We all have a story.
A story that shows who we are, where we come from, what we value, what gives us energy, and what stops us from being ourselves.
A story that we bring with us every day.
In every conversation we have.
With family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.
It’s March.
The Maldives are long gone and a distant but unforgettable memory.
Spring seems to be in the air. The weather is not precisely spring-like.
I’m traveling to Belgium for a meeting, and our plane needs to be de-iced.
Wind and snow circle the plane as I deliberate what I will write about on my way to Brussels.… Read the rest
We’re all a bit mad.
Acting as if the things we’re engaged in in our lives are all cleverly thought through.
Acting as if we know exactly what we’re doing.
We’re not.
Money is made up. Democracy is made up. The recipe for your dinner is made up.… Read the rest
By the time you read this story, the topic of my story is probably old news.
For most of the news outlets, that is. I hope.
I write my stories approximately a week ahead.… Read the rest
Remember this legendary line from the movie a Few Good Men?
Jack Nicholson’s character is questioned by a young and inexperienced lawyer (Tom Cruise) trying to uncover unethical practices within the US Marine Corps.
The truth is that besides the regular code of conduct, an alternative set of rules exists to facilitate hierarchy to execute ‘what’s needed to protect the country.’… Read the rest
What was considered normal twenty years ago is unacceptable these days.
I grew up knowing that my country, the Netherlands, had a colonial history, but we were taught in school more or less matter of fact. It was a part of our history, and we didn’t consider the implications deeply.… Read the rest
Some people have it by nature; others get it by training. Some never do.
Some people have a serving mentality just by being who they are.
Erikjan Lantink
This story is about them and to honor them.
Concretely, it is about two people working in the bar of the hotel I’m staying in while working in Ljubljana, Slovenia.… Read the rest
What a week it was.
Our vacation started with spending the night in a different place than planned.
Our rental for the week was not accessible because of wildfires near the house.
We got this message as soon as we landed in Heraklion, Crete.
First thought? Here we go!
When I grew up, there was a show on TV called ‘Keeping up appearances.’
The main character, Hyacinth Bucket, or Bouquet as she called herself, lived a life pretending to be well off and part of society’s elite. I still vividly can hear her over-the-top English accent as she tried to make everyone believe she was the living example of high status.… Read the rest
Showing up matters. Showing up is a critical component of being successful in life and work. Showing up has many components and can be seen both literally and in a symbolic way of speaking.
You can show up in person, with your presence, with the tools you have available to make yourself ‘heard’.… Read the rest
