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Strategic Sparring Partner

Driving Business Excellence in Amsterdam and Beyond

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Navigate Business Challenges with a Seasoned Strategic Partner

I'm Ben Steenstra, a serial entrepreneur, executive coach, author, and public speaker dedicated to transforming businesses and leaders through strategic insight and deep, meaningful engagement. With my extensive experience in founding and growing businesses both nationally and internationally, I've become a key strategic partner for enterprises and startups alike.

Operating primarily around Amsterdam and its surrounding areas, I bring local expertise with a global perspective. Whether you're looking to revitalize your business, redefine your leadership through Silent Authority, or drive your startup to new heights, I'm here to support your journey.

Our collaboration will be a deep and enduring partnership, where I bring all my business acumen, coaching prowess, and mentoring skills to the table. This relationship is built on a mutual understanding that real progress takes time and that the right discussions can lead to groundbreaking results.

If you're ready to elevate your leadership and set a course for lasting success, let’s connect and explore how we can achieve great things together.

Looking forward to starting our journey,

Ben Steenstra

My Approach

What sets my approach apart is not just the ability to guide through crises and challenges but also to instill a lasting transformation that aligns with core values and long-term meaningful objectives. My role as your Strategic Sparring Partner is to ensure your business remains course-steady and resilient amidst the ups and downs of the market. Through intense discussions and a dynamic interchange of roles—from coach, where I probe and question, to mentor, drawing from over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience—I help refine your strategy and strengthen your leadership.

Key Areas Where I Can Make a Difference

Leadership Development and Silent Authority

My approach to leadership development is deeply influenced by my own experiences and successes in fostering environments where Silent Authority paves the way for substantial organizational loyalty and effectiveness. This style of leadership, characterized by empathy and resilience, supports leaders in cultivating a presence that inspires and engages without overt dominance, aligning well with modern organizational dynamics.

About Strategic
Sparring Partner
Partnership

I am selective about the partnerships I engage in, choosing to work with individuals and organizations that align with my values and approach to business. I consciously avoid the "quick money" mentality, preferring instead to embrace and advocate for meaningful entrepreneurship. This commitment to value-driven business practices is reflected in my work, including my authorship of a book nominated in 2011 for Management Book of the Year, which focuses on meaningful profit.

I prefer collaborating with open-minded, innovative organizations that have a long-term vision and the courage to disrupt their industries. My own entrepreneurial journey mirrors this ethos—I seek to partner with those who are not only ready to challenge the status quo but are also committed to making a significant impact. This partnership is about more than just business growth; it's about fostering a legacy of innovation and integrity.

Who Will Benefit From My Strategic Sparring Partnership?

Visionary Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders

Entrepreneurs who are not just chasing the next big idea but are committed to building sustainable, impactful businesses. These leaders benefit from my strategic guidance to refine their vision, scale their operations effectively, and navigate the complexities of your industries with a focus on long-term success.

Social Entrepreneurs and Impact-Driven Enterprises

Leaders whose core missions are to drive social, environmental, or economic changes through their business endeavors. My experience in meaningful entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with your goals, helping you to maximize your impact while maintaining profitability and business health.

Established Business Leaders Seeking Innovation

Executives in established companies who are looking to inject innovation into their business models and are ready to embrace disruptive strategies. Our partnership helps you to think outside the box, implement cutting-edge solutions, and rejuvenate your organizational culture to stay competitive.

Companies Undergoing Strategic Transition

Organizations that are at a critical juncture, whether due to market demands, technological evolution, or internal shifts, and need expert guidance to navigate these changes successfully. My strategic insights and proven track record in managing transitions make me an invaluable resource to these companies.

If you’d like more information about me as a Strategic Sparring Partner, get in touch today.

What to Expect From Me as a Strategic Sparring Partner

Candid and Unfiltered Feedback

Unlike a traditional advisory board, my role is to spar with you, providing direct and unfiltered feedback. I do not hold back in sharing my insights and opinions because my commitment is to your growth, not to pleasing you. This straightforward approach ensures that you receive the honest guidance necessary to navigate complex challenges.

Independence and Objectivity

I maintain no financial stake or vested interest in your company. This independence is crucial as it allows me to share my views, visions, and insights freely and objectively. You can trust that my advice is tailored solely to benefit you and your business without any underlying agenda.

Dedicated Support and Flexibility

I understand that the needs of your business can vary; sometimes you might need more frequent interaction, depending on what challenges arise. I am flexible in my availability, offering sessions a few times a month or more frequently as required, always ready to support you through every up and down. Additionally, I am always reachable within a few hours and do not hesitate to have a quick conversation amidst my other commitments. Whether it's early in the morning or late in the evening, I make myself available to ensure you have the support you need, whenever you need it.

Inspiration and Motivation

Being an entrepreneur can sometimes feel isolating, especially when grappling with concerns or brainstorming bold new ideas. As your sparring partner, I am also your confidant and motivator. I am here to inspire you and help transform your innovative ideas into actionable strategies, ensuring you never feel alone in your entrepreneurial journey.

Encouraging Personal and Professional Growth

My primary goal is to help you become the best version of yourself. Through our sessions, expect to face some challenging conversations—because "without friction, there's no shine." My support is designed to push you toward significant personal and professional development, helping you to achieve and exceed your goals.

  • 30 Minutes Free Intake

    0€
     
    Getting to Know Each Other
    Valid for 7 days
    • Defining the Goals Briefly
  • Strategic Sparring Partnership

    4,999€
    Every month
    From Vision to Execution: Your Strategic Coaching Partner
    Valid for 3 months
    • Strategic Sparring Partner
    • Revitalize Your Business
    • Purpose Driven Business Coaching
    • Silent Authority Leadership Coaching
    • Team Enhancement Workshop
"Sometimes in your life, there comes a time when everything in life is dark gray or maybe even black. The concept of Ben’s multi-day coaching made a deep impression on me. The combination of healthy food, sports and mental coaching, and friendly conversations made it complete for me. I’ve seen a lot of parts come along, NLP, and neurosemantics. It brought insights into myself that I had lost along the way. It gave me back the energy and motivation to be who I am and made me decide to start a new business. And enterprise I mean in the broadest sense of the word, so also in being human. Thx Ben!"

Michel Brands

Self-Assessment Checklist for the need of a Strategic Sparring Partner 

Below is a list of potential issues you might be facing. While there may be other concerns impacting you or your company, this checklist is designed to give you an indication of whether a Strategic Sparring Partner could be beneficial to you. Please take a moment to reflect on these points to determine if it might be time to seek my professional help.

  • Do you ever doubt whether you are making the right strategic decisions for your business's long-term success?

  • Do you struggle to find experienced advisors to discuss high-level strategic choices?

  • Are you often uncertain about the direction in which you are taking your business?

  • Do you need to gain confidence in areas outside your expertise, such as international expansion or digital transformation?

  • Are you looking for a trustworthy source of honest feedback on your leadership style and business strategy?

  • Do you know how to identify and mitigate unseen risks in your business strategy?

  • Do you find it challenging to make tough decisions that could significantly impact your company?

  • Are you confident that your strategic plans are robust and adaptable to market changes?

  • Do you need help thinking through complex problems outside your area of expertise?

  • Are you searching for a mentor who has successfully navigated the challenges you’re currently facing?

  • Do you feel equipped to evaluate new market opportunities independently?

  • Are you looking for validation of your business ideas from someone with a proven track record?

  • Would you benefit from having someone challenge your thinking and offer different perspectives on your business?

  • Do you feel isolated in your role as CEO or founder?

  • Are you considering strategic pivots in your business model and need advice on how to proceed?

  • Do you need assistance discussing the scalability of your business idea?

  • Are you seeking strategies to manage uncertainty and fear effectively when leading your company?

  • Are you concerned about maintaining business growth amidst uncertain economic conditions?

  • Are you looking to develop leadership qualities that help you manage crises effectively?

  • Do you need help critically evaluating the sustainability and ethical implications of your business decisions?

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