Testimonials
What satisfied participants have to say
Curious about my executive coaching? To give you a better idea, I'll let some of the top executives I have had the pleasure of supporting over the past few years speak about their satisfaction with our intercultural cooperation.
Testimonial of Urs Hefti
Crossrail, CEO Crossrail - Antwerp, Belgium
A Swiss CEO in Antwerp:
" I was able to interact professionally with employees and customers."
"Crossrail is an international company headquartered in Switzerland. I was assigned to head the Belgian branch in Antwerp. Every weekend I returned to Switzerland, during the week I had to integrate into the Belgian business world and create a better team spirit - totally my thing. In the beginning, I sometimes had problems with the local way of communicating: people here are not always very direct. XEls guided me purposefully. Through the lunches, talks and coaching, I managed to understand the local language and culture. I was able to follow conversations, react at the appropriate moments and interact professionally with employees and customers. I found the smooth way of coaching enjoyable and loved the progression at XEls."
Testimonial of Marc-Alain Widdowson
Tropical Institute Antwerp (ITG), Director - Antwerp, Belgium
An American director in Antwerp:
"I immediately understood the professional culture in Belgium."
"I already had some experience with the Dutch language, as I lived in the Netherlands for several years. But using the language professionally in an entirely Dutch-speaking environment, for example in the board of directors, that's something else. Of course, the ITG has an international focus, but to connect with my staff, it was much more convenient to use Dutch. That way, they don't always have to speak English with me. In addition, knowledge and background of the political landscape proved important. XEls helped me get to know the professional culture - think of the way of working and dealing with unions. She also helped me integrate much better into society here in Flanders. In our weekly sessions, XEls responded to what was a priority in my business at that moment and what I needed. The discussions were extremely interesting, helping me to understand and argue. XEls aroused my enthusiasm about Flanders. That helped, when all my family came from the United States to live here."
Testimonial of Moises Costa
MAN Truck & Bus SE, Head of Brussels Office
Brazilian in a German company in Brussels
"Going to Munich for meetings? Get to know German cultural habits first!"
MAN is a German company, everyone knows that. So did I, but I spoke English and had never learnt a word of German. Trouble! Fortunately, XEls came to my rescue. Not only did she quickly teach me the language. She also showed me how best to work with German colleagues. Because yes, I regularly had to go to Munich for meetings. Thanks to XEls, I was solidly prepared. Smooth conversations they were. We talked a lot, discussed the sector, lobbying, our challenges. XEls always gave me topics that were relevant to me. That got me excited. The contact was casual, which I liked. But there was also continuity: we discussed issues that really affected me. And we also looked at politics, because that world interests me. I got a year and a half of expat coaching from XEls. Great help. Zum Wohl!