core values
Impact driven
We are impact driven.
Rebel’s core values have been consistently centered around creating positive value, benefit, and impact. We achieve this when Rebel functions as a catalyst for the entrepreneurial development of individuals and the collective.
The concept of value or impact is not limited to financial returns. Instead, Rebel strives to contribute to society, enhance social well-being, and protect the environment through its work. The organization seeks holistic success, where societal, social, and environmental impacts are fundamental metrics of achievement.
Rebel has explored the possibility of (formally) becoming a benefit corporation, a for-profit corporate entity with a core goal of making a positive impact on society, because that is exactly what Rebel is. However, after careful consideration, Rebel opted not to pursue this status. The decision was primarily motivated by two factors. First, the procedural and rigid nature of benefit corporation status did not align well with Rebel’s identity and principles. Second, Rebel did not seek external recognition of its values as a primary motivation for acquiring this status. Rebel’s focus remains on the authentic pursuit of impact, rather than adherence to procedural requirements.
Exploration of Benefit Corporation Status:
Rebel has explored the possibility of (formally) becoming a benefit corporation, a for-profit corporate entity with a core goal of making a positive impact on society, because that is exactly what Rebel is. However, after careful consideration, Rebel opted not to pursue this status. The decision was primarily motivated by two factors. First, the procedural and rigid nature of benefit corporation status did not align well with Rebel’s identity and principles. Second, Rebel did not seek external recognition of its values as a primary motivation for acquiring this status. Rebel’s focus remains on the authentic pursuit of impact, rather than adherence to procedural requirements.
Measuring and Defining Impact:
Rebel has undertaken various initiatives to measure and enhance its impact. This includes practices such as cost-benefit analysis, ESG reporting, work on sustainability, circularity, climate impact, and gender equality. To better measure its impact, Rebel developed its own tools in addition to utilizing existing metrics. However, achieving comprehensive success in defining and measuring impact remains elusive. Rebel recognizes that concepts like value and impact are inherently dynamic and subjective. Statically defining and measuring these concepts may lead to a loss of critical thinking and challenge within the organization, which is contrary to Rebel’s values. Therefore, Rebel embraces the ongoing debate and struggle to define impact and value.
Principles of underpinning Project Pursuit Decisions:
Rebel’s commitment to impact is evident in its project pursuit decisions. While Rebel rejects projects involving illegal or harmful activities, conflicts of interest, and corruption outright, more nuanced considerations lead to not pursuing certain projects or terminating assignments. These nuanced considerations include:
- Avoiding the waste of taxpayers’ dollars, especially if clients consistently disregard Rebel’s expert recommendations.
- Rejecting mandates that do not allow for objective analysis, providing room only for what the client wants to hear.
Rebel approaches these decisions with a focus on whether the world would be better off with or without their involvement in a particular project. Such decisions are not taken lightly, and Rebel actively explores alternative opportunities to align the project with its core values.
There are several examples of projects 1) we are proud to have successfully recommended cancellation or 2) we have decided to leave, often with clear negative financial implications for Rebel, but staying true to our identity and our commitment to creating a positive impact.
Original
We are original
Committed
We are committed
Rebellious
We are rebellious
Our history
Thinking beyond existing structures
The Rebel adventure began in 2002 with ten chairs around a large round table. Sitting around that table, we decided to continue our careers in consultancy by starting our own company – we were the first Rebels. It was to be a company without a hierarchy, without bosses, without limits. A place where everyone could realize their full potential. We bring everything we have inside to the table. Intrinsic motivation, the urge to bring change, expertise and one constant focus: to make a real impact with our projects around the world. Here you can get to know the Rebel team, and the skills that every Rebel has to offer. They include strategic advice, policy analysis, partnership consulting, financial advice and the management of investments.
What we do
Societal impact
The drive and determination of that first step in 2002 informs how we work with and on behalf of our partners to this day. Trust is everything. In everything we do – and we do a lot! – our objective is to have a positive impact on the world. At the interface between the public and the private, because combining social values with a keen business sense is close to the heart of all Rebels. That might seem like an ambitious goal, perhaps, but we have always relished a challenge. We invite everyone to join in, to become part of the change. Let’s think beyond existing structures. As governments, as companies and as individuals.
Challenge Your Professional Life | No Change Without A Rebel
In this book, Rebel and MENDO explore the concept of professional rebellion. Former and future Rebels deconstruct the concept of the office as a symbol for the conventional, the uninspiring, the predictable and predetermined. The office might not seem like the most exciting place to bring about change and make a difference, but you can trust Rebel to show you why that makes it all the more important.
meet the Rebels
We’re not big on formality. Instead, we let our skills speak for themselves, and we’ll tell you if we don’t have all the answers. We keep our finger on the pulse in terms of the best solutions available, so that we’re always sure to find that Rebel road to success. Does this make your heart beat faster?
work at Rebel
If you become a Rebel, you’ll be given the freedom to do what you think matters in the world.
Around the world, Rebels work on the issues that will affect our future, from sustainability, transportation, and urban development to healthcare and the social sector. We currently have more than 250 Rebels working on exciting projects out of our offices in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Washington DC, Toronto, Johannesburg, Düsseldorf, London, and Nairobi.
Using our financial-economic and strategic consulting expertise, we support clients in both the public and private sectors. In doing so, we never lose sight of our main goal: to make a positive impact on the world.
We also believe in the value of small-scale initiatives and entrepreneurship. That’s why Rebel is made up of lots of small companies, working together under one banner. And that’s why our Rebels aren’t just employees, but shareholders as well. We not only advise on innovative initiatives – we invest in them.
advice
Rebels give honest advice, even when it isn’t what the world wants to hear. But because we believe in giving the best advice, we’ll give it to you anyway. Advice based on verifiable evidence, always developed through strong collaboration with our partners.
implementation
Advice alone is never enough; it’s only the first step. To realise true impact, our commitment carries through the roll-out and realisation phases of our projects.
development
As consultants, we enjoy working on challenging projects. As Rebels, we put our money where our mouth is. We invest when we fully believe in a project, if we get to work with interesting people and organizations, and only when we think we can make a real difference. Once we invest, we keep adding value through continuous innovation and improvement.
current affairs happening in the world
around the globe
We are still the same boys and girls who sat around that table. But the table has grown steadily larger, and we’ve had to pull up quite a few extra chairs. In Rotterdam, and in other world cities. Growth is not our goal. But we certainly have grown. We go where we are most needed, where we can achieve the most change. From Rotterdam, Antwerp, Düsseldorf, London, and Washington D.C. to Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Toronto. You can follow our journey on the map below.
- Rebel office
- Rebel-impact