Room for Discussion interviews in October!
Dear Room for Discussion Community,
Unbelievable: The first month of the new academic year and for some the first exams are already over. We are fast heading towards the rainy and cozy season and towards many new insightful interviews at RfD!
This newsletter offers you not only an overview of the interviews that happened in the last month and that you can now (re)watch on your couches - it also gives you a glance into the many exciting events coming up in October.
Past Interviews: What happened in September?
Standing Strong: Economic Solutions in Uncertain Times with Guy Standing.
On September 17th, we had the privilege of hosting Guy Standing, a renowned British economist, co-founder of the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN), and professor at the University of London. During this insightful interview, Standing shared his in-depth analysis of the precariat, a growing social class facing unstable work and living conditions. We explored how this phenomenon fuels populism and the rise of figures like Donald Trump, whom Standing refers to as "political monsters." The discussion also tackled his critique of rentier capitalism, delving into its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Furthermore, Standing shed light on Universal Basic Income (UBI), addressing its potential benefits, common critiques, and real-world applications from various pilot projects. If you're interested in the future of work, inequality, and solutions to the challenges of today's economy, this conversation is a must-watch!
Money Mischiefs: Exploring Financial Crimes with Hennie Verbeek-Kusters
On September 20th, Room for Discussion hosted Hennie Verbeek-Kusters, the Head of the Dutch Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The interview offered a good mixture of explanatory questions regarding the daily workings of the FIU as well as exploratory questions on current issues and concerns, touching upon privacy issues, diverging regulatory frameworks, sanctions and the growth of crypto. Verbeek-Kusters discussed three main points: First, the legal grey zones in which FIU’s operate and the importance of trust. She admitted that there is no international law governing the Egmont Group and their data exchange, rather the organisations workings are based on trust-based connections. Second, her certainty that the prevention of high-tech crime is possible regardless of the unregulated and anonymous nature of crypto. Third, she talked about accountability of the Dutch FIU and acknowledged that there is no external supervising entity. If you are interested in Verbeek-Kusters extensive insights and an open and honest discussion of critical questions about the fight against financial crime, you should give this interview a watch!
Future Interviews: What’s Coming Up in October
Blue Blood & Bold Ideas: Prince Constantijn on the Future of Dutch Tech
Room for Discussion is honoured to welcome Constantijn van Oranje and explore the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of the Netherlands and Europe. As a champion of the Dutch startup ecosystem, Prince Constantijn will share his vision for leveraging emerging technologies to drive both economic growth and a more inclusive, prosperous society. Interested? Join us for an interview covering these topics and more in the E-Hall on 9 October, from 16:00 to 17:00.
Post Trade Clarity: Gary Stevenson on Economic Inequality and the Future of Capitalism
Is wealth inequality the defining economic issue of our time? How has quantitative easing deepened the divide between the rich and the poor? What can be done to fix a broken economic system?
Gary Stevenson, former Citibank trader turned economic activist, predicted the widening inequality post-2008 crisis and has been a vocal advocate for economic reform ever since. With his unique insights from inside the financial world, Gary will discuss how current economic policies are fueling inequality, the consequences of a rising housing market, and what we can do to bring about a more equitable future.
Join us on 17th of October from 13:00-14:00 in the E-Hall for an eye-opening conversation about the future of our economy, wealth distribution, and the policies needed to reshape it.
Inside Asset Management: An Interview with Erik Van Houwelingen & Ronald Wuijster
What does it take to build a successful career in asset management? How does long-term investing differ from speculative trading, and what role does sustainability play in shaping the future of the financial sector?
Join us for a compelling discussion with Erik van Houwelingen, Executive Board Member at Van Lanschot Kempen, and Ronald Wuijster, Chief Executive Officer at APG Asset Management, as they share their experiences, insights, and advice for aspiring professionals. With decades of leadership in asset management, they will delve into the challenges and opportunities in this evolving field, offering practical guidance on navigating a successful career path.
Erik and Ronald will explore the impact of long-term investments, the importance of sustainability, and the broader societal role of asset management. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and gain an insider’s perspective on the future of finance.
Join us on October 31st from 16:00 to 17:30 at the REC E-hall for an insightful conversation on careers in asset management, sustainable investing, and the future of finance.
As you can see, October will be a month full of exciting new interviews: We can’t wait to delve with you into the worlds of CEOs, royals, economists and international humanitarian organizations!
We hope to see you then,
Room for Discussion Team