People Who Make a Difference - That One Unexpected Encounter

Last Saturday (August 23, 2025), I was sitting at the table with Wim, my dear partner, during a special evening in The Hague. We were the last to arrive and took the two empty seats next to a couple of guests we didn’t know.

The evening was Art Nouveau-themed and focused on vegetarian cuisine from the colorful era around 1900. We dined at a beautiful venue, De Hagedis, in the spirit of Pomona: the very first vegetarian restaurant and hotel in the Netherlands. Pomona was run by a woman at the time—which was remarkable enough back then—and was part of a broader movement focused on healthy eating, reducing meat consumption, and women’s rights. Its mission was simple: healthy food for everyone.

The crowd that gathered at Pomona back then must have been a colorful and lively mix: innovators, thinkers, and those seeking a different way of life, but also curious people who simply wanted to sample some vegetarian cuisine. The menu included, among other things, turnip soup and the famous—and infamous— vegetarian “ground meat.” Famous because it was Pomona’s signature dish, infamous because a fierce debate raged over its name. Should something plant-based really be called “ground meat”? And then to add the word “fake” to it… How remarkable that even back then there were discussions about the naming of meat that isn’t meat. Some things never change.

It turned out to be an evening filled with delicious food, pleasant conversations, and a chance encounter that gave me a special gift: a new insight.

What really matters?

For years, I have dedicated myself to exceptional organizations—wonderful, socially relevant places where people worked with heart and soul on social issues. My belief has always been that if the foundation is solid—a clear direction, a good structure, and room for collaboration—then organizations can make a difference.

But in practice, I often noticed something different. We did identify the pain points and make plans, but real change often failed to materialize. It takes courage to make difficult choices, take responsibility, and persevere—even when things get rough. Too often, people chose to put things off or keep going down the same path.

After 25 years, I realized: that’s not where my greatest contribution lies. Despite the wonderful moments, I felt that my energy was needed more urgently elsewhere. That’s why, 2.5 years ago, I committed 100% to the “ MLM-tool ” – and the social network. Directly for and with people, without any systems getting in the way.

My dinner companion on Saturday evening unexpectedly reminded me of that again.

The difference starts small

Making a difference within organizations is valuable, but real change starts small—with the people themselves.

That’s where a movement begins. Not in a policy paper, but in an encounter. Not in a conference room, but in a conversation. Precisely in those chance moments when you truly see and hear one another.

Chance Encounters as Gifts

On Saturday, I received a gift like that. A conversation I couldn’t have planned, but one that struck exactly the right chord.

It reminded me once again why I do what I do. Because it’s about people. Because every conversation can make a difference. Because someone who just happens to be sitting next to you can suddenly offer a new insight, a fresh perspective, or an unexpected step forward.

That dining companion is going on my MLM Card today. Because people who make a difference aren’t just found in your immediate circle—they’re often found in encounters that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Why I Work with MLM

That’s why I’m now working with the MLM-tool. Because your social network affects you directly. Because, by literally visualizing it, you suddenly see who’s close to you, who supports you, and who gives you energy. And also: who might be a little farther away right now, but who remains important nonetheless.

It's all about insight. It's about discovering: who are the people who make a difference to you? Who inspires you to take action—perhaps with just one sentence, a small gesture, or an unexpected question?

On Saturday evening, I just wanted to have a nice evening with Wim. And yet, it turned out to be so much more. Two strangers at the table turned out to be wonderful company, and one of them, without even realizing it, gave me a precious gift. Thank you, tablemate. For now, you’re on my MLM card. A chance encounter—but one that really matters.

An invitation to you

What about you? When was the last time you had a chance encounter that meant something special to you? A conversation on the train, a neighbor who said just the right thing, or a coworker who unexpectedly touched your heart?

Maybe you can make time for it yourself today. Try putting your phone away for a moment. Look around you. Say hello to someone you pass by. Strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. Even if it’s just something small: “Where are you headed today?” or “Are you looking forward to the day?”

It may seem unimportant, but it’s precisely in those kinds of small encounters that something can happen. Sometimes it’s a smile, sometimes a brief conversation, and sometimes an insight that stays with you.

Because that’s what really matters. Not the big systems or complicated plans, but those small moments of genuine connection. That’s where change begins.

Want to try it yourself?
Would you like to map out your own social network and discover who matters to you? Then the MLM-tool is a great place to start. Because often, you don’t realize just how many people are making a difference around you until you actually list them all out.

 #socialnetworks #mlmtool #meetups #connection #changemakers