News & inspiration

Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

The European paradox of facts and feelings

Abstract: Western European societies in the 21st century are defined by a profound paradox. While empirical evidence points to two decades of remarkable progress across health, education, and safety, a pervasive public narrative of societal decline has taken hold. This analysis examines this disconnect not as public misperception, but as a complex phenomenon rooted in human psychology, media architecture, economic precarity, and political strategy. We propose the "Architecture of Apprehension".

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

VSME vs B Corp’s BIA

Welke sustainability reporting tool past bij jouw bedrijf?

Als impact branding bureau dat zelf B Corp gecertificeerd is, krijgen we steeds vaker de vraag: ‘Wat is nou het verschil tussen VSME en de BIA (B Corp Impact Assessment)?’ Terechte vraag, het aanbod aan duurzaamheid standaarden groeit sneller dan we kunnen bijhouden. Tijd om dit verschil uit te leggen.

Wat is VSME eigenlijk?

VSME staat voor Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs. Dat klinkt ingewikkeld, maar het idee erachter is juist heel simpel.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

The science of living well: A reality-based guide to happiness

So what's the point, really?

Picture this: You're a tiny collection of atoms that somehow learned to question its own existence. Pretty wild when you think about it, right? You're basically stardust with a case of the Monday blues.

Here's where it gets interesting. Science doesn't hand us a cosmic memo titled "The Purpose of Your Life" (wouldn't that be convenient?). Instead, it offers something arguably more useful: an understanding of how we got here and what makes us tick.

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Ayu Koene Ayu Koene

Sometimes you need an outsider to see things clearly.

Real growth comes from stepping outside. That’s why we launched our ‘Outsider’ survey—to listen, refine, and build services together. Want to shape where we go next? It’s five minutes, and you could win the Let’s Play Equal game.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Re-certified in ‘25

On May 28, 2025, BR-ND People proudly achieved its third B Corp recertification, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to using business as a force for good. Our latest B Impact Score soared to 112.9, a substantial increase from our previous scores. This achievement underscores our dedication to continuous improvement and positive impact .

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Ayu Koene Ayu Koene

Our impact in 2024

The real story behind our progress.

Curious what impact really looks like behind the scenes? Our 2024 Impact Report is out now - packed with bold moves, screw ups, and the people and projects that made it all matter. From B Corp wins to board games that break taboos, it’s a story worth reading. Dive in and see what doing good looks like at full speed.

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Ayu Koene Ayu Koene

Regelheld gezocht

Wij zoeken een enthousiaste Regelheld die in de periode half april tot juni 2025 ons team in Amsterdam komt versterken voor 2 à 3 dagen per week. Een prachtige kans voor wie graag snel actie neemt en impact wil maken voor opdrachtgevers in de circulaire toekomst van Amsterdam en in de shift van ongezonde naar gezonde voeding.

Deze klus is perfect voor een ervaren werkstudent, bolleboos, of interim fixer die in korte tijd veel wil bereiken, plezier wil maken én bijdragen aan impact.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

A year of purpose-driven transformations

A year of purpose-driven transformations

Let's celebrate the remarkable organizations that chose to work with BR-ND People to create meaningful impact in 2024 and beyond. Each client is writing their own chapter in developing a better future, and we are proud to support them and share their stories.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Superheroes wanted for the Impact Board of BR-ND People! 🚀

2025 is going to be a game-changer, and we need you to make it happen! At BR-ND People, we’re on a mission to make the world better, happier, and more sustainable. Since 2012, when we were younger and maybe a little more reckless, we’ve been working to prove that doing good for people can transform the world. Fast forward over a decade, and our mission feels more urgent than ever. With global crises, growing polarization, and a healthcare system under pressure, it's time for bold action.

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Guest User Guest User

A new chapter for the 23plusone visual values method.

On November 23rd, a remarkable moment unfolded, marking a new era for The 23plusone Collective. In a joyous gathering, Kim Cramer and Alexander Koene, founders of BR-ND People and inventors of the 23plusone methodology, passed the torch to a newly formed, independent organization, called The 23plusone Collective.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

B Lab evolving to a new assessment framework by 2025

B Lab, the nonprofit behind B Corp Certification, is making a significant shift from its current 5-domain assessment framework to a more detailed and nuanced model with 9 domains. This transition, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, reflects B Lab's commitment to a comprehensive approach to assessing corporate responsibility and impact.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Crisis in the Dutch healthcare system? Call for change!

In the shadow of our once-proud healthcare system, originally designed to be a beacon of hope and healing, a significant crisis has emerged. Since the national health insurance fund was abolished in 2006, the healthcare landscape has become a tangled web of bureaucracy and competition.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Over democratisering van organisatie strategie…

Strategievorming heeft lange tijd iets weg gehad van een dictatuur. In veel organisaties wordt de koers bepaald door een kleine groep: de CEO en zijn C-suite. Zij bedenken, zij beslissen, en vervolgens wordt die top-down strategie uitgerold over de rest van de organisatie. Het lijkt op een autocratisch regime waar een select gezelschap achter gesloten deuren bepaalt wat goed is voor het collectief.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Beach social ‘24

We couldn’t have asked for better weather or better company at our Beach Social 2024! As the summer fades and autumn settles in, with shorter days, falling leaves, and rain replacing our sunny flip-flop days, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful time we had last week at Azorra Beachclub Scheveningen.

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Laura van Rooijen Laura van Rooijen

🚀 The launch was a success! 🚀

A Journey of Innovation

Since 2006, 23plusone has been dedicated to understanding and enhancing the human experience through our unique card sets. Over the years, we’ve continually updated and refined our cards to ensure they meet the evolving needs and values of our users.

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Ayu Koene Ayu Koene

New Employment Contract!

At BR-ND People, we believe in happiness at work.

Leading by example of fellow B Corps Tony’s Chocolonely and Blyde, we present our upgraded employment contract bound to make you smile.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Use your vote for the world we want.

Dearest people of Europe,

In three days, on June 6, 2024, we will have an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future together. From June 6 to 9, millions of Europeans will make their voices heard in the European elections. This is the time to speak your heart and leave an important imprint for all of us.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

Our adventures at the B Leaders for Good Summit 2024

We, Kim Cramer and Alexander Koene, proudly stand among these changemakers. As founders of BR-ND People, a certified B Corp since 2017, and The 23plusone Collective, and co-founders of Let's Play Equal, our vision has been clear: to create a new type of economy that benefits the many, not the few. This year, our journey took us to the B Leaders for Good Summit 2024 at the iconic Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam, where we embarked on a whirlwind adventure of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.

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Alexander Koene Alexander Koene

HIRING 🩷 Impact maker

Role: Community & Project Champion
Key tasks:

  • Community support for The 23plusone Collective

  • Project supervision of The 23plusone Collective

  • Barista for BR-ND People and clients (no worries, the Quickmill is automatic)

Location: Amsterdam
Time: 2-3 days per week

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