Wiebe Wakker is a sustainable adventurer who in 2016, drove an electric car all the way from the Netherlands to Australia with no money, just relying on the energy of strangers to power both his car with electricity, and himself, with food. Wiebe used his platform to learn more about sustainability, and learnt from people all over the world about the solutions which are available to tackle them. Now, Wiebe is an experienced speaker, regularly giving talks at a wide range of organisations from NGOs, schools, universities and embassies about why we need to switch to more sustainable methods of transportation. Wiebe also shares the titbits of knowledge he gained from his travels with his audience and how collaboration is key to our future.
After obtaining his BA in Arts & Economics from Utrecht University, Netherlands, Wiebe never believe he would one day become an inspirational sustainability speaker. Upon leaving university Wiebe became an Event Manager for IJskoud and then worked in Online Communications at Sensation. In 2013 Wiebe then Founded KlaarWakker, an events company before then beginning his ‘Plug Me In’ project in 2014.
Wiebe started his ‘Plug Me In’ project to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. Having started his journey on the 15th of March 2016, Wiebe travelled through 33 different countries across 95,000km taking him three years to reach Sydney, Australia. Throughout the three years, Wiebe engaged with ministers, ambassadors, sheikhs, mayors, companies and even a royal family on his sustainable journey. Wiebe saw his trip as an amazing way to learn about sustainability solutions that have been successfully implemented by different countries around the world, this led to him interviewing countless sustainable initiatives.
Sharing the sustainability knowledge he gained over his three-year journey in an electric car, Wiebe has become a highly sought-after keynote speaker and has been invited to speak at Heineken, Volkswagen, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Michelin, PwC, Coca-Cola, Dubai Expo 2020, Shell and the Nordic Summit to name a few. Wiebe’s incredible story has been featured in over 2000 online articles, hundreds of newspaper articles and has made 50 TV appearances on a variety of programmes including the BBC, CNN and Top Gear to name a few. Do not miss your chance to hear the inspirational Wiebe Wakker sharing his experiences on sustainability, perseverance and collaboration.
How to hire Wiebe Wakker
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Wiebe Wakker for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Wiebe's official speaking topics are listed below:
- How to live more sustainably
- How to deal with change and uncertainty
- How to achieve goals
- Getting out of your comfort zone
- The possibilities of sustainable mobility
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Wiebe recently told his amazing story at the municipality of Amsterdam at the Department of Space and Sustainability. It is a boy's book full of adventure and challenges that seem insuperable. You could captivate the audience with just the pictures, but during your story, you discuss topics such as sustainability, collaboration and dealing with setbacks. My colleagues left the meeting inspired. Highly recommended!" - Tom, Senior Advisor Zero Emission Mobility, City of Amsterdam
"What an incredibly strong story. Our people at Coca-Cola were very enthusiastic and inspired by Wiebe's story. Beautiful insights and so down to earth, everyone should hear this once!" - Brenda, Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability Assistant, The Coca-Cola Company
"What an inspiring story! During our first physical meeting after a long time, we asked Wiebe to take us along on his journey. Wiebe stood on the stage as himself. Open and honest, with humour and lots of visuals, he makes you think. Wiebe taught us that you don't have to be afraid of the unknown. A little courage to take the deep dive helps. He gives striking examples that make you realise again that you are always judging, where this is often wrong. By trusting in the goodness of people, beautiful collaborations spontaneously arise.
Are you looking for an example where the goal is clear, but the journey is unknown? Do you want to be made to think simultaneously about following your dreams where sustainability is an important theme? I can recommend Wiebe to you." - Rob, CEO, Move Beyond
"Innovation, sustainability, inspiration, adventure, humour, life lessons and so on and so forth. I enjoyed Wiebe's presentation at Hoogheemraadschap Delfland about his trip to Australia and all the life lessons he learned from it. It was very inspiring to hear Wiebe talk about the ups and downs and even though I will never make such a journey myself, the 'journey' and development of the person Wiebe is very recognisable.
Wiebe takes you completely along in his car in just under 50 minutes and the joy of crossing the finish line was tangible even for me because I was so carried along. Wiebe, thank you for your beautiful story, I wish and hope that you may inspire many more people and I and many of my colleagues are eagerly awaiting your book!" - Noeska, Programme Secretary Development Programmes, Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland
"Wiebe is an inspiring and enthusiastic speaker! The very same week he concluded his world tour in an electric vehicle, he took the time to come into the LinkedIn Sydney office to tell his story. He inspired many of my colleagues on the possibilities of EVs! I would highly recommend Wiebe as a public speaker." - Huub, APAC Insights Lead, LinkedIn
"At 'Impact Event Sustainable Zeist', Wiebe gave a fantastic presentation about his journey in an electric car from the Netherlands to Australia. During his lively talk, interspersed with anecdotes, self-mockery and humour, everyone was hanging on his every word. Many beautiful photos and videos made his story and the challenges he faced understandable. This can inspire everyone in the field of sustainable mobility, the goodness of people and problem-solving!" - Hans, Organiser, Impact Event Duurzaam Zeist
"DB Breweries/HEINEKEN was lucky to host Wiebe on the last leg of his around-the-world trip in New Zealand. Wiebe’s authentic, easy-going style presentation style was well-received by our staff and his talk was entertaining and informative. Our staff came away more informed about EVs and inspired them to live a little more sustainably in their own lives." - Rosie, Sustainability Manager, DB Breweries
"We really enjoyed Wiebe's stories about his bizarre trip to Australia in an electric car. It was very inspiring to hear him talk about the more than 95,000 kilometres and 33 countries of the longest journey ever in an electric car. With his down-to-earth humorous comments on the visual spectacle, Wiebe knows how to captivate to the end. You get the urge to travel and it helps almost therapeutically against 'range anxiety!'" - Richard, Senior Policy Advisor Sustainable Mobility, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
"As an innovation centre in the creative industry, we are always looking for inspiration: Wiebe certainly gave us that. With his story about his world trip in an electric car, he managed to enthuse the companies in the room and, not unimportantly, make them laugh. Wiebe speaks in a down-to-earth and spontaneous way and really stands as himself on the stage. He makes you think, not only about sustainability but especially about jumping in at the deep end and going on an adventure. I can heartily recommend Wiebe as a speaker in the business world." - Anne, Project Manager, Perron038
"Wiebe's ability to convey his journey engagingly and authentically made a profound impact on all attendees, captivated the audience and left us inspired. His genuine passion for a sustainable future was evident throughout his talk, as he shared the challenges and triumphs he experienced during his long journey. His anecdotes and visuals brought his adventure to life and encouraged us to consider the importance of embracing eco-friendly solutions in our everyday lives.
Not only was Wiebe an exceptional storyteller, but he also demonstrated a deep understanding of the current issues surrounding sustainability. His vast knowledge in these areas allowed him to present complex topics in an approachable and relatable way, which resonated with the audience on a personal level.
As a speaker, Wiebe is incredibly personable and approachable. He has a unique ability to connect with a diverse audience, and his enthusiasm for his subject matter is contagious. His presentation left us all with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to take action towards a more sustainable future." - Aymen, Head of Customer Engagement Solutions, Smart
- 2020 - Spoke at Dubai Expo 2020
- 2016 - Embarked on a road trip using an electric car from the Netherlands to Australia
- 2014 - Launched 'Plug Me In' Project
- 2013 - Founded KlaarWakker
- 2011 - Event Manager for IJskoud
