Tag Archives: Life Balance

Small Groups

Typically at social gatherings, we speak about trips we’ve made, people we’ve met, and projects we’re involved in. Rarely, we touch on genuine interesting topics like “Are we happy?” or “After all we have been through, what does victory actually feel like?”

Do you feel obliged to behave as if you are contented and fulfilled, even if you actually ask yourself: “What shall I do with my future, now that I have everything I ever dreamed of ?“

Small_Groups

Do you spin in an endless cycle of obligations, lacking life purpose or peace. Regarding wealth, we may either driven to amass more or playing defense with what we have. Are you open to a spiritual connection, but don’t know where or how to begin. You may have few friends or mentors who will tell you the unvarnished truth. Our lives may look good on the outside, but inside we’re beginning to question: “Who am I…  What is all this for?”

Discover the Power of Trust Among Peers
Small Groups are a powerful institution to reconnect with what is really important. Small Groups are monthly gatherings for people who seek transformation and renewal in their: vocation, marriage and family, sense of life purpose, friendships, spirituality and identity. A Small Group is the safe haven and sounding board that every senior executive needs – but too few actually have. Small groups meet to share challenges and concerns in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust. Open, honest exchanges are possible by a rigorous Small Group protocol creating a powerful tool for connection and communication.

Over the past years, I have experienced great Small Group meetings that broadened my insights tremendously. As member of the YPO, our Small Group (called Forum) brought us life changing events and deeper friendships. Outside YPO, I started a monthly ‘Update’ dinner with Dutch business friends in Geneva, loosely based on Small Group/Forum protocol. It amazes me each time what kind of deeper discussions are possible by applying simple protocol. If above resonates with you, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Passion for Sailing

It does not happen too often that one can combine business with pleasure. Sponsoring the Alpina Swan is such beautiful combination. For our Alpina brand, we operate a Swan 82 Feet FD to promote our collection of Alpina Sailing Watches. Launched in 2012, the Alpina Regatta Timer features an unique countdown mechanism enabling sailing yachts to start regattas flawlessly. Winning the 34th edition of the world famous Heineken Regatta is a strong confirmation of Alpina’s timing precision.

The Swan 82 “Alpina” is an up to date expression of the fast Maxi-cruiser concept, a modern sailing super yacht built to be fast, yet be perfectly in keeping with Swan’s traditional core values: combining speed, seaworthiness, technology and innovation to ensure exceptional performance.

Stage

On the podium to receive the First Prize

Recently, while on the helm, we managed to win the 2014 Heineken Regatta in Saint Martin. Alpina raced three regattas around St. Martin and opposite Anguilla. March 7-9, everyday saw a 26-32 nautical miles race, Alpina finished each first, giving it a solid overall first position for the entire regatta.

 

 

Sailing a Super Yacht is an intense team effort that demands perfectly timed execution of manoeuvres during a regatta. Margin of error is extremely low when winds blow 20-25 knots in hundreds of square meters sail. Loads on sheets measure up to 12000 kg. One mistake can cut-off fingers in less than a second. Arms or legs can break anytime when caught in sheets. Hence, it is all-important that the crew team works in close cooperation with clear communication. No mistakes allowed!