EP19: Inger Kammeraat on Letting Go of Control, Leading with Intuition, and Building Sustainable Futures

Inger Kammeraat is the Executive Director of ULI Netherlands and a strategic adviser on sustainability, equity, and leadership in the built environment. With a background in architecture and over five years as Managing Director at MVRDV—one of the most prominent architecture firms globally. But behind the titles is a deeper story.

In this episode, Inger reflects on her journey from Mozambique to Uganda to managing a global architecture firm with over 350 employees. She shares what it means to lead with values, how to find clarity in transitions, and why trusting your gut can be the most strategic decision.

We talk about how to build a culture with care, lead without ego, and why intuition is more strategic than we think. She also discusses the power of reflection and journaling and why she focuses on improving this world.

This is a conversation for anyone at a crossroads—personally or professionally—seeking more honest leadership, social equity, and sustainable progress.

Chapters:

1. Starting the Day: Between Intuition and Routine
2. Growing Up in Zeeland and Choosing Architecture Without a Plan
3. Early Fieldwork in the Bijlmer: Learning Through People
4. Discovering That Organising, Not Designing, Was Her Path
5. The Power of Taking Responsibility Early in Your Career
6. Finding Energy in Building Processes, Not Just Buildings
7. From Working Student to Managing Director at MVRDV
8. Leadership, Trust, and Letting Others Grow
9. Staying Calm When Things Fall Apart
10. Mozambique: A Turning Point in Perspective and Resilience
11. The Challenge of Leadership During the Pandemic
12. The Compliment Notebook: Holding On to Kindness
13. Staying True to Yourself in Fast-Paced Environments
14. Sustainability as a Lifestyle and Responsibility
15. Being a Human Being First, Always