Colruyt Group Academy launches unique Conversation Cafés on societal topics

Friday, February 14, 2025

For the first time, Colruyt Group Academy is organising ‘Conversation Cafés’: open discussions led by experts on societal topics ​ such as menopause or parenting. This new concept places even more emphasis on the social component of learning, including learning from each other. It provides insights and answers while also encouraging participants to share their experiences openly. With this initiative, Colruyt Group Academy adds yet another concept to its portfolio, which already includes webinars and physical workshops on specific themes. A study conducted by the Academy reveals that 63% of respondents want to discuss changes in their bodies and how to best cope with them. Next week, Conversation Cafés are planned in Grimbergen and Liège, and the following week in Haasrode.

The power of connection

With the new ‘Conversation Café’ concept, Colruyt Group Academy aims to harness the benefits of interaction to address certain topics. This approach strengthens learning, fosters connection, and makes certain subjects easier to talk about. “It’s about more than just sharing practical tips”, says Barbara Van Schaeren, head of department at Colruyt Group Academy. “The strength of this format lies in meeting people’s need to connect with like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting. They learn from each other and realise they are not alone in facing their questions. ​ We’re really looking forward to seeing the impact these Conversation Cafés can have.”

Focusing more on health

Colruyt Group Academy’s survey reveals that staying healthy and energetic is the top priority for 51% of participants. More than half aim to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Van Schaeren: “Since it’s not always clear how to stay physically and mentally balanced, and straightforward, reliable answers aren’t always easy to find, we want to focus even more on health and well-being in the future. This also applies to our existing offerings of workshops, webinars, and lectures.We’ll continue to stay in tune with what matters to people.”

First Conversation Cafés focus on (peri)menopause

Colruyt Group Academy’s survey of 201 women reveals that 51% have questions about perimenopause and 57% about hormone therapy for menopause symptoms. Specifically, there is a need for preventive tips to prepare for menopause, as well as clear information about its impact, treatments, and available support.

These aspects will be addressed in the first Conversation Cafés, with the guidance of experts such as Ilse Platteau and Lesley Van Hul. As Colruyt Group Academy also aims to create openness around the topic, anyone interested can join these sessions. This includes women before, during, or after menopause, as well as their surroundings— partners, managers, colleagues, or family members.

Successful first edition

Last week, the first Conversation Café took place at Colruyt Group Academy in Kortrijk, and it was a success. Barbara Van Schaeren “It was wonderful to see the positive dynamics among participants and how quickly an environment developed where everyone felt free to share their experiences.It was exactly what we had hoped for, and it left us wanting more!” The feedback from the participants in Kortrijk was unanimous: sharing experiences was felt to be really enriching. There was a great deal of recognition and it was also very pleasant.

Practical

A Conversation Café starts at 7:30 pm, lasts about 2 hours, and costs €12 or €17. Registration is available on the Colruyt Group Academy website.

Thursday 20 February at the Academy in Grimbergen: ‘Menopause in the workplace’

Thursday 20 February at the Academy in Liège: 'Your hormones in harmony during menopause'

Tuesday 27 February at the Academy in Haasrode: ​ ‘Hormone therapy: hot or not?’