Patrick van Veen

Patrick van Veen is a biologist, researcher, and behavioral expert with a particular focus on the social behavior of humans and apes. He uses insights from biology to explain human behavior in the workplace and provides practical tools for improving collaboration and communication within organizations. With his unique perspective on social behavior, he has become a sought-after speaker, trainer, and advisor.

Patrick as a Speaker

Patrick is known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. In his lectures, he uses ape behaviour as a metaphor for human interactions in the workplace. In a clear and humorous way, he explains why people display certain behaviors and how these behaviors influence collaboration and leadership within organizations. His style is interactive and engaging, continuously encouraging his audience to reflect on their own behavior and that of their colleagues. Through compelling stories and scientific insights, he creates a lasting impact on his audience.

From Insurance to Behavioral Science

After studying Biology at Utrecht University in 1993, Patrick made an unexpected career move into the insurance industry. Working in commercial roles and as a project manager, he discovered surprising similarities between organizations and an ape hierarchy. This experience ultimately led to the founding of his own company, Ape management, in 2002. Through Ape management, he advises organizations on how to improve collaboration by gaining a better understanding of human behavior.

Research and Media

Patrick is not only a speaker and trainer but also an active researcher. He conducts behavioral research on chimpanzees and gorillas to explore questions such as: “Is collaboration an innate instinct?” and “What are the basic conditions for effective collaboration?” This research has resulted in practical insights that support his work in the workplace. Patrick has also regularly appeared as a behavioral expert on television programs such as Married at First Sight and the popular science program Galileo. He is also regularly invited as a guest speaker on programs such as Bar Laat and EditieNL.

Books and Publications

Patrick has written several books in which he shares his knowledge and experiences. His first book, Help! Mijn baas is een aap (2004), offers a biological perspective on social behavior within organizations and was published in a revised edition in 2016. Other works include ‘Dierbare collega’s’ (2007), which explores ape behavior in the workplace, and Pestkop apenkop (2012), which takes a closer look at bullying behavior. In Oerinstincten van de Liefde (2014), he explores the biological drivers of love, while his most recent book at the time, ‘Verliefd op je klant’ (2017), focuses on customer relationships. In November 2024, Patrick published a new book, Help! Het is hier een beestenbende, which offers a biological perspective on inappropriate behavior in the workplace and how to prevent it.

Contributions to the Jane Goodall Institute

Alongside his work with organizations, Patrick is involved with the Jane Goodall Institute, where he contributes to the protection of chimpanzees and their natural habitats.