Leadership Academy

Leadership Academy

By Ernst Gleijm & Renze van Goor – September 2022

And there was the day of the graduation ceremony. What a fantastic feeling that was for Renze van Goor, who thus completed an intensive period of his Master of Finance programme. Renze works as a business controller at HSV Technical Moulded Parts N.V. (HSV TMP). HSV TMP is one of the leading companies in Europe when it comes to manufacturing large plastic products. HSV TMP has experienced strong growth in recent years and has an ambitious growth target for the coming period as well. So how will HSV TMP achieve this growth? That was the subject of Renze’s thesis and, at the same time, Renze’s strategic project within HSV TMP. So two birds with one stone.

But how do you start a strategy development process? And how do you make the right choices in a market environment that is rapidly changing due to wars, pandemics and technological developments. To answer these questions, Renze teamed up with Ernst Gleijm, whom he knew as a lecturer in his Strategic Marketing lectures at NLBA. Ernst is a partner at NLBA Leadership Academy, and has extensive experience in strategy development and execution. Within HSV TMP, a technical no non-sense company, issues such as customer and market knowledge, planning, commercial strength and own positioning had received even less attention. HSV TMP realised that it did need to get a better grip on these.

Renze: ‘We were looking for practical support that suited us. So without getting bogged down in
theoretical exercises, thick reports and lengthy processes’.

Using a step-by-step plan, Renze and Ernst, in close cooperation with the HSV TMP management team, quickly clarified what HSV TMP stands for, what its ambitions are and what is needed to realise them. Practical analyses, including market and customer analyses, portfolio analyses and customer and partner interviews, formed the basis for this. What did it deliver? Obviously, a supported strategic direction. With a clear understanding of where HSV TMP needs to improve in the short term, where innovation is necessary and where HSV TMP wants to innovate in the long term.

Even more important than the course itself, is that it has now been translated into concrete actions, ownership and follow-up. A storyline that is easy to communicate to all HSV TMP stakeholders. A clear proposition, both to the market and to potential, new employees. And also an ideal customer profile on which marketing efforts can be better aligned. Ernst is also very enthusiastic about Renze’s own development.

Ernst: ‘Renze has strongly developed his leadership skills during the process. In fact, the ultimate
‘proof’ for a trainer. Applying the developed competences in training directly in practice’.

A great story articulated in a beautiful thesis, which enabled Renze to successfully complete his study period.

NLBA Leadership Academy

The NLBA Leadership Academy was born out of a growing need among organisations to receive tailor-made business guidance in addition to training and education. From a clear analysis to a practical approach and guidance, matching the brand values. NLBA Leadership Academy works with organisations from a wide range of industries on strategy and leadership issues. Want to know more about the NLBA Leadership Academy and what NLBA can do for your organisation besides training? Ernst Gleijm and NLBA will be happy to talk to you!