Meet:
Niels Dengel
Change Agent
BACKGROUND
Trained as a Communication Scientist, worked in advertising and media, executive & part v/h Leadership Team of Google Netherlands
We are for real
Whereas in the past I sometimes made it important to show the "best" image of myself, I can honestly say that now I am all about presenting the most REAL image of myself. So including my not so nice and/or vulnerable sides. After all, we all have them. I notice that this invites others to (dare to) show more of themselves.
We are of the wall
With a German father and mother partly having grown up in Switzerland, I still feel especially connected to the Netherlands, where my cradle was. Perhaps that period in Switzerland left me with an adrenaline addiction! In spring, for example, I walk up a mountain with skins under my skis and then ski down again (preferably in powder under my armpits) and sleep in uncomfortable mountain huts. I do like extreme outdoor challenges, e.g. cycling 300km in one day on a gravel bike through NL.
We innovate for tomorrow
The past few years have been a big learning curve. The step into the trainer and coach profession has involved trial and error in daily practice. Now it is time for school again. The next three years have been mapped out in terms of training at Phoenix, among others. That choice provides focus on the one hand and movement on the other, both business and personal! And I do see movement as a prerequisite for living. Innovation in companies is also a theme I have had a great affinity with since my Google days. Don't come to me with the phrase: we've been doing this for years!
We float like a butterfly and sting like a bee
I am regularly described by others (trainees, coachees) as a "warm" person. Open-minded, compassionate and present... So much for the floating....
The prodding/stinging I do when I feel a participant or coachee is circling the core. Then I challenge, question and respectfully confront. Sometimes complicated, and very exciting to do, but also very fulfilling when I see what can be opened up.
We score without compromises
Some of the trajectories I supervise have been running for years and for multiple groups. The risk of such long-term trajectories is a certain complacency. And I am wary of that. When we roll out a follow-up we revisit the trajectory, we evaluate and do not compromise on the possibility of improvement!