Agenda

• how to build a career you truly love

• Upcoming Events

• Build a Career You Love Leadership Edition at Micr …

• Opportunities to get involved

• Our new and improved website is here!

• Refer a Friend to the D2 collective

  • Why Join the D2 collective?

  • How It Works:

  • Let’s make it LinkedIn official!

  • Say hi 👋

how to build a career you truly love

When we started 2.5 years ago, it was just the two of us, fueled by big dreams and a belief in something different. Now, we get to live those dreams—not by climbing a corporate ladder as we thought we would when we started working in tech, but by making an impact, surrounded by the right people and a community that shows up in different ways, in different cities, but always with the same values.

This past month, we traveled across Stockholm, Brussels, London, Barcelona, and Dublin, hosting events that brought incredible people together. Each city has its own rhythm, its own way of connecting, and we love seeing how D2 takes shape differently in every local community. From intimate dinners to large-scale gatherings, every interaction adds a new layer to what we’re building. A reminder that while D2 may look different from city to city, at its core, it’s all about bringing people together in meaningful ways.

We also spent a week in Tenerife, stepping away from the day-to-day to focus on the big picture. It’s easy to get lost in operations, but moments like these remind us why we started and where we’re going. The sun, the ocean, and long walks along the shore helped reset our perspective—because building something meaningful requires both vision and space to think.

The team is growing, too. In the last two months, we’ve welcomed four new team members to D2. It’s wholesome and energizing to be building alongside people who are motivated and aligned with our mission. And we closed out February with an inspiring event at the Microsoft office: Build a Career You Love – Leadership Edition. A perfect full-circle moment to reflect on how far we’ve come.

At the heart of everything we do is community. And community is built on trust—trust in each other, in the conversations we have, and in the possibilities we create together.

We’re grateful for every person who shows up, contributes, and believes in this vision. The best is yet to come.

Erica and Nastie

Upcoming Events

🇩🇰 Copenhagen: Leadership Dinner – Linking HR Efforts to Business Impacts
📍 March 6 | 17:30 - 21:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & HiBob

This exclusive private dinner is now full! We’re bringing together senior HR and business leaders for a curated evening of insights, meaningful discussions, and high-level networking over a four-course dinner.

🇮🇪 Dublin: Community Dinner [Members-Only]
📍 March 6 | 18:30 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective

An intimate dinner for 12 D2 members to connect over authentic conversations, a three-course meal, and meaningful networking.

Sign up here

🇮🇪 Dublin: Leadership Lunch — Wellbeing at Work
📍 March 11 | 12:00 - 14:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & Workway by Mindvalley

An exclusive gathering for senior HR & business leaders from tech companies (500+ employees) to explore the future of workplace wellbeing. Join us for an intimate lunch, meaningful conversations, and new connections.

📩 To join, message: [email protected]

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Rocycle Ride [Members-Only]
📍 March 11 | 18:45 - 19:50

Hosted by the D2 collective

Join us for a 45-minute high-energy spin class at ReCycle, followed by drinks and networking with fellow members. A perfect way to stay active and connect with like-minded professionals!

👉 Limited spots—secure yours now!

🇬🇧 London: Leadership Lunch — Wellbeing at Work
📍 March 12 | 12:00 - 14:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & Workway by Mindvalley

An exclusive gathering for senior HR & business leaders from tech companies (500+ employees) to explore the future of workplace wellbeing. Join us for an intimate lunch, meaningful conversations, and new connections.

📩 To join, message: [email protected]

🇬🇧 London: Future-Proofing Leadership & Teams in an AI-Powered World
📍 March 12 | 18:00 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & Workway by Mindvalley

A panel discussion and networking event exploring how HR & Business Leaders can balance AI-driven efficiency with human adaptability to build resilient, high-performing teams.

Sign up here

🇵🇹 Lisbon: AI-Powered HR – A New Era of Talent Management
📍 March 13 | 17:00 - 19:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & HiBob

A panel discussion with industry leaders on how AI is transforming HR, from recruitment and retention to workforce planning and employee engagement.

Sign up here

🇮🇪 Dublin: Build a Network That Works for You @ DocuSign Office
📍 March 13 | 18:00 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective

A fireside chat and networking event on building meaningful connections, fostering authentic relationships, and networking with purpose.

Sign up here

🇮🇪 Dublin: Sauna & Cold Plunge [Members-Only]
📍 March 14 | 18:20 - 19:15

Hosted by the D2 collective

Unwind with a guided sauna and cold plunge session at The Outcasts Sauna. A chance to reset, recharge, and connect with fellow members in a relaxed setting.

👉 Only 8 spots available—sign up now!

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Sauna & Cold Plunge [Members-Only]
📍 March 20 | 16:50 - 18:15

Hosted by the D2 collective

🚨 This event is now full! A unique opportunity for members to unwind, recharge, and connect through a guided sauna and cold plunge session at Kuuma Marineterrein.

📩 Want to help us organise future wellness events? Message [email protected]

🇺🇸 Bay Area: CXO Leadership Dinner — Building Together – Scaling AI Applications for Business Impact
📍 March 25 | Menlo Park

Hosted by the D2 collective & Weaviate

An exclusive invite-only dinner for CXOs to discuss scaling AI applications for business impact, exchange insights, and build high-value connections.

📩 To join, message: [email protected]

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Build a Network That Works for You @ Personio Office
📍 March 26 | 18:00 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective

An evening of fireside chats, networking, and practical insights on building relationships that support professional growth and align with your goals.

Sign up here

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Beyond the Glass Ceiling
📍 March 27 | 18:00 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective

An evening of inspiring conversations on redefining leadership, breaking barriers, and creating inclusive spaces for women in tech and their allies.

Sign up here

🇮🇪 Dublin: Mindful Meetup | Morning Walk in Bray [Members-Only]
📍 March 29 | 06:15 - 08:15

Hosted by the D2 collective

Start your day with a guided mindful walk along Bray’s scenic coastline, connecting with nature, fellow members, and a fresh perspective.

Sign up here

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Sauna & Cold Plunge [Members-Only]
📍 April 3 | 17:50 - 19:15

Hosted by the D2 collective

Unwind, recharge, and connect with fellow members through a guided sauna and cold plunge session at Kuuma Marineterrein. Limited spots available!

Sign up here

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Solving the Talent Puzzle for Driving Business Growth
📍 April 3 | 18:00 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & Remote

An exclusive event for HR leaders exploring AI-driven recruitment, expanding talent pools, and cutting-edge hiring strategies to drive business growth.

Sign up here

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Leadership Dinner — Turning HR Data Into Business Value
📍 April 8 | 19:00 - 22:30

Hosted by the D2 collective & Personio

An exclusive private dinner for HR leaders, exploring how to turn HR data into business value while fostering high-impact connections in an intimate setting.

📩 To join, message: [email protected]

🇳🇱 Amsterdam: Spring Boat Party [Members-Only]
📍 April 19 | 18:00 - 20:30

Hosted by the D2 collective

Enjoy a scenic cruise through Amsterdam's iconic canals, connect with fellow members, and indulge in delightful conversations. This members-only event offers a unique opportunity to network and experience the city from a new perspective.

Sign up here

Build a Career You Love Leadership Edition at Microsoft

Last week, we brought together an incredible group of leaders and professionals from top tech companies at the Microsoft office in Amsterdam for an evening of real, unfiltered career conversations.

Anke den Ouden, CEO of Microsoft Netherlands, opened the stage, setting the tone for a discussion on leadership, growth, and impact. 

The fireside chat that followed featured Alex Azzopardi (Managing Director Western Europe, Adobe), Gwen Burbidge (CHRO, Bynder) and Kimberly Fuqua (EMEA Director Customer Experience, Microsoft)—three leaders with different paths but a shared mission: building careers that matter.

At the D2 collective, we believe leadership shouldn’t be limited to the four walls of your company. 

Most professionals only get exposed to the leadership within their own organization—but what if we could change that? 

What if we could democratize access to leadership, giving people the opportunity to learn from and connect with those shaping the future of tech across companies, industries, and roles?

That’s exactly what last night was about. Not just inspiration, but access. Not just networking, but meaningful connections.

A huge thank you to Microsoft Netherlands for co-hosting, to our incredible speakers for their candor, and to everyone who showed up with curiosity and ambition.

This is why we love D2 events: meaningful conversations, real-world learning, and the chance to connect with inspiring people.

thed2collective

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HR Leadership for Lean Teams: Aligning People and Business Objectives

Last month in Amsterdam, we brought together a room full of HR leaders for a dinner powered by HiBob, centered around the conversations that truly shape the workplace.

HR is about people. And when you put the right people in the same room, magic happens.

With the guidance of Glenn, our D2 expert, we dove deep into how HR can move beyond administration to become true architects of workplace experience. A recurring theme? The increasing need for HR leaders to drive culture, engagement, and leadership in today’s fast-changing world.

These intimate, off-the-record settings remind me why I love what we do at the D2 collective —creating spaces where real, impactful conversations take place. Because when the right minds come together, insights turn into action.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined and to HiBob for making it possible.

Opportunities to get involved

At the D2 collective, our mission is to spark meaningful conversations and build genuine connections within the tech industry.

As we step into 2025, we’re excited to empower individuals like you to play an active role in creating impactful experiences for professionals worldwide. Here’s how you can contribute and be part of our growth as a Connection Advocate:

• Host a Community Activity: Plan a dinner, social hour, café conversation, or mindful meetup to bring members together and foster connection.

• Organize an Event at Your Office: Introduce D2’s mission to your workplace by co-hosting a meaningful and engaging event.

• Moderate a Community Event: Take the lead in guiding discussions and shaping impactful conversations at D2 events.

For more information, send an email to Eliana Waldman, Head of Community at the D2 collective: [email protected] 

Our new and improved website is here!

At the D2 collective, everything we build is rooted in meaningful connections and conversations—and our website is no exception. We’ve revamped it to better reflect our growing ecosystem, making it easier to explore how you can engage with the community, host events, and tap into curated experiences and D2 Talent.

This is more than just a refresh; it’s a step toward making our platform an even stronger hub for connection, collaboration, and growth. Take a look, and let us know what you think!

Refer a Friend to the D2 collective

As a valued member of the D2 collective, you can invite your colleagues to join our growing community for employees of the top tech companies (we’re almost 6000 members)!

Simply forward this email to them so they can fill out the request to join form, mentioning your name as the referrer.

✨ Their reward? A free lifelong membership (valued at €199) – on us!

Why Join the D2 collective?

🚀 A global, value-based community of 5,000+ tech professionals
💌 RSVP to exclusive events in major cities across Europe and the U.S.
🤝 Make meaningful connections with inspiring people in the tech industry
🎙️ Access expert-led content at our curated events

How It Works:

1️⃣ Your colleague fills out the request to join form and adds your name as the referrer.
2️⃣ Once accepted, they’ll receive an activation email (remind them to check spam!).
3️⃣ They get lifelong access to a thriving network of tech professionals!

📌 A quick note: We welcome members working in Software Development, Technology, Information, and Internet industries across all departments. Since careers evolve, we recommend signing up with a personal email to stay connected long-term.

Let’s make it LinkedIn official!

Time to head to your LinkedIn profile and let the network know you have joined the D2 collective, THE place for the tech community to come together to connect, experience, and learn.

Say hi 👋

Any questions, comments, ideas, or just want to say hi? Please do: [email protected] - we can’t wait to hear from you.

One last thing. Let’s make sure the D2 collective goes straight into your inbox 🤍

• Gmail Users: Move us to your primary inbox. On your phone? Hit the 3 dots at top right corner, click "Move to" then "Primary." Desktop? Back out of this email then drag and drop this email into the "Primary" tab near the top left of your screen.

• Apple Mail Users: Tap on our email address at the top of this email (next to "From:" on mobile) and click “Create new contact”. Then back out of the email slide the email to the left and pick “Move message to…”: Inbox

• Outlook/Hotmail: This one unfortunately tends to go to spam/ongewenst: make sure to click on our email and add us to your contacts ([email protected]). On browser? When you open the email you can mark this message is not spam on top.