Bart Van de Vel

Brainstormer, Change Agent, Global soul, Marketer, Technologist

Hello, TED friends! Imagine a world where curiosity fuels innovation and diverse voices merge to forge something truly remarkable. That's the world I dive into every single day. Often dubbed a jack of all trades, my picture could well accompany the dictionary definition. My journey as a lifelong learner has led me to explore foresight and examine the future of work as a doctoral researcher at Paris School of Business. At Snap, I have the honor of designing augmented reality experiences with global partners, showcasing the boundless power of creativity. And with great enthusiasm, I'm launching MIKST—a dynamic, worldwide collective of multiracial creative pioneers, where diversity isn't merely embraced but is the essence of our innovation. In my journey, I’ve found myself in the role of a connector—not by design, but by destiny. It’s never been about selling an idea, but rather about sharing a vision that can bring us together, lighting up the path to change in ways we might never have imagined on our own. Life has taught me to embrace every opportunity with urgent optimism, whether it's coaching Premier League players, voicing characters in the Lego Movie, officiating weddings on three continents, MCing at Tomorrowland, or hosting Facebook's annual conference. Each experience has molded my 'Yes-man' mindset. While I cherish the connections and achievements from my work, I also advocate for a healthy work-life integration. Away from the buzz of the digital world, I'm driven by wanderlust, always in search of that perfect glass of wine, lost in the beats of Italo disco, and mastering the art of lullabies as a young dad. One day, I dream of owning a vineyard, serving free wine to my friends as we bask in the sun, immersed in laughter and conversation in the South of France. That's me in a nutshell — always on the move, ever curious, and forever in love with the art of storytelling, whether through ads or anecdotes.

The Future of Work

Exploring the Future: Multiracial Identity as the New Normal - navigating blurring traditional boundaries while unlocking the potential for a richer, more interconnected global community.

Lazy but delicious cooking. It's all about mastering the art of combining simplicity with flavor. My kitchen philosophy? Less time cooking, more time enjoying. I've become quite adept at whipping up meals that are quick and easy but taste like they took hours to prepare.