Authors & Speakers
Known from "But you still laugh, right?" & the Let's Break the Shame Foundation. Iris and Mae talk about life —the joys, the struggles, and everything in between.
Authors & Speakers
Known from "But you still laugh, right?" & the Let's Break the Shame Foundation. Iris and Mae talk about life —the joys, the struggles, and everything in between.
We get it— life’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected drops.
Finding out who you are while keeping your cool in
We get it— life’s full of twists, turns, and unexpected drops.
Finding out who you are while keeping your cool in this ever-changing
world can feel like a challenge.
But don’t worry, we’re here to share some genuine
and refreshing talks on mental wellbeing, inclusion,
and growing through it all, no matter what comes next.
this ever-changing world can feel like a challenge.
But don’t worry, we’re here to share some genuine
and refreshing talks on mental wellbeing, inclusion,
and growing through it all, no matter what comes next.
Het leven is een achtbaan- uitvinden wie je bent en je hoofd cool houden in een steeds sneller veranderende wereld in de tussentijd. Iris & Mae brengen verfrissende en oprechte lezingen omtrent mental wellbeing, Inclusion, en persoonlijke groei.
''But you still laugh, right?''
Throughout their younger lives, Mae and Iris both dealt with depression. And their whole lives, they have encountered misunderstanding. Because everyone feels a bit down sometimes, right? Aren't they lacking in anything? And aren't they just being a little dramatic?
In But You Are Still Laughing? Mae Zaal and Iris de With clear away the prejudices and misunderstandings about depression and break the shame and taboos. They openly share their loneliest moments, coping mechanisms, and how they have learned to live with this mental illness.
Their message: you are not alone. But You Are Still Laughing? is a candid and raw story about depression, through which readers can feel heard, seen, and supported.
''But you still laugh, right?''
Throughout their younger lives, Mae and Iris both dealt with depression. And their whole lives, they have encountered misunderstanding. Because everyone feels a bit down sometimes, right? Aren't they lacking in anything? And aren't they just being a little dramatic?
In But You Are Still Laughing? Mae Zaal and Iris de With clear away the prejudices and misunderstandings about depression and break the shame and taboos. They openly share their loneliest moments, coping mechanisms, and how they have learned to live with this mental illness.
Their message: you are not alone. But You Are Still Laughing? is a candid and raw story about depression, through which readers can feel heard, seen, and supported.
Throughout their younger lives, Mae and Iris both dealt with depression. And their whole lives, they have encountered misunderstanding. Because everyone feels a bit down sometimes, right? Aren't they lacking in anything? And aren't they just being a little dramatic?
In But You Are Still Laughing? Mae Zaal and Iris de With clear away the prejudices and misunderstandings about depression and break the shame and taboos. They openly share their loneliest moments, coping mechanisms, and how they have learned to live with this mental illness.
Their message: you are not alone. But You Are Still Laughing? is a candid and raw story about depression, through which readers can feel heard, seen, and supported.
''But you still laugh, right?''
Throughout their younger lives, Mae and Iris both dealt with depression. And their whole lives, they have encountered misunderstanding. Because everyone feels a bit down sometimes, right? Aren't they lacking in anything? And aren't they just being a little dramatic?
In "But you are still laughing, right?" Mae Zaal and Iris de With clear away the prejudices and misunderstandings about depression and break the shame and taboos. They openly share their loneliest moments, coping mechanisms, and how they have learned to live with this mental illness.
Their message: you are not alone.
(Book available in Dutch only)
''But you still laugh, right?''
Throughout their younger lives, Mae and Iris both dealt with depression. And their whole lives, they have encountered misunderstanding. Because everyone feels a bit down sometimes, right? Aren't they lacking in anything? And aren't they just being a little dramatic?
In But You Are Still Laughing? Mae Zaal and Iris de With clear away the prejudices and misunderstandings about depression and break the shame and taboos. They openly share their loneliest moments, coping mechanisms, and how they have learned to live with this mental illness.
Their message: you are not alone. But You Are Still Laughing? is a candid and raw story about depression, through which readers can feel heard, seen, and supported.
''But you still laugh, right?''
Throughout their younger lives, Mae and Iris both dealt with depression. And their whole lives, they have encountered misunderstanding. Because everyone feels a bit down sometimes, right? Aren't they lacking in anything? And aren't they just being a little dramatic?
In But You Are Still Laughing? Mae Zaal and Iris de With clear away the prejudices and misunderstandings about depression and break the shame and taboos. They openly share their loneliest moments, coping mechanisms, and how they have learned to live with this mental illness.
Their message: you are not alone. But You Are Still Laughing? is a candid and raw story about depression, through which readers can feel heard, seen, and supported.
Their expertise in the field of mental health enables them
to develop programs, workshops, and training that create supportive
environments in which people can thrive. In addition to these
initiatives, both Mae and Iris give lectures on impactful and often
controversial subjects, such as self-development, leadership, self-confidence,
anxiety, diversity & inclusion, and safety in the workplace. With their lectures
they inspire growth, challenge existing norms, and empower individuals
and organizations to bring about meaningful change.
Their expertise in the field of mental health enables them
to develop programs, workshops, and training that create supportive
environments in which people can thrive. In addition to these
initiatives, both Mae and Iris give lectures on impactful and often
controversial subjects, such as self-development, leadership, self-confidence,
anxiety, diversity & inclusion, and safety in the workplace. With their lectures
they inspire growth, challenge existing norms, and empower individuals
and organizations to bring about meaningful change.
The Power Duo
The Power Duo
Iris & Mae:
Iris & Mae:
Iris' childhood was shaped by the turbulent relationship and divorce of her parents, teaching her to navigate uncertainty from an early age. This experience not only gave her a deep understanding of the importance of stability but also equipped her with valuable skills such as resilience, independence, and empathy. Iris consciously chose her own path, focusing on well-being and personal growth.
She now uses her experiences, along with her strong sense of self-awareness and insight, to help others. She is best known as the co-founder of the successful foundation Let’s Break the Shame, an international mental health organization. Additionally, she has worked as a mental health ambassador on various online campaigns, gained experience in people management, delivered talks at schools and companies, supported children in difficult home situations as a mentor, and served as a youth ambassador within humanitarian volunteer organizations. Over the past few years, she has published three books on personal growth and mental resilience, with her latest book under contract with HarperCollins.
Furthermore, she has obtained certifications in Storytelling, Suicide Prevention, Diversity & Inclusion, and Media Literacy. With her unique combination of compassion, empowerment, and motivation, Iris helps others overcome their challenges and build a meaningful life.
Iris' childhood was shaped by the turbulent relationship and divorce of her parents, teaching her to navigate uncertainty from an early age. This experience not only gave her a deep understanding of the importance of stability but also equipped her with valuable skills such as resilience, independence, and empathy. Iris consciously chose her own path, focusing on well-being and personal growth.
She now uses her experiences, along with her strong sense of self-awareness and insight, to help others. She is best known as the co-founder of the successful foundation Let’s Break the Shame, an international mental health organization. Additionally, she has worked as a mental health ambassador on various online campaigns, gained experience in people management, delivered talks at schools and companies, supported children in difficult home situations as a mentor, and served as a youth ambassador within humanitarian volunteer organizations. Over the past few years, she has published three books on personal growth and mental resilience, with her latest book under contract with HarperCollins.
Furthermore, she has obtained certifications in Storytelling, Suicide Prevention, Diversity & Inclusion, and Media Literacy. With her unique combination of compassion, empowerment, and motivation, Iris helps others overcome their challenges and build a meaningful life.
Iris
Iris
Iris' childhood was shaped by the turbulent relationship and divorce of her parents, teaching her to navigate uncertainty from an early age. This experience not only gave her a deep understanding of the importance of stability but also equipped her with valuable skills such as resilience, independence, and empathy. Iris consciously chose her own path, focusing on well-being and personal growth.
She now uses her experiences, along with her strong sense of self-awareness and insight, to help others. She is best known as the co-founder of the successful foundation Let’s Break the Shame, an international mental health organization. Additionally, she has worked as a mental health ambassador on various online campaigns, gained experience in people management, delivered talks at schools and companies, supported children in difficult home situations as a mentor, and served as a youth ambassador within humanitarian volunteer organizations. Over the past few years, she has published three books on personal growth and mental resilience, with her latest book under contract with HarperCollins.
Furthermore, she has obtained certifications in Storytelling, Suicide Prevention, Diversity & Inclusion, and Media Literacy. With her unique combination of compassion, empowerment, and motivation, Iris helps others overcome their challenges and build a meaningful life.
Iris
Mae grew up in an international environment, where she was exposed to various cultures and backgrounds from a young age. This gave her a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity. As she grew older, Mae increasingly saw how exclusion can negatively affect people's mental health, including her own struggle with depression.
She obtained both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, specializing in Organizational Change and Development. Armed with both academic knowledge and personal experiences, she founded Let’s Break the Shame in 2018, an organization that promotes inclusivity and mental health in social circles, schools, universities, and companies.
Mae's organization has impacted over 1.5 million people through LBTS’s projects and activities. She also gained valuable experience at EY in Switzerland, working with the People Consulting team. With a strong passion for inclusivity and mental health, Mae is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact through her work and advocacy.
Mae grew up in an international environment, where she was exposed to various cultures and backgrounds from a young age. This gave her a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity. As she grew older, Mae increasingly saw how exclusion can negatively affect people's mental health, including her own struggle with depression.
She obtained both a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, specializing in Organizational Change and Development. Armed with both academic knowledge and personal experiences, she founded Let’s Break the Shame in 2018, an organization that promotes inclusivity and mental health in social circles, schools, universities, and companies.
Mae's organization has impacted over 1.5 million people through LBTS’s projects and activities. She also gained valuable experience at EY in Switzerland, working with the People Consulting team. With a strong passion for inclusivity and mental health, Mae is dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact through her work and advocacy.
Mae
Mae
Our Offers
Our Offers
Public Speaking
Mae and Iris deliver powerful, insightful lectures that inspire personal growth, challenge societal norms, and stimulate meaningful change. With their dynamic approach, they help individuals and organizations create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Mae and Iris deliver powerful, insightful lectures that inspire personal growth, challenge societal norms, and stimulate meaningful change. With their dynamic approach, they help individuals and organizations create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Mae and Iris deliver powerful, insightful lectures that inspire personal growth, challenge societal norms, and stimulate meaningful change. With their dynamic approach, they help individuals and organizations create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Online Masterclasses
Every month you can participate in one of our online masterclasses, in which we address important and often controversial topics—such as personal growth, mental health, diversity & inclusion, self-confidence, productivity, shame, empathy, burnout, leadership, and using your voice to create change.
Every month you can participate in one of our online masterclasses, in which we address important and often controversial topics—such as personal growth, mental health, diversity & inclusion, self-confidence, productivity, shame, empathy, burnout, leadership, and using your voice to create change.
Book readings
Through our book readings we provide insights and tools regarding mental health, personal growth, burnout, diversity, bullying, wellbeing, and stress. Our readings not only offer insights and recognition but also tools to deal with these challenges. An impactful experience for organizations, schools, and events.
Through our book readings we provide insights and tools regarding mental health, personal growth, burnout, diversity, bullying, wellbeing, and stress. Our readings not only offer insights and recognition but also tools to deal with these challenges. An impactful experience for organizations, schools, and events.
Through our book readings we provide insights and tools regarding mental health, personal growth, burnout, diversity, bullying, wellbeing, and stress. Our readings not only offer insights and recognition but also tools to deal with these challenges. An impactful experience for organizations, schools, and events.
Testimonials
Testimonials
EVBOX
EVBOX
EVBOX
INNOVATIVE E-MOBILITY CORPORATE
INNOVATIVE E-MOBILITY CORPORATE
INNOVATIVE E-MOBILITY CORPORATE
''Working with the Let’s Break the Shame Foundation was very valuable and helped us to reflect on our mental health in the workplace. It was great to learn about how we can recognise and prevent stress in ourselves as well as in our coworkers in order to foster a culture of employee wellbeing and inclusion at EVBox.”
''Working with the Let’s Break the Shame Foundation was very valuable and helped us to reflect on our mental health in the workplace. It was great to learn about how we can recognise and prevent stress in ourselves as well as in our coworkers in order to foster a culture of employee wellbeing and inclusion at EVBox.”
VODAFONE
VODAFONE
MULTINATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION PROVIDER
MULTINATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION PROVIDER
''Working with the Let’s Break the Shame Foundation was very valuable and helped us to reflect on our mental health in the workplace. It was great to learn about how we can recognise and prevent stress in ourselves as well as in our coworkers in order to foster a culture of employee wellbeing and inclusion at EVBox.”
''Working with the Let’s Break the Shame Foundation was very valuable and helped us to reflect on our mental health in the workplace. It was great to learn about how we can recognise and prevent stress in ourselves as well as in our coworkers in order to foster a culture of employee wellbeing and inclusion at EVBox.”
Testimonials
EVBOX
INNOVATIVE E-MOBILITY CORPORATE
''Working with the Let’s Break the Shame Foundation was very valuable and helped us to reflect on our mental health in the workplace. It was great to learn about how we can recognise and prevent stress in ourselves as well as in our coworkers in order to foster a culture of employee wellbeing and inclusion at EVBox.”
VODAFONE
MULTINATIONAL TELECOMPROVIDER
''Working with the Let’s Break the Shame Foundation was very valuable and helped us to reflect on our mental health in the workplace. It was great to learn about how we can recognise and prevent stress in ourselves as well as in our coworkers in order to foster a culture of employee wellbeing and inclusion at EVBox.”
MILOU DEELEN
MILOU DEELEN
JOURNALIST
JOURNALIST
'Mae and Iris wrote an incredibly relevant and beautiful book. Hats off to how well they put their personal story on paper. A recommendation for anyone struggling with the theme of mental health or who has someone in their surroundings who is struggling with it.'
'Mae and Iris wrote an incredibly relevant and beautiful book. Hats off to how well they put their personal story on paper. A recommendation for anyone struggling with the theme of mental health or who has someone in their surroundings who is struggling with it.'
'Mae and Iris wrote an incredibly relevant and beautiful book. Hats off to how well they put their personal story on paper. A recommendation for anyone struggling with the theme of mental health or who has someone in their surroundings who is struggling with it.'
DE VOLKSKRANT
DE VOLKSKRANT
DE VOLKSKRANT
QUALITY NEWSPAPER
QUALITY NEWSPAPER
‘This is a support for young people with mental issues.’
‘This is a support for young people with mental issues.’
PATRICK LODIERS
PATRICK LODIERS
TELEVISION HOST & JOURNALIST
TELEVISION HOST & JOURNALIST
‘’I read your book with great interest. I had to put it down occasionally because it really does something to you. That’s also the point, and I think it has been very well achieved’’
‘’I read your book with great interest. I had to put it down occasionally because it really does something to you. That’s also the point, and I think it has been very well achieved’’
Their expertise in the field of mental health enables them
to develop programs, workshops, and training that create supportive
environments in which people can thrive. In addition to these
initiatives, both Mae and Iris give lectures on impactful and often
controversial subjects, such as self-development, leadership, self-confidence,
anxiety, diversity & inclusion, and safety in the workplace. With their lectures
they inspire growth, challenge existing norms, and empower individuals
and organizations to bring about meaningful change.
The Power Duo
Iris & Mae:
Coffee Chat?
Coffee Chat?
Coffee Chat?
Would you like to learn more about our services, book a public speaking session, or attend a masterclass? Feel free to reach out!
Would you like to learn more about our services, book a public speaking session, or attend a masterclass? Feel free to reach out!
Would you like to learn more about our services, book a public speaking session, or attend a masterclass? Feel free to reach out!
1.5M
people reached with our projects
1.5M
people reached with our projects
1.5M
people reached with our projects
80+
workshops and events organized
80+
workshops and events organized
80+
workshops and events organized
6+
years of public speaking experience
6+
years of public speaking experience
6+
years of public speaking experience