Tom Kok
“The best thing you can give the world is inspiration.”
A grandfather who was a policeman in the resistance during World War II. That is Tom Kok’s personal inspiration. Because thanks to the choices his grandfather made back then, Tom is not only inspired. He lives!
More than 23 years ago, Tom Kok said goodbye to his corporate career and presidency at D66. What for? He didn’t exactly know yet. He did have a list of everything he wanted to be: millionaire, celebrated statesman, captain of industry, inspirer, warm dad. That list quickly dwindled, with the last two options remaining. Tom decided he had to choose and finally realized he didn’t want to be someone who hadn’t inspired anyone in his life. And so he chose inspiration. A line he has continued ever since, in practically everything he does. And that’s a lot.
Tom is a speaker and can be hired for small and large groups; from 1-on-1 coaching to small-scale workshops and lectures for 1,000 people. With his stories, which are based on his own experiences and combined with theory, he gets his audience thinking about leadership, Stephen Covey’s 8th trait, energy and fundamental questions like ‘who am I?’.
In addition, Tom is author of the ‘Handboek Inspirerend Leiderschap’. His second book will be published in early 2023.
Finally, Tom has supervised several large-scale ICT projects for the Dutch government, as a director/advisor. Assignments for which he was asked time and again as a result of his lectures. Because as nice as it is to see people walk out the door inspired after a lecture, sometimes more is needed to turn that inspiration into action in a stalled project. Tom helps with that too.
Tom is a man of many words who also knows and appreciates the power of silence. After a lecture from Tom, you have plenty of food for thought as a listener. To which Tom warns:
“You may come to the conclusion that you need to make big decisions in your personal or professional life.”
A grandfather who was a policeman in the resistance during World War II. That is Tom Kok’s personal inspiration. Because thanks to the choices his grandfather made back then, Tom is not only inspired. He lives! More than 23 years ago, Tom Kok said goodbye to his corporate career and presidency at D66. What for? He didn’t exactly know yet. He did have a list of View more…
"You don't have to be inspiring to be a good manager. But without inspiration, you never become a leader."
Inspiring people
Inspiration. That is what Tom breathes and lives. Inspiration is what everything is about for him, what he does and what drives him. From personal inspirations to inspiring leaders.
When someone says they are inspired after his story, he goes through life cheering, because, “inspiration is what you pass on.”
The effect of inspiration is enormous; inspiring leaders increase effectiveness by 40%. But not everyone knows how to inspire others. For example, as a speaker or manager, you can have a lot of knowledge and be good at your job, but if you don’t know how to convey it in an inspiring way, nothing will happen.
“The effect of inspiration is huge. Address a company with the message that what they are doing is just a drop in the bucket and no one has any use for it anymore. That leads to complete futility. Mention that one clean drop makes the whole ocean cleaner, and people get inspired and get to work.”
Tom sees a lot happening in business, Dutch politics and the world. He believes that a lot can be done differently or better, if driven by inspiration and positive energy. And he contributes to that by taking the stage.
Book Tom Kok for your event
Would you like to book Tom Kok as a speaker for your event? Ask about the possibilities and his availability.
Why should you invite Tom Kok as a speaker for your event?
1. Jack of all trades
Whether it’s 1-on-1 coaching or speaking in front of a large audience of up to 1,000 people; it’s all up to Tom. The approach and format is different; coaching a manager moving up to director or speaking to a large group, but the goal is always: inspiration.
2. Optimism
“The world is doing well. Nobody wants to believe this, but the world has never been doing so well in the history of mankind, as it is now. For example, there has never been as little poverty as there is now. In the media, the negative stories dominate, but it turns out: when there is too much positive news, no one watches and listens anymore.”
Tom tells the other side of the story and spurs people to action.
“Because if we really want to do something about climate problems, it will be done in no time. It’s in our own hands. Only that decision has to be made.”
3. ‘The Fountain of the Future’
With a short story, Tom inspires an organization’s employees. A great addition to, for example, a New Year’s speech or the start of a project. Tom provides a flying start full of energy in 20 to 45 minutes.
4. Existentialism
It seems like a simple question: “Who are you?” Yet most people quickly stumble over the answer. After all, who you are is not where you were born, who you married, where you work or what you do. But then what is? What makes you, you?
You can’t give Tom a greater challenge than putting a company to work with this fundamental question.
5. Flip-thinking
Tom has distinct ideas about what inspiring leadership looks like, what the ideal form for a meeting is and how best to fill the role of chairman. He is also a great admirer of Dutch politics, the best government in the world and positive about the climate. His fresh perspective on various topics provides a counterpoint and makes people think in a different way.
1. Jack of all trades
Whether it’s 1-on-1 coaching or speaking in front of a large audience of up to 1,000 people; it’s all up to Tom. The approach and format is different; coaching a manager moving up to director or speaking to a large group, but the goal is always: inspiration.
2. Optimism
“The world is doing well. Nobody wants to believe this, but the world has never been doing so well in the history of mankind, as it is now. For example, there has never been as little poverty as there is now. In the media, the negative stories dominate, but it turns out: when there is too much positive news, no one watches and listens anymore.”
Tom tells the other side of the story and spurs people to action.
“Because if we really want to do something about climate problems, it will be done in no time. It’s in our own hands. Only that decision has to be made.”
3. ‘The Fountain of the Future’
With a short story, Tom inspires an organization’s employees. A great addition to, for example, a New Year’s speech or the start of a project. Tom provides a flying start full of energy in 20 to 45 minutes.
4. Existentialism
It seems like a simple question: “Who are you?” Yet most people quickly stumble over the answer. After all, who you are is not where you were born, who you married, where you work or what you do. But then what is? What makes you, you?
You can’t give Tom a greater challenge than putting a company to work with this fundamental question.
5. Flip-thinking
Tom has distinct ideas about what inspiring leadership looks like, what the ideal form for a meeting is and how best to fill the role of chairman. He is also a great admirer of Dutch politics, the best government in the world and positive about the climate. His fresh perspective on various topics provides a counterpoint and makes people think in a different way.
Five questions for:
Tom Kok
For Good: what does that mean to you?
“Positive inspiration. Because inspiration in the wrong hands, can be life-threatening.
Inspiration is not – as the meaning of the Latin word inspirare – breathed in from outside. It comes from within and is what you yourself give to life. It is also reciprocal; what you give, you get back. In short, the best thing you can give to the world is inspiration.”
Walk the Talk: what is your added value?
“I have a refreshing perspective on personal inspiration and inspirational leadership. But also on friendships, the Dutch government, the usefulness (or lack thereof) of meetings and the role of chairman.
From many thousands of elements, I chose 9 that I believe are at the core of how to be an inspirational leader. By sharing those and combining them with my own lifelong experience with inspiration and the theory about it, I know how to make my audience think.”
Who is your greatest role model or inspiration?
“Simon King. A farm laborer who worked his way up to field ranger in the 1930s. He was immensely proud of this achievement and the prestige it earned him. Until the German invasion. He did not want to be just an enforcer and policeman and decided to work with the resistance. For years he defrauded everything that could be defrauded. In 1944 the curtain fell for him when at the border, someone with a false passport was caught. A passport with his signature on it. The resistance warned him that he would be arrested, and he knew what that meant: the death penalty if they found him, or reprisals for his family if he went into hiding. He decided to come forward, and the last time he was heard from was in September 1944.
The choices Simon Koning made at that time and the courage he showed in doing so are a great source of inspiration for me.
Simon Koning was my grandfather.”
What do you love and what is typically Tom?
“I have a positive attitude and can get inspiration from anything. That gives me a lot of energy.
By giving sincere attention to others and showing interest, I often create great opportunities for myself. I don’t let unexpected events throw me off balance, but seize them with both hands. In addition, I am a family man and think my children are very nice people.”
What can audiences expect from you?
“I inspire. I do that by making my audience think and work. I break a lance for personal inspiration and inspirational leadership, and the combination of both. Because it’s time to bring your personal inspiration and personal values to work, instead of adapting to the values of the organization.
To conclude with a quote from Howard Thurman, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.””
For Good: what does that mean to you?
“Positive inspiration. Because inspiration in the wrong hands, can be life-threatening.
Inspiration is not – as the meaning of the Latin word inspirare – breathed in from outside. It comes from within and is what you yourself give to life. It is also reciprocal; what you give, you get back. In short, the best thing you can give to the world is inspiration.”
Walk the Talk: what is your added value?
“I have a refreshing perspective on personal inspiration and inspirational leadership. But also on friendships, the Dutch government, the usefulness (or lack thereof) of meetings and the role of chairman.
From many thousands of elements, I chose 9 that I believe are at the core of how to be an inspirational leader. By sharing those and combining them with my own lifelong experience with inspiration and the theory about it, I know how to make my audience think.”
Who is your greatest role model or inspiration?
“Simon King. A farm laborer who worked his way up to field ranger in the 1930s. He was immensely proud of this achievement and the prestige it earned him. Until the German invasion. He did not want to be just an enforcer and policeman and decided to work with the resistance. For years he defrauded everything that could be defrauded. In 1944 the curtain fell for him when at the border, someone with a false passport was caught. A passport with his signature on it. The resistance warned him that he would be arrested, and he knew what that meant: the death penalty if they found him, or reprisals for his family if he went into hiding. He decided to come forward, and the last time he was heard from was in September 1944.
The choices Simon Koning made at that time and the courage he showed in doing so are a great source of inspiration for me.
Simon Koning was my grandfather.”
What do you love and what is typically Tom?
“I have a positive attitude and can get inspiration from anything. That gives me a lot of energy.
By giving sincere attention to others and showing interest, I often create great opportunities for myself. I don’t let unexpected events throw me off balance, but seize them with both hands. In addition, I am a family man and think my children are very nice people.”
What can audiences expect from you?
“I inspire. I do that by making my audience think and work. I break a lance for personal inspiration and inspirational leadership, and the combination of both. Because it’s time to bring your personal inspiration and personal values to work, instead of adapting to the values of the organization.
To conclude with a quote from Howard Thurman, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.””
A selection of companies that Tom Kok already had impactful collaborations with…
-
Ministerie van Justitie.Ministerie van Justitie
-
Rabobank.Rabobank
-
Univé.Univé
-
Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken.Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken
