Alfie van der Zwan

Business adviser, Business leader, Explorer, Global soul, Job-seeker, Parent, Social entrepreneur, World traveler

Alfie is an experienced people-focused executive in fast-growing businesses. He collaborates with business leaders who value their people and culture to attract and retain talent, scale operations and create an extraordinary and impactful workplace. He is an advisor to the CEO's he supports and a coach to executives and employees. He has worked across the technology, impact, fintech, professional services, and education verticals and has scaled teams remotely and globally. After leaving his last role as a VP at a leading edtech business, he took a short sabbatical to live in Kenya (which was amazing!!) Alfie is now exploring new opportunities where he can add value, experience and contribute to something meaningful.

Family travel Helping humanity Sabbaticals Youth development and helping young people Powder skiing Heavy metal (music!) Spartan races Getting out of my comfort zone and trying brand new things My wife, Ariane, a long time TEDster!

Take a family sabbatical to another country. It was one of the best things we have ever done. I have taken a few sabbaticals in my life. Each time it has been scary to take the first step and resign/ pack up/ leave, and each time it has been extraordinarily impactful/ eye-opening/ healing. I've met my wife, found new work opportunities and recovered from crazy start ups!

Education, Fatherhood, People, Startups, Team building, Uncertainty, Youth development

First-time attendee, long time fan!

Braais (South African word for BBQ!) Listening! Making up songs and stories on the spot for my son, Everest (and no, I haven't climbed...yet.)