I was born in 1971 in Lebbeke into a family of independent parents who had a small business in fruit and vegetables. Together with my sister, I grew up there until I went to study in Leuven at the age of eighteen.
I first studied Slavic Languages, where I learned Russian, Polish and Czech; a very interesting study, that taught me to look with a broad view. During those studies I studied for six months in Moscow and for two months in Prague; fantastic experiences that have partly shaped me and will always remain a part of me. After those studies, I followed an additional course in Business Economics in order to be better prepared for the challenges on the labour market.
Never stop learning is one of my mottos. Amongst others, I completed the Middle Management Program at Vlerick Leuven-Gent Management School, took an Intercultural Management course at Thomas More Mechelen and followed several short-term courses. In recent years, I have focused on improving my coaching skills; I completed the Professional Coach course at Better Minds at Work and I took a Masterclass Team Coaching at HRD Academy
I met my wife in Poland. We have been happily married since 2007. We have been living in Landen for a quite some time now. We enjoy each other’s company, good food and good (especially Italian) wine, traveling, hiking and watching movies and TV-series.
In terms of industries I have worked in, my career is divided into two parts: a first part in the waste and recycling industry and a second part in the hospitality and leisure industry. The first couple of years I was mainly active in commercial functions, after which I took on more operational roles and eventually I ended up in general management. A very interesting and educational course in various roles within different companies. Most of my career I worked in Belgium, but I also worked for three years permanently in Poland and for two years permanently in the Czech Republic.