Daniel Verbruggen

• Senior executive with 40 years of international & domestic experience in Banking & Insurance business, multinationals, SME's, Start & scale-ups, Fintechs, non-Pro􀋡t.

• Inspiring strategic thinking coupled with e􀋟cient tactical execution.

• Global business and governance acumen.

• Stakeholder & customer focus.

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how you care” (Theodore Roosevelt). Isn’t that the essence of mentoring ? Creating a safe space where you can discover and explore ideas, thoughts andunchartered perspectives through mutually beneficial dialogues in a pleasant disposition.

Mentees and mentors are two sides of the same coin, contributing to each other’s lifelong learning and success.

It’s a journey full of passion, nonetheless requiring listening skills and empathy. I’d wish I was offerred a mentor earlier in my career, by lack there-o􀋞 it was suggested I would search one myself, and wasprivileged to meet leaders who allowed me to see the hope inside me. My younger self could have benefitted to be harder to the problem, and softer on people. People are not broken, nor are they necessarily the cause of problems, all situations are recoverable. Whereas the end-result is worthwhile striving for, inthe end it is the process of reaching that stage together that is often more rewarding.

There are many well-known heroes out there, with formidable achievements one can only aspire to. However, are the most important ones not those who provide everyday little things in your own life and move your personal needle.

"If you have chosen the right profession for you, you will never have to work in your life" (Chinese Proverb). Trying to define “spare time” in an “ideal” profession may seem somewhat odd, but admittedly work-life balance and quality time with family and friends are key to one’s personal development.

Theatre, movies and books provide imaginative story-telling and narratives, and can make dreams come true. Reading is definitely a source of inspiration and knowledge, and given the times we’re going through,some recommendations ; “Prosperity without Growth” Tim Jackson (sustainability/ESG), History for Tomorrow (Roman Krznaric) (change is really possible!).