“You step into a reality that doesn’t exist yet, together”
Some encounters change your DNA. Recently, I found myself face to face with one of my heroes: Ray Klaassens. Special Forces, former commando. The man who, together with Dai Carter, pushes people to their limits in Kamp van Koningsbrugge and shares valuable life lessons along the way. I’ll be honest: I was a bit starstruck.
In person, Ray is even more interesting, humble, and open. Spontaneously, I decided to thank him after his lecture: “Ray, thank you on behalf of all of us for those wise lessons on TV.”
He laughed. But let’s be honest: the essence of Kamp van Koningsbrugge’s success is that we aren’t trained enough in resilience, perseverance, and real leadership. When it matters…
…And it does matter.
Resilience and Leadership (but different)
Ray explained that as a commando, you can prepare as thoroughly as possible for a mission. But once you’re “behind enemy lines,” everything comes down to improvisation, your team, and sheer perseverance. He drew parallels with entrepreneurship that I also recognise at ContentKings.
Here are three lessons I took away:
- In times of crisis, a leader must step up on the soapbox. Create a vision, place that dot on the horizon, and empower people to move towards it themselves.
- Groundbreaking success rarely comes all at once. It’s built on small steps. As a leader, you ask people to step into a reality that doesn’t exist yet.
- Seize every opportunity to improve the atmosphere. When trust is established and you’re willing to go the extra mile for each other, you can move mountains together. Achieving results is great, but character is even better.
Ray shared another important message about feeling lonely. It was an encouraging word for all those trying to lead their team down new paths: it will always be tough. Real leadership will keep bringing you to the same pit. But eventually, you’ll start recognising that pit earlier. And that’s when it gets easier.
This is what Ray told me:
“It’s not about never falling; it’s about getting up every time you do”
And now it’s stuck to my mirror like a little post-it reminder 😉
Special thanks to Visser & Visser Accountants B.V. and BVD Advocaten for this inspiring client event. (Photography by Cees van der Wal)