17 Dec

Why silence makes better leaders: the neuroscience of stillness

Man meditating is great nature with head with brains projected in the air
In high-pressure leadership environments, silence is often mistaken for indecision. Yet the most important insights rarely emerge in the middle of noise. They surface afterwards, when reaction stops and space is created to think. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and supported by neuroscience, this article explores why silence is not the absence of leadership, but a condition for it. Silence reduces cognitive load, calms the nervous system, activates reflective brain networks, and supports clarity, creativity, and better decision-making. You will learn what silence actually does to the brain, why different forms of silence serve different purposes, and how long silence needs to last to be effective, from brief pauses between meetings to deeper periods of reflection. In a world of constant...
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26 Sep

Redundancy in the Netherlands: What Employees Need to Know (and Why the Process Is Not About You)

Redundancy in the Netherlands is often misunderstood as a personal failure, while in reality it is a legally structured process with strong employee protections. This article explains your rights, the procedures employers must follow, and the timeframes involved — from UWV approval and notice periods to reassignment obligations, dismissal bans, transition payments and WW benefits. With clarity and compassion, it guides you through what the law requires, what you can expect, and how to move forward confidently in your next career chapter.
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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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27 Jun

Debunking the Ikigai venn diagram myth

book cover with ikigai written in Japanese
Discover the true essence of Ikigai—far beyond the popular Venn diagram. Rooted in Japanese culture, Ikigai is about finding joy and purpose in the small, meaningful moments of everyday life. Learn how this concept has been misunderstood and how embracing its authentic meaning can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
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28 Feb

What’s in Your Leadership “Shopping Cart”? Shaping Your Narrative for Growth

What’s in your leadership “shopping cart”? The narratives we tell ourselves shape our identity, decisions, and effectiveness as leaders. This post explores the "Shopping Cart Theory" as a metaphor for self-reflection, highlighting how minor actions reveal deeper leadership qualities. By examining what you carry—accomplishments, fears, or values—you can reshape your story to unlock growth, authenticity, and resilience. Discover how small, conscious choices and a guided coaching process can transform your leadership journey.
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04 Oct

The real reason you feel so busy (and what to do about it)

The Real Reason You Feel So Busy (And What to Do About It), In this TED talk, Dorie Clark explains that feeling perpetually busy is often a result of poor prioritization rather than a lack of time. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and saying “no” to non-essential tasks to focus on meaningful work, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and productivity.
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30 Aug

Manage yourself to manage time

Are you tired of feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, constantly chasing the clock, and yet still feeling unfulfilled? If so, you’re not alone. Most people believe the key to success is managing time. But here’s the truth: You can’t manage time. You can only manage yourself. And that’s exactly where I come in as a coach.
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