Erik Smithuis

Inspires with passion

Speaker

As an experienced entrepreneur, speaker and author, I visit many organizations and give lectures and seminars on positive organizational culture, personal leadership and the power of collaboration in this 21st century.

I am convinced that every individual and every organization can get much more out of itself.
During my presentations I know how to actively involve the audience with lots of interaction, dynamics and a touch of humor.

Entrepreneur

In 2003, I started ICM Opleidingen & Trainingen with business partner and friend Harrie-Peter Roefs.
ICM has grown into one of the leading training organizations in the Netherlands.

ICM has been voted ‘Best trainer in the Netherlands’ many times and is consistently in the top 10 of Great Places to Work.
ICM has trained more than 100,000 people since its inception.

As an entrepreneur, writer and speaker, I enjoy sharing my expertise on how to achieve joint success from a positive organizational culture.

Inspirer

From the age of 25, after studying Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, I actively pursued my own search and development.
At home and abroad.
By reflecting, meditating, reading many books, gaining experiences and learning to collect.
It is my mission to spread love, positive energy and inspiration.
Having fun is very important to me in this.

In 2015, I walked, 800 km, in six weeks, to Santiago de Compostela.
This was one of the happiest periods in my life.
Six weeks without email or phone, without news, in nature.
At some point I met someone who said, “I have found what life is all about, which is three things: health, nature and other people.”
I felt…this is right!

‘If you can dream it, you can do it!’

"In a positive organizational culture
everyone thrives."

– Erik Smithuis

Erik is active at...

ICM Education & Training

In 2003, together with my college friend and business partner Harrie-Peter Roefs, I started ICM Opleidingen & Trainingen. ICM has grown into one of the three largest and most prominent training institutes in the Netherlands with over 100 employees and 200 professionals. ICM has been voted ‘Best Training Provider of the Netherlands’ six years in a row and is in the top 3 of ´Great Places to Work´. Since its foundation, ICM has been able to educate, train, coach and help more than 100,000 people grow personally.

“Personal and professional development determine your future,” is what I believe in. This applies at the individual, team and organizational level. This is not just for everyone. That is why I am also involved in the following non-profit organizations.

4 Young People

Since 2006, 4YoungPeople Foundation has been active in helping Young Professionals discover who they are, what they want and where their talents lie.
4YoungPeople believes that self-knowledge and growth contribute to your life’s happiness.
4YoungPeople offers trainings that encourage personal and professional growth, at a low rate and of a high standard.
This foundation is committed to curious startups and Young Professionals who want to advance in their development.

Challenge Day Foundation Netherlands

As chairman of the board of Challenge Day Foundation Netherlands (known from KRO documentary ‘Over de Streep’) I am closely involved with young people.
In cooperation with the American founders of Challenge Day, I founded the foundation Be The Change Europe.
Both organizations aim to further promote cooperation, openness and connection between people.
Challenge Day USA has now helped more than 1 million teens and adults around the world to positively change their lives.

What others are saying

"Fine speaker who knows how to make people go home feeling good! Very informative and motivating!"

"Erik engages the audience in a pleasant way that allows you to actively absorb the knowledge and stay fascinated with the topic for a long time. Very valuable seminar had which you can start working with immediately."

'Believe in your dreams'

Erik Smithuis – CREATION COLLEGE