Astrid Leyssens
Astrid founded We Are Impact Collective to achieve system change. Over the years, she developed an integral approach to impact, recognizing the interconnection of various disciplines and the importance of collaboration among diverse experts.
Astrid brings a wealth of experience in sustainable entrepreneurship. Through her impact-driven career, Astrid has developed an effective methodology to put sustainability, impact, and transition into practice. Her expertise spans from identifying material issues to impact investing, reporting, and communication.
Family offices seek after Astrid's skills as a sparring partner and sounding board. Astrid provides tailored newsletters and guest lectures on the latest social or planetarian solutions. In addition, as an experienced board and impact committee member, she mentors C-level executives on business strategy and impact execution. Because a strong strategy is only as good as its implementation.
Astrid dreams of an Impact Gallery.
“There is no reason to regret that I cannot finish the church. I will grow old but others will come after me. What must always be conserved is the spirit of the work, but its life has to depend on the generations it is handed down to and with whom it lives and is incarnated.”
My expertise
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referentie cases
HAVEP
From a fragmented brand that lacked unique strength in the market, Els has positioned workwear brand Havep as a sustainable leader, a purpose-driven brand. By reinforcing the brand’s already existing sustainable DNA and introducing innovations, HAVEP established a strong position that attracted new customers.
Rockstart
Don is responsible for the first fundraising of Rockstart's initial web&mobile funds, including selecting and leading deals in companies like 3D Hubs (Exit USD 330 million to NYSE: PRLB), Dan.com (USD 71.4 million Exit to NYSE: GDDY) and iClinic (Exit €27.9M to NASDAQ: AFYA). Additionally, he founded and led Rockstart's corporate practice, launching customized programs and competitions for renowned companies such as Philips, Sony, and Shell. Don guided Rockstart's successful expansion to Latin America, generating significant regional growth. He was part of the selection committee for the Energy, Agrifood, Digital Health, and AI programs, where he screened thousands of pitches and companies.
Volvo Cars Benelux
Stefaan partnered with Volvo to embark on a journey to the future, utilizing foresight and trend-watching tools and techniques. The objective was to envision and develop a set of future scenarios for car retail that would anticipate sustainable mobility perspectives.
VP Capital
Astrid provided coaching and support to the VP Capital family office, helping them with various subjects such as impact investing, sustainability transformation of heritage portfolio companies, philanthropy strategy, and ESG due diligence. Furthermore, Astrid helped VP Capital to attain Bcorp and SBTi status and advocated for impact investing in the Family Wealth world. Astrid committed to data readiness and compliance, engaging the team and portfolio companies in the journey towards sustainability and impact, creating strategic pillars and KPI models, managing public reputation, and facilitating communication with family members and external stakeholders. She also organized community events with HNW owners and portfolio companies, striving to transform wealth owners and existing companies into frontrunners in carbon reduction, circularity, regenerative practices, and inclusivity.
Impact Factory
Jan led the concept development for a circular hub, which involved repurposing a blackfield site into a thriving center for impact entrepreneurship. This initiative aligned the goals of both the city of Mechelen and the project developer. As part of his role, Jan developed a robust business model for the exploitation of the hub, strategies for market positioning and securing funding and financing.