HBC Member Profile – Radical Innovation

Interview with Dr Bernard van Vuuren – Radical Innovation

  1. How did you decide to specialize in Business coaching and facilitation? 

After a career of more than 20 years in academics, private practice, research & development, and entrepreneurship (own business). I realized that my passion and purpose is to unlock unlimited potential for individuals, teams, and organizations. Business consulting and coaching fitted the vehicle for me to do that.

  1. What are the challenges in Business consulting, facilitation, and coaching?

As with any career, coaching and consulting has its own challenges. I will say the most profound challenge is that you need to adapt to every client and situation, be that an individual or company’s needs, and for that you need to be in the moment all the time. Another challenge is that you often work alone and can get isolated. You therefor need to be involved with networking and co-collaborate with other specialists in your field.

  1. Do you believe your coaching is life changing and why?

Yes, I do believe so. On an individual level, if you understand neuroscience – the art of not telling someone what to do, but to assist them in getting the insights they need to make the necessary changes for personal development – it is very fulfilling to see.

On an organizational or business level I am a strong believer in guiding companies in a process to get clarity and focus. When that happens, you see the magic in growth and purpose.  I have seen time and time again how going through well researched and tested processes of facilitation and coaching, a business can redefine their purpose, strategy and get new direction.

  1. What makes your services different from your competitors?

Over the years I have realized that you yourself need to be a learner for life. I have studied and researched many cutting-edge methodologies and processes to guarantee results. I have a thorough academic background and had the privilege to study at some of the most prestigious Universities around the world. This combined with my ability to work with people and my experience in many industries makes me different from other business coaches and facilitators. I am currently using Design Thinking methodologies to find solutions for problems companies may face. I am further geared to perform these facilitation techniques via virtual platforms remotely. This together with strong facilitation skills that I have gathered through many years as a corporate and research executive, helps me to bring customized solutions to my clients. I see myself as an innovation facilitator and problem solver.    

  1. What tips can you give Business owners during this difficult time?

Firstly, you need to be adaptable in these times. Disruption will be in the order of the day for the next decade and you need to be able to unlearn and relearn new ways of doing business. Secondly you need to be resilient and keep the focus of your dreams. Thirdly, be diligent in processes and structures that has been proven. Fourthly be wise with your cash flow in these times and finally, be customer focused more than ever. I am a strong believer in good customer and user experience and more than ever you need to differentiate yourself from your competitors in this regard.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *