From the desk of the Bekader newsletter, below an interesting experience from one of our alumni: Gijs van Bilsen.
Which study did you choose?
I began in 2003 with the bachelor Business Administration, and after that a master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, graduating in 2010.
Where did you live?
First, I lived on campus at Calslaan 36, and then I moved to the city of Enschede.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities:
Yes, mainly in the cultural area. I joined Pro Deo, Contramime and did a full-time year at the cultural board ‘Apollo’. Combining theatre and business has been one of my main interests during my time at the University Twente.
Your first job, how did that happen?
Funny that you should ask: I actually never started a regular job. During job interviews, I was often told that I was 'too creative' for a 'normal' job or task. So, I decided to start my own business
focusing on improvisation. (the ‘Inspelers’). This company still exists today.
Ok, so how did the next steps go in your career?
I did a lot of different things, but always in the field of organizational development. For instance, I spent 7.5 years at a Dutch consulting firm called Pentascope, where I was the Chief Inspiration Officer (not the usual CIO you hear about). But improvisation, imagination and theatre have always been a main theme. During my master’s, I came up with a new concept that mixes science and theatre to make a training product. I have to thank my thesis supervisor, Klaas-Jan Visscher, because he encouraged me to follow the most interesting path. I started working on this while I was still at university, with my partner. Along the way, we've gone from improvisation and Serious Escape Rooms to creating unique learning experiences. Now, 16 years later, we have a company together called Live Action Learning.
How do you see your future?
I would like to continue to develop Live Action Learning: Making unique learning experiences, by using the combination of imagination and leadership. Also, continue to be a motivational speaker at events, with our new keynote (more on an interesting offer below).
What do you see as the most valuable lesson from the studies?
Firstly, the combination of creativity and business. But it was also the advice from my thesis supervisor to follow my heart and interests for my future plans. He encouraged me to focus on the present instead of worrying too much about the future.
Can you give our readers a ‘Life Lesson?
Do what you think is awesome. I have always let my interest or hobby be the guiding principle. Use your imagination and good things will happen.
One last remark?
We have just premiered a new keynote speech: ‘Summon your talent’, and I would like to offer our Bekader members an opportunity to experience it firsthand. Our offer: In exchange for valuable feedback, we would be happy to speak at your future events. It is a 45-90 minute experience/lecture, and if you book us before end of summer, it’s free.
Thank you Gijs, for sharing this story, and all the best!