Jitske Kramer (YIT-skuh KRAY-mer) is a corporate anthropologist who travels the world to learn from traditional healers, leaders, surprising innovators and random passers-by. She is the bestselling author of Tricky Times, Deep Democracy, Jam Cultures, The Corporate Tribe, and Work has left the building.
Jitske Kramer is widely regarded as one of the most captivating speakers in the Netherlands. Some describe her talks as performances—immersive, unforgettable experiences that awaken the mind and touch the heart. She brings complex topics to life through vivid storytelling and multi-sensory moments, making abstract ideas compelling and accessible. Her renowned keynotes and masterclasses reveal how authentic human connection drives co-creation and meaningful change.
Jitske works from a foundation of powerful, universal stories—but no two talks are the same. Her stories are unscripted and ever-evolving, enriched by each new journey. When you hear her speak a second or even third time, you’ll hear something new. Each keynote is tailored after an online intake session, aligned with your audience, organizational context, and current challenges.
With years of gathering insights from around the world, Jitske reveals how people shape cultures—and how cultures shape people—across both societal and business ecosystems. Drawing on deep anthropological knowledge of how people live and work together in groups—from remote jungle and desert communities to modern boardrooms—she transforms powerful human insights into practical tools for leadership, transformation, and organizational culture.
She explores how to build environments rich in meaningful interaction and teaches leaders how to evaluate and influence culture by “becoming an anthropologist in their own organization.”
Click here to check out the options for Jitske Kramer to come speak at your event.
Would you prefer an online keynote? No problem! Jitske loves giving keynotes to a live audience. As an experienced speaker, she can offer the audience an inspiring experience online, too. The client handles the technical platform, and Jitske can deliver her online keynotes from her home studio. Or from another studio or location. If necessary, it can be recorded in advance, so that people can watch it at their convenience. Depending on the technical options, she will consult with the client to determine which form of interaction with the audience is best. She also has experience with all kinds of hybrid events.
A master class is 3 to 8 hours. Any keynote can be extended to a half-day or whole-day master class. Together, we can choose the most effective approach and work method. During a master class there is more time for questions and how to translate the topics to your organization. During the intake session, we will determine the content to focus on and the desired approach. This will often be a program in which components of Jitske’s keynote are alternated with group questions and working in sub-groups. It might also include an exercise to feel and experience what the group has learned. Furthermore, we can also use various forms of conversation, as described in the books Building Tribes, Deep Democracy and Jam Cultures, such as: the check-in, Lekgotla campfire conversation (African community consultation), oracle conversations, standing conversation, ta’arof conversation, or a silent conversation. We can do so with ten people or hundreds at a time; for larger groups, we will bring a team of facilitators.
Navigating the Messy Middle of Change
In Tricky Times, Jitske Kramer unravels the complexities of transformations and cultural change. We are in a period of transition. As with any major change, we have to let go of what is familiar without knowing exactly what the future holds. This is a confusing betwixt-and-between time, when things are neither what they were, nor what they will become.
In this deeply insightful presentation, Kramer draws on her latest book, the Dutch bestseller “Tricky Times,” to unravel the subtle patterns that emerge during these times of change. She describes the opportunities, the dangers and temptations during times of change and uncertainty – when wild stories confound, tricksters toy with truth and power dynamics shift.
Liminality is an extraordinary time when old stories crumble and new ones emerge. When what was is gone and what will be is still unknown. It is a time of chaos, uncertainty and untold possibility. An in-between time filled with opportunities, dangers and lures.
Kramer offers clarity on the kind of leadership needed in times of transformation. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of what is takes to lead through uncertainty and how to support others during chaos and ambiguity. Taking the knowledge and tools of anthropology, this talk offers a framework for seeing society—and yourself—with fresh eyes, and stepping forward with confidence and courage.
Focus: Leading through uncertainty and cultural transformation
What makes this talk unique: Deep insights into liminality, tricksters, and power shifts during the “in-between time” of change.
How to understand and influence your organizational culture from within. Good conversations, better conflicts and the best decisions.
Culture means different things to different people, but it is a vital driving force at every level of your organisation—and it’s where corporate culture expert Jitske Kramer thrives.
In this revealing and uplifting presentation, anthropologist Jitske Kramer draws on her bestselling and award winning books, The Corporate Tribe and Building Tribes to share inspiring stories and anthropological lessons about people, culture, change and leadership.
Taking an anthropological lens, she explores the subtle dynamics that shape decisions and interactions—at the heart of how humans work. People are wired to build tribes. We live in groups, believe in stories, create hierarchies, and operate within complex systems of give and take. In other words: we build structures to bring order to the chaos of everyday life—including at work.
Everything we do in organizations is culture. And culture doesn’t fall from the sky – it’s created. Understanding that gives us the power to intentionally shape how we work, lead, and live together. This vibrant, interactive session is built around one core message: People shape Cultures and Cultures shape People. Guided by one powerful question: how do we build strong organizations, that connect where possible, fight when necessary, heal when needed and say goodbye when there is no other way?
In this session, we explore what it really takes to build resilient cultures in times of change. We’ll discover that we need to move beyond transactional interactions – into transformational ones. Campfire conversations held with power and love. Because culture doesn’t thrive on policies or bullet points. It thrives on real, raw and courageous conversations. Strong Tribes have cultures with room for good conversations, better conflicts and the best decisions.
Depending on time and preferences, this talk can be enriched with stunning visuals and short film clips from Kramer’s travels to remote communities – from the African desert and the Asian jungle to the peculiar world of Las Vegas.
Focus: Understanding and influencing organisational culture through an anthropological lens
What makes this talk unique: Brings workplace culture to life with global stories and sharp insights into group dynamics, rituals and unwritten rules.
An Anthropologist’s View on the Deep Work of Inclusion.
A keynote beyond the buzzwords. We all know the words: diversity, equity, inclusion. But what do they really mean in in the day-to-day reality of leadership, teamwork, and culture? In this powerful and engaging keynote, corporate anthropologist Jitske Kramer takes you beyond the slogans—into the real, human dynamics that shape belonging, power, and collaboration.
Drawing on vivid stories, sharp insights and the eight inclusion principles from her books Jam Cultures and Wow! What a difference, Kramer reveals how culture works beneath the surface—and what it truly takes to create environments where everyone can thrive.
This is not a policy session. It’s a transformational experience that challenges the head and touches the heart. Expect honesty, humor, discomfort and deep recognition. Expect to see yourself—and others—differently. Because inclusion isn’t a project. It’s how we shape the world, together.
This session revolves around one powerful message: “If the heart of power really wants it, it will be done in 24 hours.” So the real question is: What are your powers—and what does your heart truly want?
A keynote that crosses borders. A performance with music, stories, spoken word, compact theory and visual graphics. Inclusion is like a jam session, where you come together with courage and connection. At the core, inclusion is about who is allowed to participate in what, who is allowed to contribute input on which topics and who is allowed a say in decision-making. And who are not. And with that, inclusion is about people, boundaries, leadership, power, privileges, conflicts, differences and similarities. It is about working together with differences.
Focus: The emotional, structural and cultural dimensions of real inclusion
What makes this talk unique: Combines anthropology, performance, and deep human insight to move beyond policy into practice.
An immersive anthropological journey into cultural intelligence and self-awareness.
In this thought-provoking keynote, corporate anthropologist Jitske Kramer takes you away from the world of organisational models and frameworks. No five-step plans for better leadership. No quick fixes for team communication. Instead, this is a journey into what it means to be human.
Kramer leads you across cultures, continents, and perspectives—only to bring you right back to yourself. Because when you truly meet the other, you inevitably meet yourself.
You’ll learn to observe like an anthropologist: to suspend judgment, confront your biases, and expand your awareness. This session dives into cultural intelligence—how your worldview shapes, helps, and sometimes limits you. You’ll discover how cultural habits and unwritten rules influence behavior, and how stepping outside your own mental frameworks boosts empathy, clarity, and connection.
This is an extraordinary keynote which will challenge your own world view and your ideas about what is normal and abnormal. What is strange becomes familiar. And what is familiar becomes strange.
Together, we travel through stories from deserts and jungles, visiting remote tribes, meeting shamans and chiefs, and witnessing curious rituals.
Prepare to be immersed in vivid stories, stunning photographs, and short film clips that transport you into other worlds—worlds that may feel surprisingly familiar upon closer reflection.
This is not just a talk. It’s a transformation. You’ll walk out seeing more than you did before—like switching from black-and-white to full-colour TV. It will make you a better observer. A better consultant. A better leader. And, perhaps most importantly: a more open, curious, and compassionate human being.
Focus: Cultural intelligence, perspective-shifting, and deep human insight
What makes this talk unique: Transcends the workplace—offers personal transformation through cross-cultural exploration
Jitske Kramer in colaboration with artists, musicians and a comedian.
In keynotes, chairing events and master classes, Jitske often collaborates with other speakers and performers. Like Typhoon, Wende Snijders, and Dolf Jansen. Interested? Contact us to discuss the options.
Jitske Kramer and Dolf Jansen challenge one another to look at power, differences and similarities from a different perspective. How inclusive is the Netherlands? What is expected of leaders? How do we ensure fewer conflicts and more understanding? With anthropological lessons from Jitske’s new book: Jam Cultures. And the state of our country in Dolf’s eyes. This does come with the risk of both speakers attacking one another, with words, arguments and emotions of course. If you didn’t have unconscious prejudices, you definitely will after this pointed jam session in words.
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