Wu-Wei Research Institute | Marko van Gaans

This workshop will be facilitated by ontological leadership expert, philosopher and teacher: Marko van Gaans Like you, Marko has always wondered about the definition of the word leadership. Is it a noun or a verb? Is it about charisma and decisive action? Pinstripe suits and power ties? Is it just meant for the happy few, or is there a whole different narrative? Having spent eight years as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Royal Netherlands Army, been an educator for over two decades and, most importantly, with almost half a century of in-the-trenches life experience, Marko’s views are radically different. He appreciates, and shares with you, that leadership really is a state of being and not about the title or position. Leadership is for everyone, every day; it’s how we should live our lives. A quixotic polemicist by nature, Marko is renowned for his practical, street-savvy presentation style. Through a fusion of real-life stories and engaging conversational techniques, he connects with you at an intimate, intense and individual level. Presently, Marko serves as Philosopher-in-Residence, Workshop Facilitator and Bootcamp Instructor at the Wu-Wei Research Institute, a Hong Kong-based think tank concerned with researching discerning questions about the ontological Self and sustainable living in contemporary urban society. Prior to this current position, Marko, a philosopher and human geographer by education and passion, trained senior NATO officers in computer simulated war games and taught, among many others, government officials in Laos.