Els Descheemaeker

More then 20 years of working experience in international companies focussing on strategy and (digital transformation), change management, sales & marketing and people management.

A systemic thinker, who brings clarity to complexity, guiding organizations to make decisions that are both rational and human.

An energetic, empathic, genuine leader, that loves to lead a team and the individuals during changes and transformation from A to B, keeping the energy within the team and the individuals in good balance.

Curious, no nonsense, pragmatic, collaborative to the point communication.

In my free time I like to explore new experiences — that could be going to a concert like Einaudi, enjoying an open‑air theater, trying out a new cuisine, or learning something hands‑on like pottery. I also really value spending time with my family, doing things together that create lasting memories.

At the same time, I enjoy moments of peace in nature. I love walking through the Kalmthoutse Heide or cycling in the Canary Islands. The climbs can be tough, but the views are breathtaking, and there’s nothing better than ending the day with a drink at sunset. Those moments keep me energized, curious, and grounded.

I don’t have one specific hero — I believe everyone has something heroic in them.

For me, creating impact means leaving things better than I found them. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and when we all bring our strengths, we make things better for everyone.

There’s a quote I like: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ Early in my career, I loved achieving goals with a team. But over time, I realized the real value is not just in reaching those goals, but in what we give to and receive from the people we share the journey with. That exchange makes the experience far more meaningful.

My years in corporate life across different companies taught me to look at the bigger picture — not just the targets, but how people move along the journey. If you only focus on one part, things often don’t work and frustrations build. Seeing the whole brings clarity and balance, and it’s helped me to put my energy into what really matters. That’s what I want to share through coaching and mentoring — helping others find meaning and success in their own journeys.

And along my own path, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who shared their experiences with me. They helped me grow faster toward my potential and shaped the way I lead and support others today.