About Eefke
“Leadership only really started when I dared to grab it and started working with it.”
Hey... is this still correct?
There's a phrase that keeps recurring in my mind.
When I'm sitting at the table with a management team or with leaders.
When I'm shadowing people on the work floor.
When I come home after another day full of conversations, layers, and silences.
Hey, I'm Eefke
As a child, I was always on the move. Playing outside, exploring, building, and learning new things—that was who I was. At school, I was one of the tough guys, but always had an eye for those who were more in the background. I intuitively sensed what others needed, and that ability has always stayed with me. I was already leading playfully in the classroom.
But as it happens, I gradually drifted further away from that playfulness and natural intuition. After my studies and travels around the world, I got my first job. I quickly became a manager and thought: I can do that. Yet, I ran up against the limits of my own knowledge and experience. The foundation I received at home proved insufficient to be truly effective as a leader. I tried what I saw in others and copied leadership styles that didn't suit me.
It didn't take long before I felt stuck. My good intentions weren't coming to fruition, I felt restless and uncertain, and I didn't know how to move forward. Until I decided I had to change. I started reading books, taking training courses, and sparring with colleagues. I sought mentors and worked hard on myself. Slowly but surely, I began to enjoy leadership. This led me to discover a few important keys that allowed me to enjoy it again, allowing me to truly lead and not suffer.
In my years as an HR manager and consultant, primarily in the manufacturing industry, with its dynamics in production teams, targets, and production processes, I've seen this happen time and again: The targets are clear, and everyone is working hard. Despite all the effort, you know you're not reaching your full potential. You see the potential. Every day, you experience the significant role that relationships and emotions play in collaboration. It's frustrating when people can't get to the core of the matter, aren't sufficiently aligned, or waste energy on difficult discussions without emerging stronger. Unfortunately, I've also seen directors and team leaders become disengaged because of this, even though they sometimes had the insight but lacked the knowledge and skills.
Because I've discovered the leadership style that suits me, my life has changed. I work and live my life my way, and I bring that personal approach to my work. I use that same approach to help others discover what works for them. No superficial talk or standard models, but an approach that truly resonates with you. With me, you know what to do.
What drives me is the knowledge that everyone can grow. I work with people who are willing to look at themselves honestly, who have the courage to embrace change, and who take responsibility for their choices. The best part of my work is seeing leaders and teams start moving again. This allows them to move more towards each other and reach greater heights.
The children in my orphanage, Đồng Nai, Vietnam
Outside of work, I recharge by dancing Bachata, boxing, and spending time in nature. I'm a globetrotter and a free spirit, having lived and worked for years in Vietnam, Nepal, India, and Mexico. In Vietnam, I even founded an orphanage. My life and work have always been connected to others: guiding, inspiring, and helping people find their own path.
Want to Learn More About Eefke?
Leave a short message and we will get in touch. You will get a feel for the philosophy and practical approach Eefke uses to guide individuals, leaders, and teams toward meaningful, aligned growth.
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Eefke Bodt info@eefkebodt.com +31 617 554 930 |