The Power of Sharing - Leon Aarts

The Power of Sharing a Meal
These Transformational Gatherings are based on the following principles and beliefs:

to focus on our shared humanity, not on our differences
to create a deeper connection and more understanding between people
the power of collaboration and the strength of human spirit
the power of sharing a meal

For many years I searched for deeper human connection, until one day - while working in the refugee camp - I realised that food had always been the pathway. That insight became the foundation of The Power of Sharing a Meal.
Food naturally brings people together, but food with a process creates transformation. Many of the challenges we face today - cannot be solved purely with logic - they require us to feel our way forward, reconnect, and make space for shared humanity.
My gift is helping open people’s hearts and framing complex challenges in a way that feels personal and relatable. When people feel safe, they listen more deeply, speak more openly, and often discover how much they share with those who seem different at first glance.

The process allows people to be vulnerable, honest, and energised - the kind of engagement we often miss at professional gatherings where good intentions don’t always translate into collective action.
One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is what I call The Ancestor Game. It helps people see their shared humanity by exploring simple questions:
What do you know about your grandparents? How does that make you feel? What experiences shaped them, and what has carried through to you?
People share in small groups, listen deeply to one another, and build real connections. From there, conversations naturally deepen and people become far more open to exploring difficult topics together.

Here is the simplified structure I’ve used in previous supper clubs:
Guests sit at shared tables, eating shared food.
We set an intention for the evening
Before starters, I share a couple of stories to frame the challenge
We begin the Ancestor Game with gentle, guided questions
Tables take time to listen, reflect, and share back
We gradually introduce the larger conundrum or challenge
Participants discuss, reflect, and propose their own answers
Throughout, we engage multiple senses - stories, visuals, audio - which makes the experience more memorable and impactful
This process has worked in secondary schools, universities, workplaces, and larger events. When events are more fluid, the serving staff can help guide conversation with prompts, questions, or conversation cards.
I am excited and am looking forward to hosting these life changing events with you.
Sharing a Meal on National Television

WATCH Leon in action with Miriam Margoyles OBE, writer, actress, political activist and television personality on Miriam's Dickensian Christmas (screened on Channel 4, December 2022) as he creates a Christmas dinner from surplus food. (Credit: Channel 4)

The Power of Sharing a Meal

These Transformational Gatherings are based on the following principles and beliefs:

For many years I searched for deeper human connection, until one day - while working in the refugee camp - I realised that food had always been the pathway. That insight became the foundation of The Power of Sharing a Meal.

Food naturally brings people together, but food with a process creates transformation. Many of the challenges we face today - cannot be solved purely with logic - they require us to feel our way forward, reconnect, and make space for shared humanity.

My gift is helping open people’s hearts and framing complex challenges in a way that feels personal and relatable. When people feel safe, they listen more deeply, speak more openly, and often discover how much they share with those who seem different at first glance.

The process allows people to be vulnerable, honest, and energised - the kind of engagement we often miss at professional gatherings where good intentions don’t always translate into collective action.

One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is what I call The Ancestor Game. It helps people see their shared humanity by exploring simple questions:
What do you know about your grandparents? How does that make you feel? What experiences shaped them, and what has carried through to you?

People share in small groups, listen deeply to one another, and build real connections. From there, conversations naturally deepen and people become far more open to exploring difficult topics together.

Here is the simplified structure I’ve used in previous supper clubs:

This process has worked in secondary schools, universities, workplaces, and larger events. When events are more fluid, the serving staff can help guide conversation with prompts, questions, or conversation cards.

I am excited and am looking forward to hosting these life changing events with you.

Sharing a Meal on National Television

WATCH Leon in action with Miriam Margoyles OBE, writer, actress, political activist and television personality on Miriam's Dickensian Christmas (screened on Channel 4, December 2022) as he creates a Christmas dinner from surplus food. (Credit: Channel 4)

The Power of Sharing a Meal

These Transformational Gatherings are based on the following principles and beliefs:

For many years I searched for deeper human connection, until one day - while working in the refugee camp - I realised that food had always been the pathway. That insight became the foundation of The Power of Sharing a Meal.

Food naturally brings people together, but food with a process creates transformation. Many of the challenges we face today - cannot be solved purely with logic - they require us to feel our way forward, reconnect, and make space for shared humanity.

My gift is helping open people’s hearts and framing complex challenges in a way that feels personal and relatable. When people feel safe, they listen more deeply, speak more openly, and often discover how much they share with those who seem different at first glance.

The process allows people to be vulnerable, honest, and energised - the kind of engagement we often miss at professional gatherings where good intentions don’t always translate into collective action.

One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is what I call The Ancestor Game. It helps people see their shared humanity by exploring simple questions:What do you know about your grandparents? How does that make you feel? What experiences shaped them, and what has carried through to you?

People share in small groups, listen deeply to one another, and build real connections. From there, conversations naturally deepen and people become far more open to exploring difficult topics together.

Here is the simplified structure I’ve used in previous supper clubs:

This process has worked in secondary schools, universities, workplaces, and larger events. When events are more fluid, the serving staff can help guide conversation with prompts, questions, or conversation cards.

I am excited and am looking forward to hosting these life changing events with you.

Sharing a Meal on National Television

WATCH Leon in action with Miriam Margoyles OBE, writer, actress, political activist and television personality on Miriam's Dickensian Christmas (screened on Channel 4, December 2022) as he creates a Christmas dinner from surplus food. (Credit: Channel 4)

One of the most powerful tools I’ve used is what I call The Ancestor Game. It helps people see their shared humanity by exploring simple questions:
What do you know about your grandparents? How does that make you feel? What experiences shaped them, and what has carried through to you?