dr. Henk van 't Klooster

Dr. Henk Van ‘t Klooster is an advisor and coach of executives and director of the management consultancy firm Vithaka. He presents lectures and workshops on communication, chemistry between people, leadership and management of change in practice.

In his Little book on Leadership (Thema, 2006, 2nd edition, in Dutch; English translation in preparation), he gives his personal vision, based on more than thirty five years of experience as an executive in several positions, mainly in a science environment. This book comprises pithy summaries, provocative questions and practical hints on various aspects of leadership.

After a career as a scientist (he was a research leader and professor of analytical chemistry at Utrecht University and director of the Analytical Chemical Laboratories Division of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment in The Netherlands), he has moved his professional attention and activities from chemistry of matter to 'chemistry' between people. 'Though keeping in mind that in communication and interaction between people, much of the 'real chemistry' is of prominent significance. Such as hormones, neurotransmitters and other chemical compunds', says Henk Van 't Klooster.

Dr. Van 't Klooster finds it obvious that effective communication is a core skill for executives. Also, that self-knowledge is essential, notably the awareness of how your perceptions, behaviour and experiences are connected to your psychological and social cultural characteristics.

His motto is: 'You can lead others only if you can lead yourself. Which requires that you know yourself fairly well. And further you should be yourself in your communication with those others'.

Persons who witnessed Henk Van 't Klooster's presentations, call him a lively, inspiring and convincing speaker, who provides depth in communicating his rich experience as a scientist and executive and makes his audience think.