Executive Day | The Next Tech Frontier

Steven Bartlett

Entrepreneur | Investor | Author | Dragon on Dragon’s Den | Host of The Diary of a CEO

Company:
-

Country:
United Kingdom

Biography:
Steven Bartlett is the leading young entrepreneur in the UK and the youngest-ever Dragon on the long-running BBC series Dragons’ Den. Bartlett is the founder of media and investment companies Flight Studio - a leading media company - and Flight Fund, a global investment fund that has invested in more than 40 companies, including SpaceX, Whoop, Zoe, Huel, PerfectTed, and more. His podcast, The Diary of a CEO, is the world’s second-biggest host-led podcast across all platforms. It remains the No. 1 podcast in Europe and is the fastest-growing video podcast channel in the world, as well as the second-largest podcast YouTube channel globally. In November last year DOAC reached the milestone of 1 billion streams across all platforms and continues to grow at an exponential rate. Steven is also the co-founder of Thirdweb, a San Francisco-based software company recently valued at $160 million and backed by Shopify, Coinbase, Mark Cuban, and others. He is the author of Diary Of A CEO - 33 Laws For Business And Life, the fastest-selling personal development book in the UK since records began and a publisher through his label, Flight Books. Steven Bartlett is a cultural force inspiring entrepreneurs to think big, act boldly, and innovate fearlessly. Whether on stage, on screen, or through his hit podcast The Diary of a CEO, Bartlett’s insights and energy make him a must-see figure for anyone passionate about the future of business and leadership. As the youngest-ever “Dragon” on BBC’s Dragons’ Den (since 2021), Bartlett brings a bold, modern perspective to this iconic show, which inspired the American hit Shark Tank. His ability to connect with emerging business leaders and younger audiences has redefined the role of a Dragons’ Den investor, making him a standout figure in the UK business community. Bartlett is also the host of Europe’s leading podcast, The Diary of a CEO, where he engages in candid conversations on entrepreneurship, mental health, and personal growth with some of the world’s most influential figures. His raw, insightful storytelling resonates with millions, making the podcast essential listening for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. Born in Botswana to a Nigerian mother and an English father, Bartlett’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a multimillionaire entrepreneur is a story of grit, innovation, and authenticity. He embodies the next generation of leadership, empowering others to embrace challenges, disrupt industries, and build meaningful impact.

Volkert Paap

Vice President Technology & Technical Innovation

Company:
KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines

Country:
Netherlands

Biography:
Volkert’s professional journey began in 2004 as a front-end developer at one of the Netherlands’ leading technology companies. Over the past 20 years, he has built extensive experience across multiple areas of the Dutch tech industry, with the most recent years spent in senior leadership roles. In his current position, he leads two departments comprising more than 700 professionals, responsible for supporting KLM’s entire operational landscape while driving technological innovation across the organization. His mission is clear: to position KLM as the world’s most data- and technology-driven airline and to lead the way in autonomous operations that will shape the future of aviation.

Volkert Paap

Vice President Technology & Technical Innovation

Company:
KLM - Royal Dutch Airlines

Country:
Netherlands

Biography:
Volkert’s professional journey began in 2004 as a front-end developer at one of the Netherlands’ leading technology companies. Over the past 20 years, he has built extensive experience across multiple areas of the Dutch tech industry, with the most recent years spent in senior leadership roles. In his current position, he leads two departments comprising more than 700 professionals, responsible for supporting KLM’s entire operational landscape while driving technological innovation across the organization. His mission is clear: to position KLM as the world’s most data- and technology-driven airline and to lead the way in autonomous operations that will shape the future of aviation.

Sree Balakrishnan

Director of Technology, Innovation & Product

Company:
Travelopia

Country:
India

Biography:
Sree is a technology leader with a background that spans from hands-on engineering to leading global innovation. Starting out by tinkering with machines in his father’s manufacturing plant, he went on to build a career in computer engineering, collaborating closely with business leaders to deliver impactful technology roadmaps. Over the past decade, he has led teams that have digitally transformed 15+ businesses worldwide and now drives global tech innovation for a billion-dollar organization, with a strong focus on cloud and modern engineering practices.

Sree Balakrishnan

Director of Technology, Innovation & Product

Company:
Travelopia

Country:
India

Biography:
Sree is a technology leader with a background that spans from hands-on engineering to leading global innovation. Starting out by tinkering with machines in his father’s manufacturing plant, he went on to build a career in computer engineering, collaborating closely with business leaders to deliver impactful technology roadmaps. Over the past decade, he has led teams that have digitally transformed 15+ businesses worldwide and now drives global tech innovation for a billion-dollar organization, with a strong focus on cloud and modern engineering practices.

Erik Wegewijs

Former Commando, Special Forces Leader, Entrepreneur, and Author

Company:
-

Country:
Netherlands

Biography:
Erik is a speaker, entrepreneur, and presenter with over 25 years of experience in the Special Forces (Korps Commandotroepen), including 20 years in leadership roles. His work is driven by values such as equality, diversity, collaboration, and simplicity, and he inspires others to trust their inner compass, show courage, and take ownership of their choices. In 2021, he left the Defence organisation to become an entrepreneur—leading by example and staying true to his passion and purpose.

Erik Wegewijs

Former Commando, Special Forces Leader, Entrepreneur, and Author

Company:
-

Country:
Netherlands

Biography:
Erik is a speaker, entrepreneur, and presenter with over 25 years of experience in the Special Forces (Korps Commandotroepen), including 20 years in leadership roles. His work is driven by values such as equality, diversity, collaboration, and simplicity, and he inspires others to trust their inner compass, show courage, and take ownership of their choices. In 2021, he left the Defence organisation to become an entrepreneur—leading by example and staying true to his passion and purpose.

Vincent Tuk

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Company:
Eneco

Country:
Netherlands

Aggie Hinskens

Moderator

Company:
-

Country:
Netherlands

Biography:
With a sparkling personality and natural stage presence, Aggie is a versatile moderator and experienced facilitator. Known for her engaging style, sharp questions, and sense of humor, she creates space for dialogue while staying focused on the key message. She brings over 20 years of experience in supply chain, transport and logistics, primarily in the postal & parcel industry — spanning both operational and support roles, as well as management consultancy. Aggie holds a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and combines strategic insight with a creative and inclusive approach that connects diverse topics to any audience.

Executive Day | The Next Tech Frontier

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Premium partners

Our speakers

Steven Bartlett

Volkert Paap

Sree Balakrishnan

Erik Wegewijs

Vincent Tuk

Aggie Hinskens

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Executive Day | The Next Tech Frontier

When and where

Date

Location

Share with friends

About this session

Premium partners

Our speakers

Steven Bartlett

Volkert Paap

Sree Balakrishnan

Erik Wegewijs

Vincent Tuk

Aggie Hinskens

Other events you may like

Digital Forum | From Transformation Talk to Organisational Shift

Supply Chain Leaders Dinner

Finance Forum | The New Mandate of the Modern CFO

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