Connect and co-create with Impact Matters

Recently, a Nyenrode Breakfast Session took place at the Nyenrode premises located in the heart of Amsterdam. Organized and run by Nyenrode students on behalf of the JCV student association these sessions provide responsible leaders with the opportunity to bring in a current business challenge they are facing. Together with participants they find innovative and sustainable solutions for their challenge. Keynote speaker Henriette van Eeghen, Founder & Director of Impact Matters, introduced the participants to her organization that helps non-profits solve critical challenges with pro bono support of skilled volunteer professionals.

Van Eeghen kicked off the session by providing more detailed information why she founded Impact matters, its philosophy, and examples of some of the current projects they are involved in. What makes Impact Matters unique is that it pairs non-profit organizations with a specific need and project (marketing, communications, legal, finance, HR, business development etc.) – with professionals who want to help. This aligns closely with Nyenrode’s purpose of serving society by shaping responsible leaders. They can achieve defined objects by doing so in a meaningful way with a sense of responsibility for all.

Brainstorm for breakfast

After a brief presentation by Van Eeghen and guided by JCV Vice President Andres Adelaar, four teams, consisting of Bachelor, Master and MBA students as well as members of the Nyenrode community, worked on two cases provided by Impact Matters. The first case focused on the well-known Dutch charity ‘Kinderpostzegels Nederlans, which aims to collect funds for children in need by selling specially designed stamps. These stamps are promoted and sold by primary school children who each year go from door to door to ask people in their neighborhood to buy the latest stamps and thereby contribute to the many projects the organization supports. The second case focused on Impact Matters and how the organization can further enhance its marketing and branding.

From teabags to new technology

With many participants having a personal connection with the children stamps charity it came as no surprise that most of the groups worked on that case. Especially the Dutch students recollected times at primary school when they went out to sell the special stamps to neighbors, family, and friends. The international participants also very much liked to overall concept as it provides youngsters with their first commercial experience while also contributing to a good cause at an early age. Solutions provided by each group varied greatly. From specially designed teabags, gift wrap packages with artwork by children, to QR codes that allow for selling the stamps in a modern way. In her closing speech Henriette van Eeghen thanked the participants for the enthusiastic discussions, and she promised to discuss the creative ideas with her contacts at the Kinderpostzegels Nederland charity.