Ish Ait Hamou

Storyteller from the imagination

"Better together always starts with yourself."

He is a former dancer and choreographer, presenter, author, and above all, a storyteller.

During his keynote, Ish will speak in a confronting and relatable manner about group dynamics and vulnerability using his Theory of the 1 or the 2.

"The Theory of the 1 or the 2 is about growing up in a society where there was only room for 1 or 2 people from a minority group, and the reactions among them. For me, it was that one boy with Moroccan roots who appears on the election lists, that other one who appears on TV. About those two who could go on field trips... Because there were always a maximum of two. The role models. They serve as an example for a community, but we're not really proud of each other because there's a lot of competitiveness, survival instincts that often translate into envy and jealousy. There is mainly fear. Fear that there's only room for a maximum of two. That if they could secure a spot, there are no spots left. The role models themselves are crushed by a responsibility to make room for others, to pull everyone along. But that's not how it works. The story of the 1 or the 2 is not just about the Moroccan community. It's about universal themes. About individual issues we struggle with as human beings. Fear, jealousy, exclusion, pain, shame. To be able to live well together as a society in the long term, we need to know our own weaknesses. What are your demons and your own history? And do you dare to face them? Only then can you look at others."

"My story always begins with myself, with a personal anecdote. That sparks the imagination. From that story, I make a connection to other people, a connection to people who undoubtedly have also been in that position at some point. Together, we delve into the core of that problem and its implications. We unravel a central theme from a different perspective. We explore how others view something. Because there are always blind spots, difficulties, of which we are not aware. I try, from a certain standpoint, to shed light on things. Why is it so difficult to support each other? By evoking recognition, you can establish a link to a community of a minority. These could be women, people with foreign roots, or a disability. The ultimate goal is always to show people how they can be loving towards each other."

"I don't tell new things, but show what has always been there. I also don't have answers because I don't know what people will ask. Together, we tap into the positive power of opening up to others, of listening and reflecting. We seek for the essence of what we share and thereby make connections. In the quest for what is universal, lies empathy for others.

Better together is of course about being together, but it starts with yourself. It resides within everyone. As I grow older, I feel that what used to be a dream is now manifesting as 'you can try it!'. What seemed impossible before is now a possibility. My success story is one of family and friends. I could have done many things on my own. But when you can build something with people you love, you reach a whole different level. With team effort, you can move mountains."

On March 22, 2024, Ghent University (UGent) awarded him an institutional honorary doctorate as a special tribute for his exceptional societal contributions.