Influencer Steven de Lira: Unlocking Human Potential
Interview September 2023
Steven, what would you call the upcoming events from the 4th – 9th of September, where you will be presenting a Masterclass and workshops in Curaçao?
It is called: “Unlocking Human Potential: The First Human Development and Innovation Week in Curaçao”.
How important is the event in terms of the need to teach the importance of Social-Emotional Learning / social-emotional development?
It is a watershed moment for Social-Emotional Development in Curaçao. The First Human Development and Innovation Week in Curaçao marks an epochal shift in how we think about talent and human capability. More than just another event, this week aims to transform not just the physical landscape of the island but also the mental and emotional landscapes of its people. Our primary goal is to position social-emotional learning and development as a cornerstone of Curaçao’s national agenda. Investing in our people’s social and emotional well-being is vital to building a resilient, innovative, and future-ready society.
Why did you choose to present this in Curaçao? And why Now?
The island of Curaçao is not just a physical location; it’s a potent symbol of untapped human potential. Organized by Curemotions and iSeekMe, the week aims to provide tools for everyone—be it individuals or organizations—to renew their life strategies and improve their career prospects. As the founder of iSeekMe and a proud son of Curaçao, I’m delighted to contribute to this initiative. Our goals go beyond just a single event. We plan to make the Human Development and Innovation Week an annual tradition, supported by various organizations to maximize its impact.
If you’re a C-level executive struggling to implement your
strategy despite solid plans, this masterclass is for you.
Why would you approach specifically members at the C-level of organizations?
It is what I would call: “The Imperative for C-Level Transformation: A Masterclass with Steven de Lira”. In a fast-changing world characterized by technological advancements such as AI, organizations are grappling with how to stay ahead. One critical challenge that often gets overlooked is our individualistic mindset. To build sustainable solutions for the future, we need to shift from asking ‘What’s in it for me?’ to ‘What’s in it for WE?’ If you’re a C-level executive struggling to implement your strategy despite solid plans, this masterclass is for you. With over 20 years of experience in organizational development and as the author of ‘Everyone is a Mentor,’ I’ll share insights that can increase your productivity by 20% and double the motivation within your team. Join me on September 4th at Hotel Acoya from 4-7 p.m. for a transformative session conducted in Dutch.
Is this a one-time event?
Far from it. It is a sustained commitment where collaboration is key. Our aspirations extend beyond just one week. Not only do we aim to establish this week as an annual event, but we’re also focused on creating lasting partnerships with like-minded organizations. Our objective is to systematically integrate social-emotional learning as a competency within the national agenda.
Why are you also focusing on the youth and younger generations?
We are dedicating special attention to the youth because we want to help young people transform their lives. We’re particularly concerned about the youth in Curaçao. With approximately 28,292 young people aged 15-24 according to recent CBS statistics, there’s a pressing need for positive role models and mentoring. Many come from broken homes, often lacking the guiding hand of a father figure. Our colonial past and its continuing effects also add another layer of complexity.
That’s why, at iSeekMe, we’re committing to a daring ambition: to provide an independent mentor network to every one of these young people within the next four years. Partnering with Prof. Michaela Schippers, whose research has shown that young people who set and publicly share their goals experience better academic success and overall happiness, we’re gearing up to make a lasting impact.
During the Human Development and Innovation Week, we’re formally launching this ambitious initiative and inviting local businesses to participate. By providing senior mentors, these organizations will not only be investing in the youth but also their own future talent pool. This is far more than just an event; it’s the first step in a transformational journey. Join us to make this vision a reality.
Steven, can you tell us more about yourself?
I was born in Curaçao in 1973, I am the founder of iSeekMe and the author of the book ‘Everyone is a Mentor’. Rooted in years of introspection and exploration of the Caribbean cultural wisdom, the book champions the idea that personal development is inherently a social process. You can’t know yourself without engaging with others—hence, everyone is indeed a mentor.
I am an engineer by training, with a passion for data analytics and I infuse my work with empirical depth. My company, iSeekMe, serves as a vehicle for this vision: ‘Accelerating equal opportunities for everyone towards a future-fit society.’ One of my key initiatives is creating a scalable platform of mentors to democratize access to growth opportunities. But I am not just a data geek; I am also fond of innovative thinking. My incisive perspective on creating resilient, future-ready societies is compelling, making me a sought-after speaker. I was a finalist in the 2022 TEDx Impact program in Amsterdam.
With more than 15 years of experience in coaching, my range of influence spans from schoolchildren in Curaçao to young professionals in the municipality of The Hague, and even to seasoned bankers and managers at institutions like ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and the Dutch Ministry of the Interior. I am a lecturer on Social Value Creation and Design Thinking at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, fusing practical skills with sociocultural insights.
My unique life journey bridges my native Curaçao and my professional advancements in the Netherlands. This allows me to blend the best of both worlds in my work. My voice stands out as an integrative force in society, resonating with anyone interested in harnessing human potential to its fullest.
More info or connect
Platform: www.iseekme.com
Blogs: www.iseekme.com/author/delira
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevendelira
Check also our first interview with Steven de Lira
One of the 250 Influencers
Steven de Lira is an inspiring, driven, passionate, change agent of what he calls:’ Someone who wants to Accelerate equal opportunities for everyone towards a future-fit society.’ His proactive collaborative mindset has led him to easily connect and collaborate with Curemotion.
From 4 to 9 of September Steven will be in Curaçao sharing his insights and asking for collaboration with all those interested in a sustainable approach. What makes Steven stand out is, his advocacy of a need for a paradigm shift from ‘What’s in it for me?’ to ‘What’s in it for WE?’. For all these reasons, we consider Steven de Lira one of the 250 Influencers of Curaçao, representing the Educational Sector, and is going to help create big impacts in our society with other like-minded people.
Look at the list of the Influencers we have interviewed or reported on, up to now.