On October 25, 2024, Leadership Club hosted an exclusive event at Living Tomorrow in Vilvoorde, just outside Brussels. This unique venue serves as a hub for innovation, showcasing how technology and human experience can seamlessly intertwine. Sponsored by BDO, the event brought together Vlerick Alumni, sympathizers, and executives passionate about reshaping the future through innovation. As the tagline of the Leadership Club states, it truly was a place "where great people meet and get inspired."
We are grateful to the team at BDO who were a great help in organizing the venue and getting in touch with the inspiring keynote speakers.

Keynote Highlights
Joachim De Vos: Why Innovation Fails
The event began with an inspiring keynote from mr. Joachim De Vos, founder of Tomorrow Labs and author of "Why Innovation Fails." Mr. De Vos’ presentation focused on the common pitfalls organizations encounter when pursuing innovation. Key insights from his talk included the most important reasons why innovation fails:
- Fear of customer reaction: Companies may hesitate to innovate due to concerns that new ideas or changes may alienate existing customers or fail to meet their expectations.
- Fear of channel intermediaries: Businesses often worry that introducing innovative products or services could disrupt relationships with distributors or retailers, leading to potential backlash from these intermediaries.
- Fear of 'your job': people, including management may resist innovation due to anxiety that new technologies or processes could render their roles obsolete or diminish their job security.
Mr. De Vos emphasized the critical role of Living Tomorrow in addressing these challenges. The venue provides an innovative environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, equipping organizations with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of modern business.
Find his book here: Lannoo Campus - Joachim De Vos
Jan De Schepper: The Emerging Disruption in Leadership
Following Mr. De Vos, our main keynote speaker, mr. Jan De Schepper, took the stage. As a successful business leader with an MBA from Harvard and former CEO of Telindus, Jan has a wealth of experience, currently partner at BDO Belgium. He is also the co-author of “Connexion – the 7 Paradoxes for the Modern Leader.”
In his presentation, Jan explored the emerging forms of disruption in leadership and how leaders must adapt to achieve results in increasingly complex environments. Key takeaways from his talk included:
- Simplifying Processes: Leaders must find ways to streamline operations to drive change effectively.
- Deep Human Connections: Jan emphasized the importance of forging strong relationships within teams, especially during times of exponential change and rapid digitalization.
His insights on the concept of ConneXion resonated with the audience, highlighting that deep human connections are essential for successful leadership in today's fast-paced world.
Jan's book can be found here: Lannoo Campus - ConneXion
Immersive Experience at Living Tomorrow
An exciting aspect of the event was the opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the innovative environment of Living Tomorrow. Participants enjoyed a guided tour of the venue, which showcased interactive exhibits featuring the latest advancements in architecture, energy, and technology. This hands-on experience allowed attendees to witness firsthand how forward-looking design meets sustainable living.
Networking opportunities
Networking is part and parcel of what Leadership Club stands for, hence following the keynote presentations, participants were invited to a networking reception. This informal gathering provided a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas and discuss about what they learned.
Conclusion
The event at Living Tomorrow was not just a gathering but an opportunity to explore the future of innovation and leadership. With valuable insights from Joachim De Vos and Jan De Schepper, participants left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The collaboration between the Leadership Club and BDO exemplifies a commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. As organizations navigate the complexities of modern business, the lessons learned during this event will resonate, guiding them toward success through enhanced connection, clear vision, and the power of innovation.
It was an evening, where great people meet and get inspired.