olivier Van Duüren because he combines deep corporate experience with entrepreneurial insight and a highly engaging stage presence. His presentations challenge audiences to rethink the future while providing inspiration grounded in real-world experience.

Whether speaking to executives, innovation teams, entrepreneurs or industry leaders, Olivier delivers thought-provoking perspectives on how organisations can remain agile, innovative and customer-focused in an increasingly digital world.

His keynote presentations are ideal for organisations seeking inspiration around:

Digital transformation
Innovation and disruption
Future-proof leadership
Human behaviour and technology
Organisational culture
Customer-centric transformation
Entrepreneurship and growth

With his combination of strategic expertise, international experience and forward-thinking vision, Olivier Van Duüren helps audiences understand what it takes to thrive in the digital age.

Customer Reviews

Pia Hinz General Manager Executive Global Network

I couldn't have wished for a more productive or more valuable session with out top 100 leadership. Since first involving The Dualarity and Jixso, aka the Visual Senseformers, in our transformation, their level og engagement, empathy, preparation & attention to detail has been second to none. We will look back on our Leadership event in Berlin as the moment that we formulated a clear future direction, shifted as a team & as an organization. And we have beautiful murals to remind us of the fun that we had.

Steve Collar CEO of SES

Management at the table welcomed with Olivier, without any doubt the most inspiring author it ever invited since we started with out monthly breakfast sessions. A clear vision on the business model is essential and identifying the right technology to support that ambition is critical, for every type of business. But all this must be shaped and managed by humans. The Dualarity prepares both - businesses, as well a its people - to be fit for transformation.

Peter Buelens Stratgy Consultant and owner @ Brewery of Ideas

Olivier has written an excellent book on how people and organizations can transform themselves durng a period of unprecedented disruption that has only just started. The book itself not onl explains the Dualarity, it also practices it by successfully balancing inspirational examples with very pragmatic frameworks and models. You will walk away from the book energized and ready to apply Dualarity principles to yourself and your organisation.

Norm Johnston Global Chief Strategy & Digital Officer Mindshare

We are amid unprecedented transformation of the world as we know it. As people and companies seek to navigate the pace of change, loo to the Dualarity - an exceptional tool for those seeking guidance on how to lead your life, maximize your business and harness innovation for good.

Carolyn Everson Global Marketing, Facebook

He knows what he is talking about. It is his passion. He eats it, drinks it, lives it and loves it.

Tom Vermeylen CFO ZEB

Olivier provides an insightful view on how the digital era affects our society. Singularity implies that we are just at the beginning of a makeover journey of our society, companies and ourselves. “The Dualarity” makes the counterintuitive case that for all the digital change, we need to work on transforming ourselves. Olivier helps you understand your current position in the cycle of your life and provides a powerful model for self-development. It is the next chapter in your research for happiness. Only then can you hope to empower other professionals or managers in transforming the organisation. The Dualarity is a timely writen book: personal balance is a condition to sustainable business succes.

Duco Sickinghe Managing partner Fortino and former CEO Telenet

I had my doubts when Olivier and Kristof promised us that a two-day seminar would result in a new mission, new ambitions, priorities and values for Torfs. My expectations were more than fulfilled! The clever questions and pertinent inspirations Olivier, combined with Kristof's stunning drawings, boosted our team process and output! Our management team is today “stronger in its shoes than ever”.

Wouter Torfs CEO of Torfs

As keynote at our global flagship event in Frankfurt on intelligent urban transport systems and veicles, Olivier provided vital inspiration at this time of deep change in the mobility sector. With his passion, he was able to capture the audience, delievering an impassioned and engaging speech. I have no doubt that his energy stimulated the room, challenging us as individuals, professionals and a sector as a whole. It was also a pleasure to work with Olivier who is highly professional, accommodating, organized and gracious.

Mohamed Mezghani International Association of Public Transport Secretary General

Keynotes

Keynote by Olivier Van Duüren:

SEE what’s happening on the Outside

Are you struggling to keep up with the rapid shifts happening outside your organization?

From digital disruption and AI to changing demographics, global instability, and climate urgency—external mega-trends are reshaping industries and societies at record speed. Ignoring these forces can leave even the most established companies vulnerable.

In his keynotes, Olivier Van Duüren helps organizations decode these complex dynamics and understand their real impact. Through strategic insights and actionable frameworks, he empowers leaders to anticipate change, respond with clarity, and align internal performance with external reality.

By learning to see what’s happening on the outside, businesses can turn disruption into a strategic advantage—adapting faster, staying relevant, and leading with resilience.

Audience takeaways:

Identify and interpret the external forces—like AI, climate shifts, and geopolitical change—reshaping your industry.
Bridge the gap between external disruption and internal strategy with clear, actionable insights.
Turn complexity into opportunity by developing the foresight and agility to stay ahead of change.

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Keynote by Olivier Van Duüren:

The Microsoft Story

Why do some companies fade while others reinvent themselves again and again?

In a fast-moving world, sustaining relevance is one of the biggest challenges for any organization. Microsoft is a rare example of a global giant that has successfully "hit refresh" multiple times—adapting its culture, strategy, and leadership to stay ahead.

With over 22 years in international leadership at Microsoft, Olivier Van Duüren shares the inside story of how continuous transformation became a strategic advantage. His keynotes offer a powerful look at what it takes to evolve without losing performance—blending innovation, purpose, and operational excellence.

Through real-world insights and proven frameworks, he unpacks how one of the world’s most influential companies mastered the art of reinvention—and what that means for your own transformation journey.

Audience takeaway:

Explore how a global tech leader achieved continuous reinvention to stay ahead of change.
Understand the role of culture, leadership, and innovation in driving long-term business success.
Discover how to balance operational excellence with bold, strategic transformation.

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Keynote by Olivier Van Duüren:

Storytelling & Selling

Struggling to make your ideas stick in a world overloaded with information?

In today’s business landscape, it’s not enough to have great ideas—you need to communicate them in a way that moves people. Storytelling isn’t just a soft skill; it’s the new currency of influence, sales, and brand evolution.

In his inspiring keynotes, Olivier Van Duüren reveals how to craft powerful narratives that shoot for the heart, capture the mind, and end with a smile. Drawing from years of experience in global leadership, innovation, and branding, he shows how storytelling can transform your ability to sell, lead, and connect.

Whether you’re building a business or a personal brand, authentic communication is your greatest asset—and storytelling is the strategy that brings it to life.

Audience takeaway:

Use storytelling to build trust, influence decisions, and create deeper brand connections.
Craft emotionally engaging narratives that make your message memorable and impactful.
Communicate with clarity and purpose to drive leadership, sales, and long-term growth.

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Keynote by Olivier Van Duüren:

UNDERSTAND how to Transform while Perform

Struggling to drive innovation without disrupting daily performance?

Many organizations face the challenge of transforming fast enough to stay relevant, while still delivering results today. Innovation and execution often seem at odds—but they don’t have to be.

Through high-impact keynotes, Olivier Van Duüren reveals how to embed transformation as a strategic capability—without losing operational momentum. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to transform your business, culture, and yourself by aligning heartset, mindset, and actionset.

From navigating personal change to building innovation excellence on top of strong operations, his frameworks help leaders turn change into measurable performance.

Understand how to transform while you perform—and build an organization that can adapt, compete, and grow at speed.

Audience takeaways:

Learn how to drive innovation and transformation without sacrificing operational performance.
Gain practical tools to align mindset, behavior, and culture for lasting organizational change.
Understand how personal transformation empowers leaders to lead change with clarity and impact.

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Keynote by Olivier Van Duüren:

From Jobs to Musk: What Drives True Business Transformation

What separates game-changing entrepreneurs from those who simply adapt?

In a world of rapid disruption, the most successful transformations—like those led by Steve Jobs and Elon Musk—stand out for their bold vision and strategic execution. Yet many organizations still struggle to turn ambition into real transformation.

In his high-impact keynotes, Olivier Van Duüren explores the top 20 business transformations of the past decade, revealing the mindset, leadership, and frameworks that sparked industry-defining change. Drawing from iconic entrepreneurs and proven cases, he connects visionary thinking with operational excellence.

These are the stories behind the transformations that didn’t just survive change—they created it.

Audience takeaways:

Discover what sets industry-defining transformations apart from standard adaptation.
Examine how bold vision and strategic execution drive lasting change.
Explore real-world examples behind the most impactful business transformations of the past decade.