Laurens Waling is a speaker, moderator, and expert at the intersection of AI, HR, and the future of work. He is known as a bridge builder who connects technological innovation with human perspective and societal impact.
As Chief Evangelist at 8vance, a Dutch-German high-tech scale-up, Laurens focuses on skills-based matching, talent mobility, and regional talent ecosystems. The 8vance AI platform helps organizations rethink how work is organized and how talent is deployed, based on skills, ambition, and potential.
Laurens combines strong technological expertise with extensive experience in participatory and change processes. He previously founded the job-carving platform Part-up, which he successfully sold in 2021. In addition, he supports organizations in complex transformations, often in collaboration across government, healthcare, education, and the private sector.
Over the past year, Laurens has delivered approximately 150 sessions for organizations such as a.s.r., UMCG, Center Parcs, UWV, Randstad, Bidfood, various ministries, large municipalities, and healthcare and educational institutions or partnerships.
As a speaker and moderator, Laurens makes complex topics such as AI in recruitment, internal mobility, and sustainable employability tangible and actionable. His style is energetic, sharp, and interactive, always keeping the human side of technology front and center.
Laurens holds an MSc in Public Administration and Technology (Delft University of Technology, 2006) and completed the Interventiekunde program in 2022. He speaks Dutch and English.