I work with Successful Executives so they can make Critical Transitions a Win and mitigate Derailment |Philosopher |London Area, United Kingdom 

Introduction
In the dynamic world of corporate leadership, where transitions can be both challenging and transformative, Patrick Smits stands out as a seasoned Senior Partner and Executive Coach at Krug Associates. With over 14 years of dedicated service, Patrick has not only shaped the trajectory of executives but has become a guiding force in helping them navigate critical transitions with finesse.

Key Takeaways

• Patrick Smits emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for executives during challenging transitions.
• His role at Krug Associates goes beyond coaching, contributing to critical strategic decisions.
• Patrick’s diverse experience spans advisory roles, coaching, and international projects in the Oil and Gas Industry.
• A seasoned trainer and facilitator, Patrick’s commitment to leadership development is evident in his various roles.
• His educational pursuits showcase a dedication to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

Creating a Safe Haven for Transitions
In his profound career, Patrick emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for executives during difficult transitions. His philosophy centers around creating a unique relationship that allows for the sharing of experiences that may have no other outlet. Patrick’s approach is akin to taking executives to the balcony, allowing them to reflect on the dancefloor of their professional lives. This thinking space becomes a powerful tool to prevent possible “derailments,” a term Patrick uses to describe the pitfalls that executives may encounter without adequate reflection.

Experience at Krug Associates
As a Senior Partner and Executive Coach at Krug Associates, Patrick has been instrumental in advising corporates, board members, and CEOs on critical hires and talent decisions. Founded with the goal of prioritizing clients’ interests, Krug Associates operates globally, with offices in London, Brussels, Munich, and Zurich. Patrick’s role goes beyond conventional coaching; he contributes to strategic decision-making processes, leveraging his deep industry expertise and knowledge of talent pools.

Advisor at B-Sprouts
Patrick’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship led him to serve as an advisor at B-Sprouts, an international Incubator and Accelerator based in Brussels. Over a span of two years, Patrick contributed to creating a proactive community of international entrepreneurs in the areas of IoT and Connected Cars.

Accredited SPIN Trainer and Beyond
Patrick’s journey includes a significant tenure as an Accredited SPIN Trainer for Huthwaite International. Over 12 years, he delivered training in SPIN Selling, Negotiation Skills, and Account Strategy for Major Sales. His role extended to coaching sales professionals in the Huthwaite methodology. Additionally, as a Senior OD Consultant at Business Seed, Patrick focused on Sales Excellence Improvement through consulting, training, and coaching in Commercial Strategy, Business Process Improvement, and People Development.

International Impact at Tercon Consulting
In his role as a Senior OD Consultant for Tercon Consulting, Patrick participated in team development projects for capital projects in the Oil and Gas Industry. His diverse experience spans sectors such as Industry, Telecom, ICT, and Banking, where he contributed to the development of high-performing teams. Notably, Patrick played a pivotal role in a change management project for Supply Chain Management in the Oil and Gas Industry in Perth, Australia.

Diverse Training Roles
Patrick’s commitment to leadership development is evident in his roles as Trainer Consultant at Minds in Motion and Trainer at Outward Bound Belgium. At Minds in Motion, he designed and delivered Leadership Development programs, team facilitation, and individual coaching. At Outward Bound Belgium, Patrick facilitated experiential learning workshops.

Leadership in Trading: ING and Cargill
Before his impactful coaching and consulting roles, Patrick held key positions in the financial sector. As the Director of Trading at ING, he led prop traders in Technology Shares. His earlier experience at Cargill as a Trading Manager involved overseeing the European Book of Oilseeds.

Educational Pursuits
Patrick’s commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his educational journey. He holds an Advanced Practitioners Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Academy of Executive Coaching, a Personal Trainer Certification from Menno Henselmans’ online PT Course, and certifications in Business Process Management, Counseling Psychology, and Negotiation Train the Trainer from institutions like Amelior, Focus On Emotion, and Harvard Law School.

5 Leadership Lessons

1. Create a Safe Space: Provide executives with a safe environment for reflection and sharing during transitions.
2. Contribute Strategically: Go beyond coaching; contribute to critical strategic decisions in leadership roles.
3. Embrace Diversity: Patrick’s experience in diverse sectors highlights the importance of adapting leadership approaches.
4. Commit to Continuous Learning: Patrick’s educational pursuits underscore the significance of ongoing professional development.
5. Foster Entrepreneurship: Advisory roles at B-Sprouts showcase Patrick’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.

Conclusion: A Leadership Legacy
Patrick Smits’ journey is marked by a dedication to leadership, coaching, and continuous improvement. His impact as a Senior Partner at Krug Associates, coupled with his advisory roles and international contributions, paints a picture of a leader who goes beyond conventional coaching. Through his experiences, Patrick leaves executives not just informed but deeply moved and inspired.