Several years ago, I founded SpringBoard to support inspiring leaders in realizing their ambitions alongside my partners. Throughout my career, in collaboration with others, I have encountered moments where one stands at a crossroads in life. You not only know it, but you also feel it. In those reflective moments, I have taken the leap, often thanks to a trusting conversation or sometimes just a word from another person. And I have always landed well.

I now facilitate this process for leaders who want to change the world. At SpringBoard, we work with them from crossroads to crossroads, enabling them to make their unique contributions to what life demands of them. In those lonely moments at the top, when you doubt whether you are on the right course, we stand by you. We offer peace and space so that you can confidently listen to your own voice and follow your own insights. With SpringBoard, we ensure that leaders trust their courage and clarity to achieve their ambitions.

Education

I hold a master's degree in Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam, complemented by a postgraduate qualification in Accountancy from the Catholic University Brabant. Additionally, I have a Master's Degree in Executive Coaching from Ashridge Business School in London. This means I am a certified coach and work according to the Ashridge Code of Conduct. I have also successfully completed the study of Boardroom Dynamics at the Tavistock Institute in London.

Career

Throughout my career, I have held various executive positions, including vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academic Medical Center, CFO of PWC Netherlands and Het Financieele Dagblad, and director of General Affairs at Buma Stemra. I have also built and led a family office for an enterprise family in the Netherlands. Additionally, I have held board positions, including at GGNet, Ambulance Amsterdam, BumaStemra, Centraal Orgaan Asielzoekers, and PharmAccess International. In recent years, I have shifted my focus to the individual guidance of directors of (family) businesses and entrepreneurs.

Personal

I am the father of two adult children and divide my time between Berlin and Utrecht. Besides my professional activities, I have often pushed my physical limits. For example, I have run marathons around the world and swam from Asia to Europe. For my personal journey of discovery, I walked with the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania, swam with dolphins in Hawaii, and experienced deep awareness during my solo treks in the vast wilderness of Colorado and Baja California. Additionally, I have faced death and bring a wealth of experience and insights to share with you.

What participants say about Ruud

“Ruud creates a safe and challenging space where his questions lead the participant to the questions they came for. Ruud has the ability to make connections between past, present, and future with you. He sees patterns in you and within the family history that you may not (yet) see. He looks through it and sees a way forward for you, but lets you discover this path yourself by continually asking questions.”

“His directness and clarity sometimes lead to discomfort, emotion, and even irritation, as you may wrongly experience this as confrontation. On the contrary, this is exactly how Ruud allows the answers to emerge so that we are discussing what is important for your path and that you listen to yourself.”

“Participating in this program was a transformative experience for me. Ruud's guidance helped me uncover deep insights about my role in the family business and my personal aspirations. The two days spent reflecting and discussing were invaluable, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking clarity and growth within their family enterprise.”