What course did you follow until you signed a collaboration contract with Kenneth Smit?

'I grew up as an only child with two teaching parents in Hellevoetsluis, part of the Rotterdam The Hague metropolitan region. After high school, it took some time to decide which field of study I should pursue. Will it be the Hotel School, the Conservatory or studying business economics? It eventually became the Conservatory with the idea: 'you can always do the rest.' There I trained as a teaching and performing musician and in parallel I studied 'performing arts management'.'

 

And then you can apply?

'That's right, after my studies I started working as a musician and as (interim) manager of a number of art institutions. I also organized concerts and had a consultancy practice for fellow musicians, helping them with legal and tax matters, for example. It was a very nice time with a lot of freedom and a good income. And between the companies I also thoroughly renovated my first house.'

 

And then?

'Oh yes, well, after about ten years I wanted to operate in a more commercial role. I then went to a headhunter and said: “Find me something commercial.” Within one week I signed a contract with Prins & Dingemanse and as a commercial creative I was up to my neck in oysters and mussels. I enjoyed working there for five years and was trained internally to become an account manager. Ultimately, I started working as an independent fisheries consultant with a large Belgian-Dutch fishing network and developed a very dynamic portfolio of activities within it.

 

Then I read in your curriculum vitae that you will be employed again in 2008? How come?

'Yes, that's right, I found life as a consultant very lonely and got a nice job at NSD International, the former Dutch Special Printing Company, to set up a food coding system there; the so-called LabelLord. Initially as Business Development Manager and soon as BU manager, I expanded the system internationally. I left there in 2018. “Small difference of opinion with the DGA about the course to be taken”, as they say.'

 

Sounds like an understatement?

'Oh well, after 10 years I thought it was time for something new. I soon had a new job and became commercially responsible at Stylepoint, a manufacturer and importer of premium tablewear. The company had grown rapidly and in order to continue to grow, there was a need for structure and further professionalization. After working very hard here for three-quarters of a year, I noticed that the place where I was was not going to make me happy in the long term. But so what? In connection with a training for our commercial people, I came into conversation with Kenneth Smit at the same time. And that's how I ended up on the next track.'

 

So you decide to do some more work for Kenneth Smit?

Cees (laughing): 'It's funny how you put this question to me. That is the provocative Kenneth Smit method, I think? No, that choice for Kenneth Smit and the coaching profession is not some kind of final trick. It was a conscious choice that was enthusiastic about fellow trainer Henri van 't Erve. In the past I had already gained some experience with sales training and I came into contact with Henri through my last employer. We had a few conversations about the trainer profession, in combination with acquiring your own assignments and the possibility of making a reasonably good living. Henri advised me to simply talk to Kenneth Smit's management. No sooner said than done. It immediately felt good.'

 

Okay, but why are you starting in the most hectic period of this century?

 'Well, that first step had already been taken and I didn't want to miss this opportunity. In recent years I have discovered what costs me energy and, above all, what gives me energy. It is very important to me that I have and am given the opportunity to do things my way. And hey, I'm not the only one who faces this challenge at Kenneth Smit: 'shared shit is half shit', right?'

 

What challenge do you see in starting during the Corona era?

'My biggest challenge will be collecting the trade, which will certainly be tougher and require more effort. The decision to invest in training or management advice is less obvious in troubled times. If you look soberly, as an entrepreneur or company you have to think countercyclically. But is that easy reasoning from my position? It will take more effort than a year ago to convince DMUs, but at the same time it certainly offers opportunities... We will have to look for companies and industries that are willing and/or able to invest. So lots of calling and networking! 'Practice what you preach': be a professional and radiate that, right?'

 

Okay, that's the business, now about the business. Why do you want to become a trainer?

'Look, an entrepreneur at Kenneth Smit works as a trainer, coach and consultant at the intersection of sales, marketing and psychology.'

 

Explain that to me, that 'cutting edge'?

 'As a trainer? Well, I like to be on stage and I think it's cool to inspire people with an inspired story. Good trainers do that. I find the energy that is released fascinating. I also like to challenge, excite and steer people in a different direction than they are 'always' used to.'

'As a coach? I am always curious about what drives people and what holds them back. In my previous positions as a manager I was able to help many people by talking to them, listening and putting things in order for them.'

'And finally as a consultant? In recent years I have increasingly noticed that my analyzes of the challenges and solutions within the companies where I worked were good. As far as I'm concerned, success starts with putting the customer first. Almost every company thinks so, but the majority do not act on it. I like to sit down with companies to make a plan. Well-trained people are of course the basis of success. That's a good time,' says Cees, laughing.

 

What do you like about training people, entrepreneurs and their employees?

'That is the interaction. Convince stubborn trainees, entrepreneurs or employees that their behavior is less effective than what we have come up with. So confront it in a respectful way, loosen entrenched beliefs and assumptions and replace them with different and, above all, more effective views.'

 

Finally, Cees, there are two things I would like to know from you. Do you have any other faith or remarkable beliefs? And at the beginning of our conversation you mentioned a 'left-wing hobby'?

'Well, let's start with my philosophy. For me, the guiding principle has always been that as a human being you are enabled to think and decide for yourself in complete freedom, without dogmatic or other restrictions. If something is good for you and doesn't harm the rest of the rest of the world, then I'm fine with it. I am a humanist through and through. In addition, I think it is self-evident that we look out for each other and help each other where necessary to progress. 'Freedom in connection', as it is so beautifully called.

Yes, and what about that left-wing hobby? I worry about the ease with which art and culture is dismissed here and there as something that only costs money and contributes little. It is often dismissed as a 'left-wing hobby'. I tend to disagree. Art inspires left and right, young and old. Art amazes us and makes us look at things in a different way.  

Moreover, with an added value of more than 25 billion, the economic value of the entire sector is comparable to that of construction. Good for 320.000 full-time jobs and just under 5% of total employment. So what, left-wing hobby? Good arts policy is a sign of civilization. The sector has taken a huge hit in recent months and deserves support to prevent irreparable damage. Because, to conclude with Lucebert: “Everything of value is defenseless.”  

BlogBusters Kenneth Smit,

Rob van de Pas