05 Dec

Happiness as a Leadership Strategy

Watching Arthur Brooks’ talk on the science of happiness offers a powerful insight for leaders: happiness isn’t a mood — it’s a disciplined practice that shapes how you lead. Brooks reveals that enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning form the foundation of true well-being, and only a small part of it depends on circumstances. The rest comes from daily habits rooted in relationships, purpose, and service. For leaders, this is transformative: it shifts happiness from a personal luxury to a strategic imperative. When leaders cultivate happiness intentionally, they strengthen resilience, deepen trust, and create the conditions in which teams can thrive.
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29 Aug

Find your true purpose

Purpose isn’t a slogan or a statement — it’s a force that moves you. In this post, Jan Salomons explores the difference between intellectual purpose and deep purpose: the kind that calls you into action even when it’s uncomfortable. Drawing on insights from Frederic Laloux, his coaching practice, and his experience in VUCA leadership, he explains how purpose guides choices, builds trust, and creates focus amid uncertainty. Discover how to sense your true purpose — not from your mind, but from what feels deeply right — and how to lead from it.
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02 May

Are you getting burned-out? Read this!

In today’s fast-paced world, work easily takes center stage in our identity. Inspired by Simone Stolzoff’s “How to Reclaim Your Life from Work,” this reflection exercise helps you rebalance what truly matters. The Circle of You invites you to visualize how your time and energy are divided — and what your ideal balance would look like. By comparing the two, you’ll see where small, meaningful shifts can begin. Your job should support your life, not define it. This exercise helps leaders and professionals take the first practical step toward balance, well-being, and authentic leadership.
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04 Apr

Innovation: Aerodynamic Trucks

Between 2010 and 2013, I worked with TU Delft and PhD researcher Gandert van Raemsdonck on pioneering aerodynamic innovations for TNT’s European Road Network. As head of business, process, fleet, and environmental development, I joined a unique coalition of engineers, researchers, and industry partners exploring how airflow, drag, and turbulence could be reduced to make transport cleaner and more efficient. Our side-wings and rear-flow experiments were ahead of their time, and even featured on RTL Nieuws. It was an early lesson in how powerful innovation becomes when diverse minds join forces to shape the future of logistics.
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13 Dec

Procrastination – breaking through your emotional triggers

Procrastination is a common challenge many face, often leading to stress and decreased productivity. Despite knowing its negative effects, we frequently delay tasks. This behavior is linked to our brain's limbic system, which triggers a "fight, flight, or freeze" response when confronted with stressful tasks, prompting avoidance to alleviate discomfort. To break this cycle, it's essential to address the emotional triggers behind procrastination. Strategies include recognizing these emotional responses, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, setting specific goals and deadlines, and practicing self-compassion. By understanding the emotional and neurological factors contributing to procrastination, we can develop effective strategies to manage it, leading to improved productivity and well-being.
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