Hello, I'm Ries Anderson, and my life is an ongoing journey of creativity, curiosity, and discovery. I've always been driven by the desire to explore new people, places, and knowledge, constantly seeking to expand my horizons and make a positive impact on the world.Currently, I'm pursuing a degree in international business management at Thomas More in Mechelen, Belgium. My academic pursuits align with my passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. I really enjoy delving into subjects related to new product development, innovation, and managing across borders.Beyond the academic sphere, I wear the hat of the Founder and Chief Chocolate Officer of the Flandrien Chocolate Brand. This venture was inspired by my deep appreciation for Belgium's rich cycling heritage and world-renowned chocolate-making expertise. Flandrien Chocolate is more than just a confection; it's a fusion of these two passions. My business has been featured in an international chocolate industry magazine, and I was awarded Belgian Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 for this venture.Between February and June this year, I lived in Harare, Zimbabwe, interning in the sales department of Distributed Power Africa, a pan-African solar solutions provider. During this time, I successfully engaged with key players in the mining sector and government officials, closing several significant deals.I am interested in issues related to changing society and globalization. In 2023 I had the honour of participating in the Change the World Model United Nations (CWMUN) conference in Abu Dhabi, where I was awarded the overall “Best Delegation” and recognized as a “Global Change Maker” by Associazione Diplomatici & Change the World.Public speaking is also a passion of mine. I have delivered several guest lectures at Thomas More University in Belgium and earlier this year gave a keynote talk at Eden University in Lusaka, Zambia. In September I will be one of the official MCs for the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai.Thank you for reading my profile, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!