Experiential learning
for leaders and students
Learning Experiences. Leadership Journeys. Impact Gatherings.
Mission
Bold leaders. High-impact teams. Changemakers.
Rethink {impact studio} crafts experiential learning programs where people connect to the organisations, moments, and ideas for a thriving future. We foster un-learning, dialogue, and experimentation. That's the foundation for every learning experience, leadership journey, and impact gathering we create.
Rethink Leadership
Navigating what comes next requires true leadership that balances the head, heart, and hands.
[Head] Fresh Perspectives
Un-learn and connect with different realities to challenge assumptions, shift mindsets, and develop fresh perspectives.
[Heart] Transformative Leadership
Transformation always starts within. Embrace inner change to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.
[Hands] Collective Action
Turn insights into collective action. Connect diverse voices and foster collaboration to make bold ideas a reality.
What We Do
academic
Learning Experiences
Study & career tours, and experiential learning programs for students.
corporate
Leadership Journeys
Offsites and learning expeditions for leaders and high-impact teams.
community
Impact Gatherings
Event production, programming, and speaker curation for changemakers.
Impact Since 2019
Top universities, scale-ups, and nonprofits trust us
50+
custom experiences delivered
300+
companies & thinkers curated
2000+
changemakers empowered
Patti Brown
Associate Dean for Accredited Programs
"Lionel combines professionalism, creativity, and efficacy, delivering impactful MBA study trips and EMBA networking sessions. Always within budget and beyond expectations. His leadership inspires collective growth, excellence, and lasting impact."
Maxim Romain
CEO & Co-Founder
"Thank you Lionel for your help. The cultural discovery workshop was hugely valuable!"
Dr Nhung Hendy
Professor
"Thank you for your hard work in coordinating this program for me and my students."
Thomas Deflandre
General Manager
Ventures Lab (NBX)
“Lionel's outstanding offsites and workshops for my teams always create a welcoming atmosphere, breaks down barriers, and fosters productive discussions that significantly improved team dynamics and problem-solving.”
Daphné Matthieu
Talent Center Manager
"The MBA participants were really in the best hands! Thank you Rethink for this amazing career trek to London."
Laura di Santolo
Managing Director
"Every organization is lucky to have Lionel on board!"
How we work
Simple, fast, and built around you — even on a tight deadline
Timelines flex to fit yours. Some programs take weeks to build, others come together in days when the context demands it.
| 1. Discovery Call | 2. Custom Design |
|---|---|
| I walk through your goals, audience, and constraints. | I (co-)design the program and assemble the best team around your need. |
| 3. Delivery | 4. Debrief & Impact |
|---|---|
| I'm personally on the ground for every project, from first day to last. | We close the loop: what worked, what shifted, what's next. |
Curious to see how we can help you? Discover our learning experiences, leadership journeys, and impact gatherings.
Who We Are
Beyond learning experience design, we are facilitators, project managers, and connectors.
Our signature human touch drives our work from the first conversation to the moment everyone goes home changed.
| Creativity | Human-Centered |
|---|---|
| Designing imaginative, out-of-the-box formats. | Igniting engagement, alignment, and memories. |
| Rapid Execution | Above & Beyond |
|---|---|
| Delivering exceptional outcomes even under tight deadlines. | Going the extra mile for client success beyond expectation. |
About Lionel
Hi, I am Lionel Exposito
Founder of rethink {impact studio}. Based in Amsterdam. Operating across Europe — in French and English.On a mission to unleash human potential to create better futures, I empower people to make a regenerative future real and inspire them to act.I draw on my background as a management consultant, chief of staff in tech, and as co-founder of a startup community to design experiences that genuinely shift how people think and lead."Leadership isn't learned, it's experienced." — Lionel Exposito
what sets us apart
Get an agency-level capability anchored by founder-led dedication.
| Promise | What you get |
|---|---|
| No One-Size-Fits-All | True transformation can't be copy-pasted. We design bespoke experiences around your unique goals, culture, and challenges. |
| Trusted Partner | Lionel leads every project, ensuring high-impact and seamless execution, drawing on his background as a management consultant and chief of staff in tech. For larger projects, we form a small, trusted team of specialists. You'll always know exactly who's doing what. |
| Total Transparency | Enjoy complete peace of mind. What we promise is exactly what we deliver - no hidden costs, no missed deadlines, and absolute clarity. |
| Safety | Every program we create is built as a safe and inclusive space with safety protocols and 24/7 on-the-ground support. |
Featured Voices
Voices we've brought to boardrooms, classrooms, and events—or could.
An ever-growing ecosystem of changemakers: leaders, academics, artists, and activists.
Kate Raworth
Economist | Author of Doughnut Economics | Ringmaster
Agnes Crepet
Tech Leader, Fairphone | Co-founder, MiXiT
Lesley Li
TEDx Speaker | Fintech Founder
Maurice van Tilburg - Glimne
CEO | COO | Non-Exec Board Member | Artist
Chihiro Geuzebroek
Decolonial Climate Justice Speaker | Singersongwriter
Lena Hartog
Researcher | Filmmaker
The Cost of Growth
Olivier van Beemen
Investigative Journalist, Follow the Money | Author of Heineken in Africa
Josaphat Musamba
Researcher | Deputy Director, GECSH | Film's Scientific Advisor, Of Mud and Blood
Ada Parris
Futurist | Artist | Author of Leadership Legacy (Wiley, 2026)
Soya the Cow
Artist | Performer | Activist
Looking for a voice that matters for your next event?
What we do
Learning Experiences
Equipping students with future-ready skills and direct pathways to meaningful careers
We design and deliver bespoke experiential learning programmes across Europe — built around your learning objectives and leveraging our unique ecosystem of leaders and thinkers. Fostering active learning, engagement, and career readiness.Study Abroad Programs • Career Treks • Venture Building • Field Projects
Study Abroad Programs
Your students spend time in Europe. I handle everything.
What you get: A full end-to-end programme — guest lectures, company visits, cultural experiences, local logistics, on-the-ground support. Designed around your learning objectives, delivered personally by me. From first brief to your return.
Recent Project: 12-day faculty-led study abroad program Business ethics & sustainability in Amsterdam
Client: Towson University
Career Treks
Your MBA students visit the companies that will define their careers in Europe — before they graduate.
What you get: I source the organisations, curate the guest speakers, manage logistics, organize a networking cocktail, offer a city tour, and facilitate every step on the ground. Students leave with contacts, inspiration, and career opportunities.
Recent Projects: MBA career treks to Amsterdam and London • Networking cocktail • Virtual career fair • City tour • The art of networking workshop
Clients: HEC Paris • Oxford Saïd Business School • ESSEC Business School • EDHEC Business School • Codam
Venture Building
From ideation to startup pitch, your students embark on an entrepreneurial journey — with positive impact at the core.
What you get: A 4-day hackathon, a 25-hour course for bachelor or master students, a startup bootcamp, or a design thinking workshop.
Recent Projects: 25h course Regenerative Entrepreneurship in hospitality for Master students • 30h course Entrepreneurship & Innovation for Bachelor students • Rapid prototyping workshop • 4-day hackathon • 10-week startup bootcamp • Mentor at a startup week
Clients: ESSEC Business School • University of Applied Sciences Europe Amsterdam • Mines Saint-Etienne • CentraleSupelec • Aix-Marseille university
Field Projects
Your students want to make a difference. Give them a real-life project where they actually do and see their direct impact.
What you get: I source, brief, and manage real-world assignments partners for your cohort — from Capstone projects with companies or nonprofits to hands-on community projects delivered in partnership with Splash Projects. Students stop simulating and start doing, developing leadership, agile collaboration, and social impact.
Recent Projects: Curation of MBA consulting field projects for 3 years • 4-day Splash Project for ESSCA Angers
Clients: ESSEC Business School
Case Study: Study Abroad Programs
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program in Amsterdam Business Ethics & Sustainability • Towson University
Context
Towson University needed a local partner to bring to life a 12-day study abroad program Business Ethics and Sustainability in Amsterdam for a group of undergraduate students.
What we did
We managed local logistics, curated company visits & guest speakers, and managed the on-the-ground experience with memorable organizations and people including Fairphone, International Criminal Court, Delft TU, Euroclear or Anne Frank's House to name a few. Guest lectures from circular economy practitioners, cultural experiences, and a farewell dinner. Every detail handled personally.
Outcome
By the end of the 12 days, our fantastic group - many in Europe for the first time- had sat with true changemakers, immersed into Dutch culture and seen firsthand that cities and business can be built differently. No one got lost, no one got hurt, every guest speaker showed up, every company opened their doors, and somewhere in #TheHague we accidentally stumbled into a German presidential state visit and swam in a 15.4 degrees water at #Scheveningen.
In their words
"I'm so glad the program was a success and all of the students and you had a great time! I will definitely let my colleagues know about the positive experience I've had working with you and we will be in touch for future program proposals." — L. Jones, Assistant Director - Study abroad and away office, Towson University
Case Study: Venture Building
Innovative & Responsible Entrepreneurship 25-h Course • ESSEC Business School
Context
Hospitality and tourism are undergoing a massive transformation, driven by conscious consumers, visionary entrepreneurs, and the urgent realities of climate change. ESSEC’s globally recognized IMHI program needed a dynamic, cutting-edge module to teach their Master students how to navigate and lead this shift.
What we did
I designed a 1-week experiential course that moved beyond traditional theory to explore hybrid models, regenerative practices, and responsible leadership. The curriculum blended design thinking with impactful storytelling and conscious leadership principles. To bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world, we integrated exclusive dialogues with purpose-driven founders (from organizations like 1% for the Planet and Café Joyeux) and curated an immersive field trip across Paris.
Outcome
The immersive format challenged students to pivot their mindsets from traditional "human-centered" models to "life-centered" hospitality. By forcing them to build, test, and pitch purpose-driven business ideas rapidly, the course equipped the cohort with practical tools to reconcile profit with people and nature. Students graduated from the module not just as future managers, but as empowered, regenerative leaders ready to build a net-positive industry.
In their words
“The teacher really invests himself and pushes students to do the same. Sessions are interactive and thought-provoking. I especially enjoyed visiting innovative sites the diversity of guest speakers. Overall, it has been a very enriching and engaging course.” — Julie, IHMI Master's Student
Ready to build something remarkable for your students?
Leadership Journeys
Elevating leaders and building high-impact teams.
We imagine and facilitate bespoke experiences that spark fresh thinking, boost engagement, and drive positive change for your organization. Built around your team's real strategic challenge. Personally delivered. Rapid execution. No junior handoffs. Grounded in strategic alignment, team dynamics, and lasting impact.Offsites • Learning Expeditions • Authentic Team Building • Innovation Challenges
Offsites
Your leadership team steps away and comes back inspired, aligned, and clear about the next steps.
What you get: Engaging sessions built around the real question on the table — not another boring meeting. We design and facilitate leadership retreats, offsites, and workshops, onsite or at a location for teams at inflection points: strategic reset, post-merger, impact transition. We curate content, foster dialogue and help leaders leave with actionable insights and a dose of creative inspiration & fun along the way.
Recent Projects: Year strategic roadmap • Cultural discovery (post-merger) • Build & lead a high-performing team • Leadership in the new normal • New ways of working and wellbeing
Clients: Philips • Airbus • Decathlon • Cartier • Versuni • Fairphone • Dott • Reckitt
Learning Expeditions
Your team discovers organisations and pioneers at the frontier of what you're trying to figure out — from strategic roadmap to market expansion.
NEW OFFER
What you get: A 2–4 day curated journey built around your team's real strategic question — a new business model, a culture to learn from, a market to understand. I design the itinerary, source the organisations, facilitate the visits, and run the debrief that turns observations into what you do next.
Launching in 2026: Proven across 300+ companies and thinkers curatedfor MBA cohorts at ESSEC, HEC Paris, and EDHEC — now brought directly to leadership teams.
Authentic Team building
Your team is talented. But talent alone doesn't build trust. This is where they start working with each other — not just next to each other.
What you get: A meaningful experience that surfaces team dynamics, builds trust, and unlocks the collective energy sitting just below the surface. Designed around your team's specific moment — new team, post-restructure, or annual seminar.
Formats on demand, ranging from team day and company celebrations to community projects delivered in partnerships with Splash Projects where your team constructs something real for a local nonprofit.
Recent Projects: Ice breaker for new EMBA cohort • (virtual) Team day • Company party • 3-day Splash Community Project
Clients: Reckitt • Dott • HEC Paris
Innovation Challenges
From a single team to the whole company— a live challenge that turns routine into momentum.
What you get: An impactful hackathon-style challenge (from 25 to 250 participants) built around a real strategic question and run in person or hybrid. I bring in guest speakers and expert mentors, design engaging activities alongside the core challenge, and close with an award ceremony. Employees leave with a tested idea, real recognition, and renewed energy, not just a workshop.
Track record: Designed and delivered 4 company-wide hackathons at VEON, a global telecom group, while working on VEON App as chief of staff to the Chief Digital Officer.
Case Study: Offsites
Strategic Offsite for the NBX Leadership Team • Versuni
Context
Versuni's NBX Team had been on a year-long sprint with plans to launch 10 new products this year within its NBX division. They needed an offsite to recalibrate their speedboat course for even faster strides.
What we did
We designed and facilitated a custom one-day offsite to help the NBX Team around 3 pillars: strategic alignment, honest conversation, and team bonding.
Outcome
The offsite successfully energized the team and aligned their strategic vision. It broke down communication barriers, resulting in significantly improved team dynamics, heightened engagement, and a renewed capacity for creative problem-solving.
In their words
"Our recent offsite wasn't just a break—it was key to recalibrating our speedboat course for even faster strides. As a leader, investing in these moments isn't a detour. It's the express way to clarity and business impact that fuels the team's sprint forward. One game-changing exercise we did was to write down our frustrations, share some with the team, and then symbolically burn them all. Thanks Lionel for the organization and coaching." — T. Deflandre, General Manager, Versuni NBX
Case Study: Team Building
Ice Breaker for a new EMBA cohort • HEC Paris
Context
HEC Paris was welcoming two new cohorts of 90 international Executive MBA participants to their campus. Arriving from all over the world, these accomplished professionals were stepping into a high-stakes, life-changing educational journey as complete strangers. The program needed a powerful, immediate intervention to break the ice, dissolve cultural and professional barriers, and lay a foundation of trust for the intensive months ahead.
What we did
We completely bypassed the "usual suspects" of traditional, predictable corporate team-building exercises. Instead, we designed and facilitated a tailor-made, immersive experience rooted in deep dialogue and creative practices. The session guided participants through dynamic physical movement, reflective writing, a custom-crafted card deck game, and thought-provoking group discussions that gently pushed them out of their comfort zones and onto the stage.
Outcome
The atmosphere shifted from formal and reserved to absolutely electrifying. By encouraging curiosity and vulnerability, the session sparked hearty laughter, a few tears, and deeply authentic human connections. The cohorts left the room with their global diverse backgrounds fused into a unified, highly engaged network, perfectly primed to collaborate and succeed together throughout their EMBA journey.
In their words
"Thank you for this incredible event! — P. Brown, Senior Executive Director, Academic Affairs & Program Delivery MBA Programs, HEC Paris
Ready to build something remarkable for your team?
Impact Gatherings
Bringing together changemakers and curious minds to inspire action toward a regenerative future.
Some ideas need more than a conference. They need a room full of people who feel something — and leave ready to act. We bring together artists, thinkers, and activists to create experiences that make the invisible visible: the cost of growth, the possibility of regeneration, the urgency of now. Commissioned by organisations ready to do something that matters. Open to the public when the moment calls for it. Rooted in artivism, climate transition, social justice, and shared futures.Event Production & Programming • Film-Led Dialogues • Speaker Curation
Event Production & Programming
Your organisation has something important to say. Let's make people feel it — not just hear it.
Save the date: Circular Day featuring Kate Raworth on Nov. 20, Amsterdam. Registration to open soon. Follow us on Luma.
What you get: I design and produce impact events for organisations with a theme that deserves a format more powerful than a panel discussion. A doughnut economics circus with Kate Raworth, a film-led dialogue, a curated speaker gathering, a company impact day — whatever the idea calls for, I conceive it, find the right people, and produce it end to end.
Recent Projects: Circular Day • Doughnut Economics Circus in Amsterdam, Paris, and Zurich • Film-Led Dialogue Series: The Cost of Growth · Of Mud and Blood · Hope! We are in time
Clients: AMS Institute • Pakhuis de Zwijger • Doughnut Economics Action Lab • Académie du Climat • One Planet Lab by WWF SwitzerlandTech Makers Amsterdam • French Tech_
Film-Led Dialogues
A shared film, real conversation, a room that leaves inspired and energized by the power of the community.
What you get: A curated film screening paired with a facilitated conversation, turning the evening into a shared moment of reflection on social and climate justice.
Recent Screenings: The Cost of Growth · Of Mud and Blood · Hope! We are in time
Partner: Pakhuis de Zwijger
Speaker Curation
Thought leaders and changemakers brought to your event.
What you get: We curate high-profile speakers and bring them to your company event or public gathering. We handle outreach, content, and logistics, so you get a seamless, inspiring moment.
Featured Voices: Brought 300+ leading voices to classrooms, boardrooms, and events.See who we could bring to your stage: Featured Voices
Case Study: Event Production & Programming
Circular Day • AMS Institute
Context
Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions wanted to bring together its circular ecosystem around a unique event at the intersection of circular economy and art. They missioned us to design, organize, and host a one-day event.
What we did
We produced a vibrant day featuring the Doughnut Economics Circus with Kate Raworth, an open stage with artists and leaders, an art exhibition, a circular fair, food, and live music. Our work included program curation, event promotion and ticketing, F&B management, logistics, and event hosting.
Outcome
The event sold out and generated significant buzz in Amsterdam's impact community. AMS Institute commissioned a second edition. The format has since toured to Paris and Zurich.
In their words
"It was a-ma-zing! 🎪⭐️🎉"— M. Joustra, City of Amsterdam
Ready for a remarkable event for your company, cohort, or community?
Start the conversation
Every great experience starts with one conversation.
Tell me about your students, your team, or your idea. I'll tell you honestly what's possible and whether I'm the right person for it.
Same-day response guaranteed.
email: [email protected]