Stick to the Drumbeat –

It’s Consistency that Builds Teams

Look at a marching band or an orchestra. It’s the drums that keep the rhythm, and that steady drumbeat makes everything else fall into line.

Teams are like that. How many times have you heard, “At the start of the year, we had the best intentions – regular team meetings in everyone’s calendars, a rolling agenda to stay on track. It was going to be a great year.”

But then, somehow, things slipped. 

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Living a Life of Passion, Purpose and Compassion with Josh Asokan

 Listen to this month's most popular podcast episode, where Josh shares his amazing and awe-inspiring story with us - it was a huge honour to have him and support him on his mission. ⚡️

 Listen here

3 Rs of Leadership

Learning how to manage ourselves and others through stress is a critically important skill.

 Here are a couple of videos and resources that can help you do just that.

Meet Our New Faces!

 This month we welcomed three new Assocates to the team! We're thrilled to have Georgette, Alison and Lenty on board to help us deliver our leadership development training. 

We asked them what being an associate with Defy Expectations means to them - here’s what they had to say:

"I’ve just joined the team of Associates at Defy Expectations, and so far, it’s been a fun and interesting journey. I’m learning about the business and getting to know the people. It’s an exciting time for leadership in a rapidly changing world. I’m excited about building new connections, sharing my experiences and engaging with leaders across the Netherlands and beyond."

Georgette Kolkman 🔗

"I am excited to have the chance to become part of the team at Defy Expectations. It feels like I have discovered a natural fit for the skills and experiences I have accumulated throughout a diverse portfolio career. Joining a group of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to cultivating authentic leadership skills that create impact and unlock the untapped potential within us all is a real privilege."

Alison Milne 🔗

 "I’m looking forward to working with Defy Expectations. Their approach to leadership training and coaching is inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of their mission to help others grow and succeed. As part of this new journey I’m eager to connect and learn how others are navigating Great Leadership in their roles."

Lenty van Zeijst 🔗

Connect with our new associates on LinkedIn and welcome them to the team - just click the links above!

We relish the opportunity to meet you face to face and deliver real impact across organisations.

 Every session brings transformation—helping individuals and teams lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. 

What our customers had to say:

“Invaluable in helping me deepen my self-awareness and develop the emotional intelligence needed to lead effectively.”

"The curriculum has been thoughtfully designed, focusing on critical leadership skills.” 

Featured Voices

Make your next event unforgettable with our dynamic speakers who inspire, engage, and challenge audiences. Whether it’s a powerful keynote or a customized workshop, we deliver fresh perspectives and actionable strategies that ignite growth and drive real change. 

Read more about our COO and Founder Pat-Chapman Pincher and her specialist keynotes below.

What happens to diversity in the age of the Strong Man?

As Donald Trump takes office and squares up against Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, we are witnessing the rise of the 'strong leader' in countries across the globe. These leaders, with their passionate visions for the future often operate with limited accountability.

Backed by nationalist fervour, tightly controlled political mechanisms, or democratic mandates, these men (and they are almost exclusively men) shape their countries' futures. Whether through fervent support from significant segments of their populations or through systems that allow little dissent, their leadership styles reflect a growing trend in political dynamics.

Keep reading on our LinkedIn