Mariska Kesteloo
Founder
Word of MICE
About the Speaker
Entrepreneur, public speaker and Past-President of MPI in Belgium. With more than 25 years' experience in tourism and the meetings and events sector, Mariska is considered an authority in the industry. Passionate about storytelling, Mariska founded her company Word of MICE in 2017. Her company connects the meetings industry with the right influencers, to tell meeting suppliers' stories in an authentic, creative and professional way. She is convinced of the impact and potential of B2B influencer marketing and her mission is to create a global active community of influencers, content creators and ambassadors. In 2021 she lost four of her loved ones in just five months, including her husband. A challenging time where she had to reinvent herself, and learn how to deal with loss and grief. She now wants to share her journey and learning with others.
Matchmaking Information
Attending
Speaker's Sessions (3)
Date
Session
Well-being

Navigating anticipatory grief: Preparing for change before it happens
Anticipatory grief—the feeling of loss before it occurs can affect employees facing changes like a restructuring, personal health challenges, or aging loved ones. Reflect on how anticipatory grief impacts both individuals and teams, in a supportive environment for sharing. Gain practical strategies for managing this often-overlooked form of grief.
Learning outcomes:
Recognize and understand anticipatory grief in yourself and others, and develop coping strategies to manage uncertainty and change
Communicate effectively and empathetically during periods of anticipatory grief
Share a sense of connection and validation through shared experiences
Leadership
Well-being
Company culture
Belonging
Speakers (2)
Karen Bolinger
CEO/Founder, Karen Bolinger ConsultingMariska Kesteloo
Founder, Word of MICESponsors (1)
Session
Well-being

Leading through grief: Supporting teams and yourself as a leader
Gain the tools, insights and emotional intelligence to navigate your teams through grief—whether its grief caused by loss, life transitions or global challenges. The open, campfire invites you to share your experiences, hear practical advice from peers, and learn strategies for fostering a compassionate and supportive workplace during difficult times.
Learning outcomes:
Foster peer-to-peer connection by sharing and listening to real-life leadership experiences and gain practical tips for leading with empathy during grief
Understand how grief manifests in the workplace and the challenges it creates
Build a toolbox of strategies to support team members while managing your own emotions
Leadership
Well-being
Company culture
Speakers (2)
Karen Bolinger
CEO/Founder, Karen Bolinger ConsultingMariska Kesteloo
Founder, Word of MICESponsors (1)
Session
Leadership and Culture

Tough Talk: Leading through loss—navigating grief, building resilience and embracing leadership
Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences, impacting us in many ways—whether in our personal lives or professional journeys. Loss can come in many forms, from the passing of a loved one to career disruptions or unexpected changes in business dynamics. As leaders, we are often called upon to navigate these challenges while continuing to support our teams and maintain a sense of purpose.
In this intimate Chatham house rules session, reflect on the various dimensions of grief and loss, share experiences and discuss practical strategies for building resilience—ensuring that even in the face of adversity, you can continue to lead with strength and clarity.
Learning outcomes:
Gain insight into how grief and loss manifest
Understand how to navigate loss while maintaining a sense of purpose, innovation, and compassion
Enhance your ability to lead authentically and empathetically during times of uncertainty and challenge



