ABOUT CAROLIEN
I am Carolien.
Since 2018, I have been working internationally as a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author — with a background of many years in corporate banking and experience from 250+ sessions at 200+ organizations in 7 countries.
I believe that success is achievable, even in times of uncertainty and transformation: not an abstract theory, but concrete, recognizable tools.
HOW IT BEGAN
Elite sports, corporate banking... and people.
My fascination with people and systems began early: I grew up in a top-level sports environment, with a father who was a coach, and saw firsthand how performance is never solely about discipline. The environment, and especially the human factor, is at least as decisive. Later, in the financial world as a corporate banker, I recognized that same mechanism in a different form: behind every result lies a system of behavior, habits, and unwritten rules.
That curiosity about companies, culture, and people has only grown since then.
WHAT I AM DOING TODAY
At the intersection of strategy and culture.
Since 2018, I have been combining my two great passions: the business world and people in all their complexity. I am fascinated by how strategy, culture, and leadership reinforce each other—or conversely, undermine each other. I also bring this approach to Think Ahead Partners, which I founded together with Julien De Wit, where we bring together an ecosystem to support organizations with challenging strategic issues.
In the meantime, my keynotes, deep dive sessions, coaching, and consultancy work have taken me to more than 200 organizations in 7 countries - and counting.
SIGNATURE
I feel at home on a stage, anywhere in the world — preferably close to my audience, so I can sense what is going on and create space for interaction. I bring that same style to deep dives, boardrooms, and advisory boards: human, engaged, and always focused on what moves organizations and people forward.
AND NOW THAT YOU'VE MADE IT THIS FAR
Check your boobs.
Today.
I did (and still do) that regularly, and three years ago I felt something that shouldn't have been there. What followed: surgery, chemo, radiotherapy, medication... and thankfully also a #warmblanket from the people around me. In hindsight: perhaps the best self-care decision I ever made.
Making an impact, moving a stone, is my personal why . On a professional level, but equally on a personal level. That is why I use my voice for this as well. Because impact doesn't have to be just professional.
