Speaker · Conference chair · Moderator

A different perspective.
A conversation that moves people forward.

What does your audience need to understand, discuss or look at differently? Together, we shape a presentation, keynote or conversation around the questions that matter to your event. On polarisation, cohesion, context-sensitive action and the wider themes in my work.

Discuss your event

Augusto speaking at an event — Substance, stage experience and a feel for the room.

Presentations and keynotesThemes and format tailored to your eventDutch & EnglishRead the biography ↗

Your event, your question

A talk that connects with what matters to your audience.

A conference, team day or public event can open up a conversation that is difficult to have in everyday work. What would you like people to see more clearly, discuss or take away?

Presentations and keynotes can draw on all the themes in my work. The content, title and format follow your question, audience and context. We can combine themes or explore a related issue that matters to your event.

Polarisation and social or organisational tensions
Social cohesion, trust and the strength of the middle
Het Cohesieveld, on its own or combined with polarisation
Context-sensitive action and different perspectives
Collaboration, diversity, connection and living with differences
Freedom, identity and belonging

The two keynotes below are examples of possible approaches. We can also develop a different angle together.

Discuss the theme of your event ↗

Good to know

Content and duration are tailored to your audience and purpose
Available in Dutch and English
A keynote, presentation, interactive session or panel discussion
For small groups and large conferences
A combination with a workshop or book discussion is possible
Travel expenses outside the Randstad region are charged separately

Conference chairing & moderation

A conversation with depth and room for different voices.

At conferences, panel discussions and events where tensions may surface, I keep the conversation on track, connect perspectives and ensure that difficult questions can be explored.

Two examples

Possible starting points for your event.

These examples show how a theme can become a keynote. They are a starting point for discussion; your event may call for a different subject, combination or approach.

Example 01 / around 45 minutes

Who holds the middle?

On polarisation, the forces of cohesion and what it takes to actively hold the middle.

Polarisation reveals what drives people apart. Het Cohesieveld shows what still holds them together despite their differences. This keynote brings both perspectives together: a relatable reflection for neighbourhoods, organisations and teams, with practical language for what is happening and where movement is possible.

Insight into the dynamics of polarisation
Learn to recognise the four forces of cohesion
A concrete step for tomorrow, in your own context

Audience & format

For local government professionals, neighbourhood teams, policy officers, HR teams and managers. Also suited to conferences on democracy, participation and cohesion.

45 minutes, optionally combined with an interactive exercise or panel discussion. Also suitable for opening or closing an event.

Discuss this keynote

Example 02 / 30–45 minutes

Feeling free starts within

On freedom, connection and the courage to choose the middle in divided times.

From my roots in Angola, Portugal and Cape Verde to life in the Bijlmer. Drawing on Anton de Kom, Ubuntu and a barbecue that achieved more than ten public consultation meetings, I explore freedom as a daily practice.

See freedom as a daily choice
Practical examples of holding the middle
Inspiration and courage to keep seeking connection

Audience & format

For commemorative events, liberation dinners, conferences on democracy and citizenship, and organisations working on inclusion and connection.

30 to 45 minutes, as a main talk or an inspiring contribution to a themed event.

Discuss this keynote

The first step

What would you like your event to set in motion?

Tell me about your audience, the question you want to explore and, if known, the date. We will discuss a suitable theme and format, then check availability.

Discuss your event

Experiences of working together

What others take away.

“We looked differently. We listened more closely. We challenged our own assumptions.”

Stichting VreedzaamTrainer inspiration session · LinkedIn post

“The combination of knowledge and expertise gained through experience made his contributions highly valuable and brought depth to the conversation.”

Raphaël BoonProject leader for diversity, inclusion and equality · Event in Leiden · LinkedIn recommendation, 18 March 2026

“An incredibly inspiring and educational collaboration”

Anneke van DijkCo-founder and publisher, Verhaal met Impact · Collaboration on the book · LinkedIn recommendation, 28 May 2026

Excerpts from LinkedIn recommendations and a post, translated from Dutch.