Two days full of inspiring speakers, new encounters and big questions. As both a new PYM’er and PYM’s marketing manager, I experienced my first Impact Days with fresh eyes. A short reflection on Build Tomorrow Today, the insights that stayed with the community, and my personal takeaways.

What stayed with the community?

In surveys, conversations and messages afterwards, several themes kept returning.

First of all: hope. Perhaps precisely because it goes against the wider societal mood. Many participants mentioned how special it felt to spend two days surrounded by people who are no longer debating whether impact investing matters, but rather exploring how to create more impact. As one participant wrote: “Against the overall societal trend, there is still a lot of enthusiasm for impact investing - which gives me hope.”

The question of impact first also came up frequently. Several visitors reflected on the tension between traditional investing and truly purpose-driven investing: how do we move from “the same system, but in an impact sector” to deploying capital in ways that genuinely accelerate positive change? The tension between doing good and financial returns is an important topic - and one PYM deliberately does not shy away from discussing during our events. One of the next opportunities to continue this conversation will be during the Investing for Families event on June 4 and the How To Due Diligence event on 15 June.

Once again, the power of peers proved essential. Community, knowledge sharing and practical examples were frequently mentioned. From conversations about steward ownership to new ways of investing within families, participants especially valued the openness with which experiences, doubts and lessons were shared. As one person put it: “The network of people with ideas and contacts is amazing. That in itself is a reason to participate.”

It was also striking to see how much the breadth of topics resonated. Democracy, peace and social cohesion emerged as urgent themes, alongside regenerative agriculture, energy, AI and steward ownership. At the same time, more personal sessions were equally appreciated - such as conversations about involving children in discussions on wealth and values, or navigating impact decisions as a family.

Build Tomorrow Today: change starts small

The theme of this year’s edition was Build Tomorrow Today. During the final World Café, participants wrote down the first step they want to take towards the future they envision.

Some commitments were ambitious: investing in regenerative agriculture, mobilising new capital for ocean health or building an impact platform. Others were smaller and closer to home: starting a conversation with children about money and values, becoming more involved in their local community, exploring a first impact fund, starting a family conversation or following up with a new connection.

The postcards made one thing clear: there is no single route to impact. Everyone’s first - or next - step looks different, but the community helps make it possible.

My first Impact Days: four personal takeaways

These were my first PYM Impact Days, and what stood out to me most was the group of people that came together. People who, each in their own way, feel a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to positive change — not only with money, but also with their knowledge, network and time. At an impact investing event, you almost forget how special that actually is.

1. Looking inward may be the hardest - and most important - step

Throughout several plenary sessions, it became clear how important introspection really is. Liet van Beuningen’s keynote on Field Investing set the tone: investing is not only about where capital goes, but also about intention and the question: what do I want to help emerge?

For me, Arjo Klamer’s breakout session was particularly impactful. We did an exercise to reflect on what your ideal world looks like - and what your own role in it should be. Not easy questions, and I certainly have not found all the answers yet. But it definitely set something in motion.

2. The world asks something of us — thankfully, so much is already in motion

Several sessions highlighted the scale of today’s challenges - and the level of action they require. Eleonora Russell’s contribution on Investing in Europe’s Resilient Future, Eva Rovers’ reflections on democracy under pressure, and the session by Ali Najafbagy, Johannes Weber and Mark Vletter on the impact of AI on society all made a strong impression. These are major shifts affecting security, social cohesion, technology and the resilience of our societies.

At the same time, what gave me hope was how much is already happening. Across two days, so many funds, entrepreneurs and initiatives came together that are actively building solutions to the challenges of our time. From energy transition and ocean health to regenerative systems, new ownership models and the role AI can play in accelerating solutions - it showed just how many people are already committed to making change happen.

That breadth felt motivating. Not because all the answers are already there, but because it made visible how many concrete steps are already being taken — and how many opportunities there are to be part of that journey as an investor.

3. Impact investing is deeply personal

What makes PYM unique to me is the openness with which people share their personal stories. Not only successes, but also doubts, dilemmas and the reasoning behind investment choices.

Caroline Huyskes’ story left an impression on me. The way she and her family consciously decided to dedicate their lives to impact showed what becomes possible when values and wealth genuinely come together. It feels meaningful that these personal stories are given space within PYM.

4. Big change often starts small

Perhaps this connects most closely to this year’s theme: Build Tomorrow Today. Big change rarely begins with one grand gesture. More often, it starts with a conversation, a new connection or a first step in a different direction.

Or, as one participant beautifully put it: “Throw many more stones in the river, inspiring others to do the same — until a dam is built.”