We speak at an appropriate distance near Voorhout with Thea van Grinsven, mother of three people in their twenties, married to Hans, runs three times a week with her neighbor across the street, enjoys skiing with a friend and will go full-time as of September 1 of this year. working as a trainer, coach and franchisee at Kenneth Smit. No guts, no glory?

 

What did you think? The world has turned completely upside down, so why don't I take it a step further and give my career a completely new direction?

Thea (laughing): “Of course I have thought about it carefully. After a long career at the bank and a year as a process manager at Hoek, I started talking to a recruiter. He was genuinely interested in me and quickly came to the conclusion that the last part of my daily work as a trainer would suit me best. This time I followed my heart. Working with people, which may sound obligatory, is the most fun there is and I also believe that it is important to continue to invest in yourself, in knowledge, skills and opportunities. I have always kept this in mind for my people at the bank and I have also followed all necessary and less necessary training and education. I am very eager to learn, curious and (laughing) my zodiac sign Aries also forces me to act accordingly.”

Okay, that is of course good advice from that recruiter, but the question remains: Why now? At the heart or climax of the most drastic economic and social rollercoaster since the 30s? 

Thea: “It may sound crazy, but during the lockdown I was able to sort things out. I found that obligatory rest and thus the opportunity for reflection very enlightening and meaningful. Of course I take a risk as a starting entrepreneur in the training profession, but I knew that I no longer wanted to function in my old role as a bank manager or something similar. So I find training people and also winning my own assignments exciting. My networks are large enough and having business conversations is second nature to me, I have done that for almost 30 years.”

Clear story! Why did you actually choose Kenneth Smit?

Thea: “Over the past thirty years I have seen quite a few different agencies. Both for my employees and for myself. The practical approach of the Kenneth Smit method particularly appeals to me. Both in sales and management training. In addition, I found the extensive intake with Gert Jan de Rooij realistic, clear and empathetic. That gave me a good feeling and the slogan Success Through Doing suits me perfectly. In fact, that has always been my driving force in my career. Then the choice is no longer so complicated, ultimately clients do the deal with me, in addition with the Kenneth Smit organization and also with the practical training method.”

What exactly do you mean by that?

Thea: “Well look, Kenneth Smit's training method is based on the teachings of the Swiss psychologist Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and this can be found in the method or color language of Insights Discovery Benelux with which Kenneth Smit works intensively. Insights provides insight into your own psychological profile, which also gives you insight into the motivations and preferences of a conversation partner. This is not only pleasant for business purposes, but also a great way to establish and maintain connection in private life.”

So full speed ahead as of September 1? Is corona still lurking in some way?

Thea: “If you look at it realistically, we have to take into account the fact that we are not done with it yet. A vaccine or medicine naturally provides peace of mind, but to what extent is it immediately available to everyone? I can't say anything meaningful about it. It's a waste of money based on assumptions. When the time comes, the economic route will be a bumpy one for many entrepreneurs and for me too. That is a given and we just have to deal with it.”

Finally?

Thea: “Well, as I mentioned earlier in our conversation. A bit of contemplation and self-reflection can't hurt. As entrepreneurs, we have to start thinking differently... and therefore doing things differently. As a metaphor, I would like to share my own experience as a passenger in a hot air balloon with my future colleagues and new associates. The moment you step into a hot air balloon you are positively overcome by silence. Everything around you becomes very quiet and relative. Not only on board the balloon, but also outside of it. All sound currents disappear as you go up. That silence is deafening and when you look over the edge of the basket, everything becomes small, insignificant and you are floating part of a much larger whole. I found that very enlightening and also liberating. So with my eyes on the future, I occasionally look over the edge of my hot air balloon.”

Thank you.

 

BY: BlogBusters Kenneth Smit, Rob van de Pas