Our society is a prototype: what will you help rebuild?
From Twente engineer to social entrepreneurship: Leonie van der Steen on social innovation in the construction sector, ownership, and leading with purpose. Expert in system change in the built environment at Boer & Croon and Squarewise, and co-owner of a 'stewardowned' organization.
Leonie van der Steen is on a mission: how can we create societal systems that are not only sustainable and effective, but also just for all life? As a strategic thinker, connector, and catalyst for change, she works on the energy transition, bio-based construction, and the development of a new economic system. She firmly believes that everyone can contribute to major societal transitions—but only if they know the impact they want to make.
At the University of Twente, Van der Steen truly embodied the university’s More Than A Degree philosophy. Alongside her studies in Civil Engineering, she was actively involved with Audentis, served on the board of the Student Union, and became a partner at PIP Advice, a consultancy entirely run by master’s students. During her time at Boer&Croon and Squarewise, she established herself as a sought-after expert in systems change within the built environment and became an entrepreneur in a steward-owned organisation. As Leonie puts it: “We strive for an ego-free and eco-friendly world. Unconventional and independent. That means you shouldn’t have owners or managers standing in the way.”
Leonie is a social entrepreneur through and through. She co-founded the Gideons Movement, a community of around 1,200 bold pioneers committed to driving positive change in the construction sector. Today, she is primarily focused on the regenerative estate De Kleverbergh, where she is bringing her vision for the future to life—creating a place that reflects her ideals and that she will one day call home.
Please note: Session in Dutch with real-time translation.