Winclove at Beyond Summit 2025: The Next Era of Impact

This event, an initiative by B Lab, the organisation behind B Corp, brought together business leaders, changemakers and investors to focus on the future of business impact and technology. Winclove Probiotics actively participated in conversations on collaboration, sustainability and regenerative growth.

Theme: The Next Era of Impact

The Summit focused on system change and collective responsibility. The plenary programme explored how businesses can contribute to a regenerative and inclusive economy. Speakers addressed global trends, the role of companies in societal transformation, and the power of collaboration. 

“For me, this day is about making the power of collective action visible. The Summit shows that businesses can truly make a difference together – not just in words, but through concrete steps towards a regenerative future.” 

Nicole Tollenaar, Chief People and Purpose Officer 

Sessions: insights for a sustainable future 

The Beyond Summit featured inspiring plenary sessions and two rounds of breakout discussions, giving participants the chance to explore pressing topics such as diversity and inclusion, technology and AI for positive impact, employee engagement in sustainability, and future-proof supply chains. Each session offered practical strategies to help organisations accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

Giving young people a seat at the table 

Melati Wijsen (Founder of Youthtopia) delivered a powerful reminder:   

Change doesn’t wait for permission. It begins when people unite and accelerates when young voices are included. 

• Young leaders aren’t the future; they’re shaping the present.
• True collaboration is intergenerational, every decision-making table needs space for the next generation.

Her call to action: How will you make room for young leaders in your organisation?  

Employee engagement in sustainability  

This session highlighted how to embed sustainability across the organisation: 

• Champions in every team are essential to drive and support the sustainability journey.
• Toolkits are available to overcome common obstacles.   

Diversity & Inclusion 

To create an inclusive culture with equal opportunities for everyone in the organisation, it is essential to increase measurement. Measuring provides insight into pay equity, career progression opportunities and the sense of safety within teams. This information forms the foundation for targeted improvements and a culture where everyone feels at home. 

An inclusive working environment delivers tangible benefits: 

• Improved performance, leading to better business results. 
• Greater innovation through diverse perspectives. 
• A stronger employer brand that attracts talent. 
• Higher engagement and staff retention.

Communication and psychological safety are crucial: people will only share sensitive information if they understand why it matters and feel safe to do so. Begin with inclusion research and make questions about diversity characteristics optional. This builds trust and creates a solid basis for sustainable growth. 

Technology and AI for positive impact  

Monks, a global creative production company, shared practical tips for using AI responsibly and sustainably:

• Secure AI use: build a protected frontend as a data gatekeeper, create safe zones, and measure AI impact.
• Balance sustainability: AI consumes energy but can also help organisations become greener through insights and dashboards.
• Community standards: B Lab, the organisation behind B Corp certification, will gather input from certified companies to define standards for responsible AI use.

Resilience starts with leadership and connection

During a philosophical roundtable, experts explored how organisations can become more resilient. Not through rigid structures, but through humanity and connection.

The key insights that emerged were:

• Leadership and vulnerability: research shows that leaders who dare to show their vulnerable side contribute significantly to organisational resilience.
• Increased engagement: vulnerable leadership helps employees feel more connected and at home in their work.
• Inclusive workplace: this approach positively impacts inclusivity and strengthens the sense of community within organisations.
• Organisations as a home base: in a time when many people feel uprooted, work can be a place where they feel safe and connected.

Each session offered practical insights and strategies for organisations to contribute to the transition towards a sustainable future.

“For me, the Beyond Summit is the moment when you truly feel what collective impact means. It is inspiring to see businesses come together with a shared mission and strengthen one another. At Winclove, we want not only to inspire but also to take concrete steps. We hope that through this creative approach, conversations will happen on a different level – not just sharing what is going well, but engaging in dialogue and exploring how we can help each other do even better.”

Manon Bezemer, Head of Purpose and Impact Management

Mindful choices: a lesson beyond the goodie bag

One standout feature was the sustainable market where participants could fill their goodie bags. The guiding principle “Take what you really need” encouraged conscious, sustainable decisions. This mindset goes far beyond an event: it’s a powerful reminder for organisations and partners to rethink consumption and design processes that prioritise necessity over excess.