As an Industrial Engineer with over thirty years of experience at Nyenrode, Paul de Ruijter sees professionals struggling with system change daily. It is no wonder he is looking forward to Adam Kahane's visit to Nyenrode, where Kahane will present his new book, Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems.
Kahane is a former scenario planner for Shell and a conflict mediator who has brought warring parties together in over fifty countries. Many world leaders, including the late Nelson Mandela, are among his acquaintances. In addition to his involvement in issues of war and peace, he also mediates discussions on healthcare and climate change. He has written several books about his work.
System change as a marathon
"Many people still think in terms of a project or a sprint," says De Ruijter. "But system change is a marathon. Adam's book makes that painfully clear: there is no quick fix. It is about daily perseverance, collaborating with people who think differently, experimenting, learning, and above all: endurance."
Conflicts as part of transformation
This makes the book particularly relevant in these times, where conflicts over sustainability, pensions, and digitalization dominate public debate. "Whether it's Extinction Rebellion versus banks, or farmers versus the government in the nitrogen dossier—all are illustrations of an era where different interests and worldviews clash," says De Ruijter. "What makes this book so powerful is that it shows that you can make a difference as an individual. With the right habits, you can take a small step towards transformation every day."
Collaborating with 'the other'
Kahane's inspiration, the peace process in South Africa, is a powerful metaphor for De Ruijter. "If Mandela could work with F.W. de Klerk, then surely we can engage in dialogue with people we fundamentally disagree with? The chapter on collaborating with unlike others is essential for me. It shows how to create real collaboration, especially with opponents."
Practical experience: from vision to connection
De Ruijter has been applying this lesson in his work for years. "With pension funds, municipalities, or industry associations, it is often a matter of calm, consistency, and finding 'goat paths'. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, I have brought parties to shared future visions. Not through one intensive retreat, but by creating a rhythm of structured conversations and collaboration."
Inspiration for the changemakers of tomorrow
De Ruijter sees daily at Nyenrode how young professionals are motivated to "change the world," but also how quickly they encounter limits. "We are sprinting a marathon, and you can't sustain that without smart habits and the realization that the process matters. This book provides concrete tools for that."
Attend? Get inspired
The book presentation of Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems by Adam Kahane will take place on May 8, 2025, at Nyenrode Business University. More information about the event and how to register can be found here. This is a unique opportunity to hear Kahane's insights on system change firsthand and to discuss how we can make an impact as individuals in complex transitions.