AUTHOR BIO

Carlo Strijk is a distinguished coach, trainer, and author, bringing 23 years of rich experience in leadership, communication, and personal effectiveness. With a solid background in labor market politics and Management Development, he has held pivotal roles in the staffing industry and at Hilton International. Strijk also hosted human interest programs on Dutch National Television. After a life-changing cerebrovascular accident in 2007, he redirected his focus toward life coaching and spirituality in business environments. Authoring several impactful books, he continues to inspire and guide others through his inspirational talks and training and coaching agency and was recognized as one of Holland’s Top 3 best trainers of 2020/2021.

Carlo Strijk (b. 1966) pursued studies in Labour Market Policy and Personnel Management, followed by post-HBO (higher professional education) training in Coaching, Counselling, and Training & Development. He began his career in the staffing industry with Content Uitzendbureau BV. During this time, Strijk also lectured in Social Security Legislation at the Foundation for Professional Training in the Staffing Industry (SBU).

Hilton International:
Strijk’s career advanced at Hilton International, where he served as HR Manager and Regional Director of Training and Development (MT member). He was responsible for designing and implementing Training and Management Development programmes for Hilton in Amsterdam, Schiphol, and Rotterdam. Additionally, he trained management teams in Hilton hotels nationally and internationally.

Media & Entrepreneurship:
Strijk’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to present human-interest programmes such as *Hartendieven*, *Wijsneuzen*, and *Voor de Verandering* on RTL, TV10, TROS, and Kindernet. Alongside his TV work, he remained active as a trainer and coach for organisations including John de Mol Productions, ID-TV, and Kindernet.

Strijk co-created the widely supported *Meer Kleur in de Media* (More Diversity in the Media) initiative and developed the *Multicultural Masterclasses*, promoting diversity in media talent.

Political Engagement:
Politically active from a young age, Strijk founded a youth chapter of D66 (Young Democrats) and served as chairman of the ‘t Gooi chapter. He participated in committees related to education, healthcare, and integration, eventually serving on D66’s National Board.

Health Journey & Personal Growth:
In 2007, after suffering a stroke, Strijk delved deeply into life’s big questions and spirituality during his rehabilitation. This experience inspired him to write *Vals Verlangen* (False Desire), a ten-step coaching method focused on unlocking one’s greatest talent. His studies continued, culminating in a post-HBO qualification in *Coachen met Hart en Ziel* (Coaching with Heart and Soul) in 2009, as well as a specialisation in Child and Youth Therapy. He also trained extensively in Mindfulness, Meditation, Life Mission, and Career Coaching.

Professional Growth:
Strijk has run his own agency, Strijk en Zet BV, for over 21 years. He trains and coaches managers and executives in leadership, presentation, communication, and personal effectiveness, integrating spiritual and consciousness growth. With over 23 years of experience, he remains a sought-after trainer, coach, and advisor.

Writing & Advocacy:
Strijk has also contributed opinion pieces to major newspapers such as *NRC*, *Volkskrant*, *Parool*, and *Trouw*. In 2018, he founded the *Meer Kleur in de Politiek & Media* (More Diversity in Politics & Media) foundation. His book *De 5-Wise Methode* (The 5-Wise Method) was released in January 2020 and has since been translated into English due to its success. He was elected as one of the Top 3 Best Trainers of the Year 2020/2021 by NOBTRA.

Additional Roles:
– Member of the editorial committee for *Tijdschrift voor Ontwikkeling in Organisaties* (TvOO), the largest HRD magazine in the Netherlands.
– Committee Member for Human and Society, Industrial Great Club (IGC)
– Jury Chairman: Trainer of the Year 2022 / Young Talent Award 2022 (NOBTRA).
– Board Member of the Royal Industrial Great Club (IGC), responsible for Membership Acquisition/Retention and Diversity initiatives.