“I am Paul Claessens, an inspiring motivator focused on creation. My career started as a trainee at a bank and in 11 years I worked my way up to district director. At that time I was approached to go into sales and that is how I learned to appreciate the commercial world. Since I was 32, I have been active in various commercial and managerial roles within sales. Gradually I became more and more interested in people's behavior. Why is one successful and the other not successful, that made me curious about how humans work. Without being aware of it, I was coaching people as a manager and I enjoyed it a lot. As a result, I followed a coaching course and started coaching more and more individuals and teams in my work. I grew in this and therefore the pleasure also increased. In 2008 the dream arose to work as an independent coach and trainer and that is how I ended up with Kenneth Smit. I have been doing what I love most there every day for years. I help my clients by guiding their employees in an effective, respectful and inspiring way on their path to personal development. This means that they are successful in achieving their personal and business goals, which means that the organizations where they work achieve higher returns. Great work!

In addition, I have been happily with Linda for 40 years and am a proud father of Cynthia and Stijn. I ensure a healthy mind in a healthy body by leading an active and sporty life.”

My move to Kenneth Smit began…

“..on May 1, 2009. I spoke to various parties, but chose Kenneth Smit because the organization is professional and has a strong ambition. There is a winning mentality and it is a dynamic organization. I compare Kenneth Smit with the Champions League and then thought: I can learn a lot here. Moreover, I believe in the power of mutual cooperation. Without Kenneth Smit I would never have been able to deliver this quality. In addition, the focus on commerce and the good name in the market appealed to me.

When I started as an entrepreneur it was hard work. Although Kenneth Smit supported me in my development, you have to 'do a lot yourself'. My business was doing well within about three years, so that was quite an investment. And it can still be better. I learn and challenge myself every day.”

My average work week

“On average, I train 2 to 3 days a week and 1 day I provide coaching programs. The training courses I provide focus mainly on sales, account management, communication and management. In addition, my week is filled with tasks such as acquisition, relationship management, preparing programs, personality research/taking assessments and working on my own development. Over the years I have built up many regular customers, but I am always working on expanding my customer base. I enjoy working on acquisitions and being active in networks and on social media. My customer base is diverse and I work for many sectors. The common thread is always developing people, but the variety between the different companies and people makes it extra interesting for me. Within Kenneth Smit I regularly work with fellow entrepreneurs and contribute to Kenneth Smit's growth. For example, I am part of the internal 'training corps' and help develop new programs.

My work gives me incredible satisfaction. I am proud that I have built up many years of intensive cooperation with several clients, based on equality and mutual respect. I am a sparring partner, coach and trainer in various phases of my clients' companies or personal lives.”

If you had to describe in 3 words what KS brings you, which words would you choose?

“Inspiration, freedom and success. Because of Kenneth Smit I live in a world with a continuous flow of inspiration. As an entrepreneur I can do my own thing, which gives me freedom. Kenneth Smit helps me achieve my goals so that I can be successful. Both collectively and individually.”

Best anecdote from your work as an entrepreneur at KS?

“Years ago I was allowed to man Kenneth Smit's stand at a trade fair. I started building up with the stand and while I was on my knees my pants completely tore open in the back. I almost literally stood there in my underwear and became the center of attention. Because I was more than an hour's drive from home, I had to look for alternative solutions to my problem. Further on in the exhibition hall there was also a fashion store with a stand. I went there and within an hour several suits in my size had been picked up and I was standing in front of the stand in perfect condition. And the fashion store, who subsequently became and remained a customer! Every situation provides new contacts and therefore potential commercial opportunities. You would almost stage such an act on purpose ;-).”

When are you a real Kenneth Smitter? “The most important qualities are drive and results-oriented. You also have to be empathetic and be able to inspire people. It is important that you are authentic and self-aware, so that you do not perform tricks. Finally, you have to be energetic and think in terms of opportunities!”.