About Hans:
From Master Interpreter to Architect of Change
“Everything is possible.” This isn’t just a trendy quote I picked up somewhere; it is the common thread running through my life. Born in the ’60s and shaped by the ’70s and ’80s, I grew up with the unshakable belief that boundaries are meant to be pushed.
The Shortest (and Only) Corporate Career Ever
My path started in an unusual way. Despite a deep passion for technology, I chose to study languages. My reasoning? Technology evolves at breakneck speed, while language remains the timeless bridge between people. As a fresh Master in Interpreting (English – Spanish – Dutch), I started my first job as a documentalist at a software company. Most people take 25 years to realize they aren’t living the life they want. It took me exactly six months. I resigned and chose the freedom of entrepreneurship.
Hard Lessons in Success (and Failure)
That freedom led me to sunny Spain (Barcelona), where a friend and I started a distribution company for multi-decorative paints. After two years, I returned to Belgium (…yes, for love), where I began collaborating with an industrial designer. Within eighteen months, I experienced both the bitter and sweet sides of business: I took a heavy financial hit when a company failed. The three years that followed were defined by “cleaning up the mess”—selling anything and everything to pay off debts.
Was it tough? A little. Was it valuable? Absolutely. It was one of my most educational periods ever.
In 1994, I didn’t just get back on my feet; I hit the ground running. Together with a partner, I built a company that helped then-startups like Microsoft, Compaq, Orange, and Mobistar conquer their markets. Even icons like Toyota and P&G sought out our expertise. With a core team of 30 employees and 300 freelancers, we reached incredible heights. Until 2008, when I felt it was time for a new chapter.
The Birth of “Version 2.0”
The clients we provided staff for began asking me more frequently to speak at events. It started with the launch of Windows 95, and since then, I’ve shared stages regarding almost every significant transformation in ICT and consumer electronics, with occasional ventures into other fields. The energy of a room, inspiring an audience—that was where my heart truly lay.
Driven by the question of why I always remained positive—despite the peaks and valleys—I dove into the world of psychology and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) around 2010. Over 150 days of intensive study provided me with the insights and models to fully understand and navigate my own mind. Simultaneously, it allowed me to guide and inspire others even better—no longer just from intuition, but backed by pragmatic insights from neuroscience and psychology.
My children summed it up perfectly: there is a “Dad 1.0” and a “Dad 2.0.”
Since Then
Nearly 20 years have passed. My life and personality are defined by eternal curiosity and boundless optimism. My partner and my three children know this all too well. I love being on stage, brainstorming with others, composing and playing music, and sharing a passion for cars with my eldest daughter. I love to travel and head out on my motorcycle… in short, every day is an opportunity to be enjoyed to the fullest.
What I Can Do For You
No, unlike many coaches and keynote speakers, I don’t speak from the perspective of a traumatic experience or a conquered illness. I simply noticed that I always managed to direct my focus toward the positive. I learned to ‘model’ that process so that I can now inspire others to do the same.
We don’t live in the past. We stand in the now and look toward the future with a sharp eye. If you decide to travel part of your journey with me, I promise no “airy-fairy” talk, but rather:
A down-to-earth roadmap full of practical options.
Directly applicable tips and tricks for mental strength.
An inexhaustible dose of optimism and genuine happiness.
Let’s work together to make you the master of your own options—whether it’s about your connection with yourself and others, or the connection with the technology you want to utilize.