Managing Director at the Ronald McDonald house Maastricht and self-described storyteller and connector, Margo de Kock, won the TEDxMaastricht 2016 Pitch Night with her compelling story about an encounter that changed her perspective on life.
Margo was born in Maastricht in 1969, graduated from her studies in youth welfare work in 1991. Working with sick children has been a common thread throughout most of Margo’s career. She has worked as a pedagogue and play-therapist at the AZM/MUMC+ for over 10 year including one year as the manager of the children’s television channel, creating television broadcast for- and together with sick children. Since 2005 she started working at the Ronald McDonald house Maastricht, where she aims to create a warm and safe home away from home, close to the hospital, for families with a severely ill child.
One of Margo’s favourite TEDtalks is the talk of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.
“The first TEDtalk I was very much impressed by is this talk from a neuroanatomist who experiences a severe stroke. This event reduces her from a brilliant brain scientist to a heavily disabled patient, while on the other side giving her an incredible deep spiritual insight”
Out of more than 125 pitch applicants Margo’s story was voted as one of the two favourites by the 200 person strong crowd attending the TEDxMaastricht Pitch Night. The curation team of TEDxMaastricht was also very impressed and decided to grant Margo the opportunity to speak on our local TEDxMaastricht stage.
Margo is excited to have won the opportunity to tell her full story at TEDxMaastricht 2016;
“Speaking at a TED event has always been on my bucket list. But I knew that I would never apply if I wouldn’t have a truly inspiring story that was worth sharing. This is it.”
Margo’s compelling storytelling talent combined with her enthusiasm makes for a truly inspirational combination. A story everyone needs to hear on how seemingly small and random events can influence a lifetime.
Marin Been
Communication and coaching