Karel De Kneef

Karel De Kneef

  • Industry

    • ICT
    • Financial Services & Insurance
    • Consultancy
    • Telco
  • Functional expertise domain

    • IT & Data
    • Customer Operations
    • Change Management
    • General Management

Business Mentor profile

20+ years leadership experience in an international environment with responsibilities in customer service, ICT, operations, crisis and programme management.

Extensive experience in creating new organisations following a re-organisation or in creating new ones.

Great passion for people and technology and a firm believer in the philosophy of embracing life fully and seizing every moment. This ethos, coupled with a 'people-first' mindset, infuses my work with enthusiasm and purpose.

In my spare time, you'll most likely find me hiking or on the road with my camper, traveling to new places and capturing moments through photography. This love for exploration fuels my passion for discovering beauty, both in the world around me and within myself. I enjoy losing myself in the pages of a good book. Favorites include Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Book of Noble Purpose by Olivier Onghena, How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil, and Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat. Each of these books has deepened my understanding of life, purpose, and how to create lasting fulfillment.

If I had to choose one motto that resonates deeply with me, it would be “Carpe Diem” – Seize the Day. I believe life is too precious to let moments slip by unnoticed. In both my personal life and my career, I've learned the value of leading and managing with a heart. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that true leadership isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about connecting with people and helping them thrive. This “people-first” approach is at the core of everything I do, and it’s a value that continues to guide me.

Looking back, the advice I would give my younger self is simple but powerful: find your noble purpose. Discovering a purpose that gives meaning to your decisions and actions can shape not just your career, but your life. When you know your "why," navigating challenges becomes easier, and success feels more fulfilling. My own journey has been one of reflection and discovery, and I’m grateful for the purpose that continues to light my path.

I’ve been a mentor for many years now, and it’s a role that I cherish. Being able to guide and support others on their journey brings me immense joy. But mentoring isn’t a one-way street – it’s also an opportunity for me to grow. Through mentoring, I learn as much from those I guide as they do from me. It keeps me grounded, helping me stay aligned with my own values and reminding me of the importance of compassion, understanding, and personal growth.

I’ve also had the privilege of working with a mentor myself. In today’s sometimes difficult corporate world, having someone to offer guidance and wisdom has been invaluable. My mentor has played a key role in helping me remain true to my principles and navigate the challenges of leadership with integrity. It’s a relationship that has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it’s a testament to the power of mentorship.

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