Join us for a powerful evening with Jitske Kramer, Dutch bestselling author, corporate anthropologist and international speaker, to explore the messy middle of transformation.

Navigating Tricky Times:

Leading Through the Messy Middle of Change

Change rarely comes easy. Especially not now.

We are living in liminal times — caught between what was and what will be, a time when clarity dissolves and transformation begins. Amidst uncertainty, shifting power shifts, and conflicting narratives.

To mark the release of the English edition of Tricky Times, we invite you to a unique public lecture where Jitske Kramer brings the insights of her book to life — a rare occasion, as she usually speaks only in in-company settings.

What to expect

A dynamic talk by Jitske Kramer on how to navigate the chaos of change, deal with tricksters, and become a liminal leader in these in-between times.
A live interview and sharp reflections by Dolf Jansen, Dutch comedian, columnist and host.
A participatory Q&A with the audience.
A vibrant networking reception with drinks & deeper dialogue.

For whom

This evening is for leaders, change makers, HR professionals, team facilitators, educators, coaches, consultants, thinkers and doers.

For anyone who wants to better understand what is going on in society, in organizations, and in themselves — and how to act wisely amid complexity.

Since Jitske usually speaks in Dutch, this evening is especially meant for English-speaking audiences. So: spread the word to your international colleagues, neighbors, leaders, and friends — let’s help Tricky Times take flight across borders.

Practical Details

Let’s not get lost in chaos. Let’s find language, insight and connection to move forward – together. We’ve done it before. We can do it again.

Jitske kramer
on stage

Nordic Buisness Forum Helsinki

32:00

Organizations as Purpose Driven Tribes

41:00

English Edition: 3 September 2025!

About the book:

TRICKY TIMES – Navigating the Messy Middle of Change

In Tricky Times, Jitske Kramer unravels the complexities of transformations and cultural change.

Fascinated by the myriad changes impacting our world and universally fierce emotions they are arousing, best-selling Dutch author and anthropologist Jitske Kramer set out to unravel the patterns of this liminal time. In clear language she describes the opportunities, the dangers and the lures during major changes. When wild stories confound, tricksters continually toy with truth and power relations shift.

“Jitske Kramer combines deep, penetrating analysis with a style of writing that is widely accessible. Tricky Times offers a thought-provoking diagnosis of our current condition but also indicates ways out of it. It deserves a wide readership”

Bjørn Thomassen

Professor in Global Political Sociology at Roskilde University.

“Jitske Kramer doesn’t simply describe the modern experience of burgeoning cultural change that is infected by tricksters and false prophets, she also offers sound advice for handling it all. In these times of relentless uncertainty, one thing is certain: we need this book.”

Robert Cialdini

Author of Influence and Pre-Suasion

“Jitske Kramer offers a completely original, challenging, and practically useful take on change. Tricky Times has the power to transform you and your organization. Approach with excitement!”

Stuart Crainer en Des Dearlove

Founders Thinkers50, “The Oscars of Management Thinking” (Financial Times)

“In a world where the ability to adapt is paramount, Kramer's insights provide a valuable compass for anyone seeking to lead through the complexities of transformation.”

Erin Meyer

New York Times bestselling author of No Rules Rules and The Culture Map

“Jitske Kramer is the most important thinker you never heard of yet. Tricky Times will be her breakthrough.”

Joris Luyendijk

Journalist, anthropologist and author of Swimming With Sharks

“If you want to understand these tricky times, you need to read Jitske Kramer!”

Thijs Launspach

Author of Crazy Busy

“If you read but one book this year, let it be Tricky Times by Jitske Kramer. Rich, enlightening, confrontational, entertaining, multidimensional, sharp, insightful, and wise. Big changes are going to come, be prepared.”

Ronald Giphart

Writer

“It is everything you wish for in a non-fiction book. Well-written, with new insights and concepts. Jitske Kramer shows that there are hopeful answers for chaos and crisis.”

Daan Roovers

Philosopher and former Philosopher Laureate for the Netherlands

“A striking and extremely relevant book about these times, a liminal period towards a new way of living.”

Herman Wijffels

Former chairman of the Dutch Social-Economical Board, and professor Sustainability and Societal Change