Jan-Willem Breure is Speaker at Ruben Brave’s DNNL unConference at RaboBank: Together with Michael Musandu (Lalaland.ai) and Mattias Scheek (Sonos)

On January 17, 2025, Rotterdam became the epicenter of forward-thinking ideas and innovation as the Dutch New Narrative Lab Foundation (DNNL) hosted its highly anticipated unConference at the Rabobank headquarters. Among the distinguished speakers was Jan-Willem Breure, the visionary director of the Septimius Awards, who shared the stage with celebrated Dutch entrepreneurs Michael Musandu, founder of Lalaland, and Mattias Scheek, CEO of Sonos. The event highlighted the intersection of creativity, technology, and diversity, attracting professionals from various industries eager to discuss the narratives shaping the future.

Breure, known for his trailblazing efforts in promoting diversity in the film industry, delivered an inspiring talk centered on the global impact of the Septimius Awards. Founded to champion inclusivity in cinema, the awards have become a global platform recognizing talent from underrepresented communities. Breure highlighted the achievements of the Septimius Awards in 2024, underscoring their influence in elevating diverse voices in film and storytelling.

One of the standout moments of his speech was Breure’s announcement of Stedman Graham, renowned author and leadership expert, as the ambassador for the Septimius Awards. Graham, widely known as Oprah Winfrey’s partner, has brought his extensive experience in leadership and personal development to the awards, amplifying their mission of fostering diversity. Breure emphasized the importance of Graham’s involvement, stating, “Having Stedman Graham as our ambassador is a testament to our commitment to global diversity and leadership. His insights inspire us to push boundaries and create opportunities for all voices in the film industry.”

The DNNL unConference also featured engaging discussions with other prominent figures. Michael Musandu, founder of Lalaland, captivated the audience with his vision of leveraging AI to create inclusive virtual fashion experiences. Meanwhile, Mattias Scheek, CEO of Sonos, shared his insights on building a global brand rooted in innovation and customer-centric design. The convergence of these thought leaders created a dynamic atmosphere, bridging the worlds of technology, business, and storytelling.

Breure’s participation extended beyond his keynote speech. He engaged in meaningful conversations with influential figures from Rabobank, exploring potential collaborations that could further the mission of the Septimius Awards. In a dialogue with Fatiha Bouhtia, Rabobank’s Director for Rotterdam, Breure discussed opportunities to support emerging talent and promote inclusivity in creative industries. Their exchange underscored the importance of private-sector partnerships in driving meaningful change.

Additionally, Breure met with Eyup Karso, Director of Rabobank AS, to explore avenues for partnership. Their discussion revolved around aligning Rabobank’s resources and networks with the Septimius Awards’ mission of empowering underrepresented talent. These conversations highlighted Breure’s dedication to building a coalition of supporters committed to fostering diversity on a global scale.

The unConference’s format, which emphasized open dialogue and collaboration, provided an ideal platform for Breure’s message to resonate with attendees. His passion for creating a more inclusive film industry struck a chord with the audience, many of whom expressed admiration for his efforts to address systemic barriers in entertainment. Breure’s ability to connect with diverse stakeholders—from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders—underscored his role as a bridge-builder in the global narrative around diversity.

As the unConference drew to a close, the impact of the event was palpable. Attendees left inspired by the stories shared and the collaborations initiated. The presence of influential figures like Breure, Musandu, and Scheek showcased the power of storytelling and innovation to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.

Jan-Willem Breure’s participation at the DNNL unConference marked yet another milestone in his journey as a champion of diversity. Through the Septimius Awards and his broader advocacy, Breure continues to challenge the status quo, proving that representation matters in all facets of life. His efforts, coupled with the support of like-minded individuals and organizations, are paving the way for a more equitable and creative world.