Not about vision this time, but about love and authenticity

Rob Bertels, Holland Consulting Group

As an experienced coach, I applied the principle of the two coaching levers to myself. The first is developing the right awareness. The second is having the ability to make the right choices from that awareness. When something terrible happens, your first instinct is to try and return to how things were. But that’s a dead end. True awareness means facing the reality that you’re in deep trouble. Only when you do that, can you start making choices that are truly good for you. I still remember the moment I felt motivated by being able to climb three steps. I was as happy as a child.

Can I make a difference?

My physical recovery took years. I had to let go of things like status and friends that no longer fit my life. But what I gained was far greater. I’m incredibly grateful for life now, and I want to be someone who matters. That’s why I’m much more conscious about which assignments I take on. Do I feel a connection with the client? Can I make a difference? Is there love and authenticity I can contribute to? These are things that run deeper than corporate vision alone.

A family business, where people truly care for each other

When you work with them, you’re part of the family in no time

Through John Koster and Cris Zomerdijk from HCG Netwerk, I was introduced to Bos Nieuwerkerk. John had known the company for years and told me they were looking for someone to support the launch of a new management team. He spoke so warmly about the people there that I immediately said yes. After the first meeting, all I could think was: what lovely people. And what passion! I couldn’t imagine anything particularly exciting about industrial chimneys, but when they talked about their work, you could feel it—it was their life, their pride. They pulled out photos, explained systems, and showed deep dedication to their clients. Bos Nieuwerkerk turned out to be a true family business, where people genuinely care for each other. And when you join them, you quickly become part of the family. I’m part of it now—not just for what I do, but for who I am. At Bos Nieuwerkerk, I get to contribute to the personal strength of the leadership team—and to their love and authenticity. And with that, my story comes full circle.

Four takeaways

I want to leave you with four reflections—not just for Bos Nieuwerkerk, but for all leaders of loving and authentic organisations.

First. What makes you stand out? At Bos Nieuwerkerk, it’s their highly specialised knowledge, combined with an exceptional, personal way of working with clients. Stop treating those things as obvious—shine a light on them. Wave that banner.

Second. It’s wonderful to give and to be meaningful to others. But make sure you take care of yourself too—so you can keep giving. And celebrate your successes, like your 50th anniversary.

Third. Having a family around you is powerful—but it can also lead to a desire for too much harmony. Growth and change sometimes require friction. Don’t shy away from that.

Fourth. There’s a tension between being part of something and standing on your own. Leaders need to develop a healthy level of autonomy—like the youngest child in a family eventually must.

Who is Rob Bertels?

Rob Bertels has worked as an organisational consultant and transformation coach since 1989. A brain haemorrhage in 2001 shattered his world—but also opened the door to a completely new way of working and living. In his latest book Meesteradviseur (2020), he argues that professionals no longer stand out for what they know or can do—but for who they are. Together with HCG Netwerk, Rob supports Bos Nieuwerkerk with strategy, leadership, and personal development.