About

Leading with my vision on design, transformation and innovation, I co-founded and direct the Digital Society School, advancing digital innovation, design and sustainability education.

As a catalyst for global change through initiatives like the Global Goals Jam, aligning creative action with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As a global speaker, moderator, facilitator and educator, I facilitate transformative design and collaborative learning. My mission is to unite and inspire towards a global learning society, based on UX, design thinking/ doing and systems thinking, for a truly sustainable future.

I am available for speaking and facilitation on a project basis and as a consultant and interim director on a contract basis. Contact me for a (virtual) coffee!

Your moderator, facilitator

I enjoy moderating events that touch on innovation, design, tech, trends or social impact. I like to be prepared but love to open up an audience and catch those spontaneous moments and feelings that make the experience of an event memorable. I am also a very experienced facilitator for co-creation and inspirational sessions.

Your mentor, coach, advisor

Nothing brings me more joy than to see people grow. I have helped many students, young professionals and more seasoned professionals as a mentor, coach and advisor. Mentees love my personable style and I show them that I listen, care and truly help them make the next step in their (design) career.

Your keynote speaker

What I love most, is to be on stage and entertain, inspire and teach an audience. With my master classes and keynote speeches, I have travelled the world and have been lucky to engage audiences from all kinds of cultures, backgrounds and contexts. I love to be in front of 20 people, and I love to be in front of 1000 people, as long as I am able to make each and every one of them leave with saying: I learnt something!

Clients

Small selection of companies I worked with, events I presented at.

My topics

Global impact and communities

The story of Global Goals Jam, Design Across Cultures, global communities of change, learning communities. How we founded Digital Society School as a startup within a university.

Transformation, learning, adaptable mindset

Transformation ownership: how to become a learning organization, get a more adaptable mindset, embrace change, create a culture of experimentation, and evolve as a future-ready organization.

Design

UX, emotional design, transformation design, design across cultures, systems design, design methods.

What do clients say?

Marco’s contribution to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) work to promote the Sustainable Development Goals was excellent. He never disappoints anyone although we work remotely and internationally.
I find his enthusiasm and dedication both inspiring and motivating.

- Hana Omar (former UNDP, New York, US)

Marco's unique blend of transformational thinking, engaging presentation style and personal commitment will continue to inspire our campus community far beyond these events. I look forward to more opportunities to learn from and collaborate with him

- Jennifer Schneider (Professor and chair Rochester Institute of Technology, US)

Marco is an amazing consultant and trainer. Always looking for creative solutions and sources for projects and programs. Always with good team work leading to great results. It is a pleasure to work with Marco!

- Jorge Rodriguez (CEO DesignThinkers Spain)

Marco is a great communicator, close and positive, and a passionate conversationalist. If you want to improve your knowledge and skills on Design for Emotions, contact Marco.”

- Carlos Alonso (co-founder Bilbao Design Academy, Bilbao, Spain)

We recommend Mr. van Hout enormously because of his exceptional talent and also his kind manner to express his unique knowledge drive to ideal results in the understanding of the global design.”

- Gabriela Olivares (Director PassionTour Design, Santiago, Chile)

Overall, a very inspirational story and great presentation! Marco is able to inspire, explain and delight the audience! I was very happy with Marco’s appearance in Barcelona and decided to also invite him to speak at our seminars in New York and Mexico City in the same year. I highly recommend Marco van Hout as a speaker and expert in consumer psychology, emotion and design.”

- Thierry Lageat (Director of Eurosyn, Paris, France)

I absolutely loved this class. I feel like after so many painfully repetitive design classes, this one took it to a whole new level of experience and application of knowledge that I truly appreciate!- a former student of Marco

I LOVED this class. The teacher was magnificent. He was enthusiastic, knowledgable, motivated and attentive. - a former student of Marco

I learned and benefited a lot from having followed these courses. He might have even inspired me to pursue a doctorate in design. BRILLIANT course, this is the type of caliber all of the professors should have! - a former student of Marco

Marco was an amazing mentor to me and helped me find a new path in my career, combining design and social impact. He really cares! - a former trainee of Marco

What do learners say?

Feedback gathered via anonymous evaluations.

Is your organization ready to transform?

Find out and hire me as an independent consultant and advisor.

Transform yourself

Unlock personal potential by aligning purpose with action. Empower individuals to thrive in the changing landscape of your organization.

Transform your team

Foster collaboration and innovation within teams. Equip them with the tools and mindset needed to drive collective success.

Transform your organization

Transform your organization’s culture and strategy to adapt to new challenges. Build a future-proof foundation for sustainable growth and resilience.

Get in touch

I would love to hear from you! Let me know what it is that you are looking for and I will be in touch very soon to discuss it.