Professor Langdon inspired me in The Da Vinci Code, when he finds the truth behind the Holy Grail. It gives me hope that also I, one day will discover the true meaning behind my Life; it feels like a continuous quest; perhaps that’s the fulfillment of my destiny.
I have time as I am blessed with the necessary resources to go on that path, and I live in Prague, a beautiful mystical place with powerful energy and exceptional freedom, the freedom of thought and the freedom of choice. Vaclav Havel told us that!
With every story I have collected over the past 58 years; from the family I was born in and from the education I received, from the friends I encountered and from the companies I worked for; and with the talents I developed and the values I believe in; I ideated and designed 9 maps for myself. They are intentions that will guide me through the Indian Summer of my Life, recognizing and accepting that nothing has to be and everything is possible.
- My Walks, on the road to my true self.
Becoming a student in the Truly Human Program of Accenture was probably not only beneficial for the people I confused afterwards, but it also opened my eyes on my fragility and the desperately needed harmony between my own body, mind, heart and soul. It is not there; I knew it, but I was not truthful to myself, Alex Honnold helped me with that. It had a direct impact on my body; your body never lies; it always tells the truth and it never forgives! Healing has started; I kicked off last year with losing 23kg, it gives me the energy for the trip. This year I want to walk mountains!
- My Children, being a father while they are my teachers.
My children are the best thing that has happened to me, with abundant measures, they bring out the best in me; guiding Patrik to adulthood and being a mentor for Rosalie is my responsibility. They also bring out the worst in me; every weakness is exposed, pushed and stretched. There it is, right there; my precious teachers.
- My Society, every day we need to reveal the power of Love to a #FairerWorld!
I stepped out of the office right into the world; and the world needs help, lots of help! I followed #WEF2020 in January, the Annual World Economic Forum Event and I realize we are more than ever on crossroads, fighting for a #FairerWorld! It engages all of us and I admire and have deep respect for what some of my friends are already supporting: Jana Benesova with The Tereza Maxova Foundation in Prague and Edyta Galaszewska-Bogusz with Diversity & Inclusion in Warsaw.
Together with Ivana, we decided to champion Children Education and Development through Caritas and People in Need. To assume my responsibility in Civil Society, I actively engage with Non-Governmental Organizations who promote Democracy and Human Rights throughout the World.
- My Mentor, supporting Organizations and Businesses who want to become a Force for Good!
I am not planning to establish a business like many Accenture Managing Directors do when they retire early, however I am open to support and work with anybody who needs my help on their Journey towards a #FairerWorld.
- My Conversations, The Advent Journey.
My entire life I have been a philosopher, spiritual and religious. As homo economicus, I have denied that to myself for many years; but the search for “wovon man nicht sprechen kann” (Wittgenstein) is back, researching the Truth about Goodness and Love.
- My Dying in Imperfection, (Die before Death)
It sounds better in Dutch “Sterven in Onvolmaaktheid, Sterven voor de Dood”.
Of course, not literally. It is about letting go, about surrendering, about overcoming fear of loss. It is one of the main critical success factors in Change; letting go of the old, surrender to the new, to life, to the end of life. If we want to make positive changes to the world (#climate, #FairerWorld, #NewCapitalism, #Technology), it is not about data, (artificial) intelligence or science; it is about overcoming our fear, it is about dying.
- My Art of Beauty.
Art and Beauty is an important catalyzer in our search for a #fairerworld. You need to read “On Beauty” from Umberto Eco. Art brings people together and transcend what separates us. I started to paint 10 years ago and over the years I realized that art, whatever the form, connects us with one another, broadens our mind, weakens our heart and enlightens our soul. I developed a huge admiration for many artists, they are my navigators.
- My “Sex Education”.
Some of you might think I am getting too personal here, I am not. Sex, it is the driving force of nature, it is one of the strongest drives of behavior, and nobody dares to talk about it.
#MeToo showed us the dark side of harassment and assault; The Netflix series “Sex Educations” shows us why education is important; it is vital for our development and contributes to positive mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health; at all ages.
- My Life, Maurice!
The book is coming. It will take me a few years to write, but it is definitively coming!
Is that enough? I don’t know. I doubt, but doubting is a path to knowledge!
It is certain that Life is a beautiful but sometimes a difficult matter.
@PaulVanBeveren 