Nico de Klerk has one passion and mission in life: the growth and development of human potential. Many experiences and running his own company for 15 years, led to a “streetwise” approach. Being innovative has become a lifestyle by dealing with the bigger names in the marketplace for many years now. Nico is a RCS qualified Coach (Executive / Business / Life), did many Emotional Intelligence training and workshops and is well experienced in applying the principles as presenter at workshops in mega/ SMME companies or at the UN in Rome or amongst one of the most primitive tribes on earth: Ova Himba.

Twelve years of formal studies, a Masters degree, studies in Spirituality and the development of human potential and relationships as well as specific focus on the latest research on Neuro-Leadership (the brain at the workplace) are all combined in the services he presents as a coach to the marketplace. Nico believes that more than 50% of an individual’s potential, can’t wait to be uncovered and is just waiting to be challenged by a well structured process, respecting the individual uniqueness. Nico has two daughters and is married to Sarita.

I earned my first income before going to school at the age of 4 years and 6 months. I often slipped away from home in the Kalahari and went straight to the Bar/”shebeen” of a different cultural group where I was always welcomed with a Coke and then I gave them a show on the Bar counter by dancing for my customers. The particular dance was the so-called “Twist”. This I learned on the passenger boat where my parents were employees. We had to leave the boat because my mother “fell” pregnant. I never forgave her for that!

At University while studying Theology, I sold diamonds at a very good price to students who were just considering getting engaged

Before my own marriage, I had two weeks after my last exam, to earn enough money to pay for our two week honeymoon in a hotel in Seapoint of which the deposit was already paid. I made it but on our way back, I did not have the money to replace a  flat tyre about 200km from home.

With this history in mind it is probably no wonder that I quit my job as a full time minister after less years that I studied to become one. So I received my last salary cheque in October 1993. Since then it is one hell of a “innovation” story!

My favourite song: “I am I said”.

A few personal thoughts on innovation and creativity

• If it is not fun and energising..... stop and ask yourself where did you take the wrong off-ramp
• Go through phases where you lose your self-belief / that is where your story comes in / bringing you back to who you are / believing in yourself
• Innovator / entrepreneur is like jumping out of a plane with your chute. A lot of adrenaline, fun, excitement but then sometimes the chute does not open..... then the next morning you have to grab your gear without any hesitation or thought of what happened yesterday 
• To be an innovator is to be the kind of person enjoying it and having fun as close as possible to the edge