Biography

Bas Kodden is an author, speaker, and researcher specializing in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development, particularly focusing on the topic of Engagement.

Before Bas joined the Center for Leadership & Personal Development at Nyenrode Business University in 2010, he spent nearly his entire career as an entrepreneur. In 1998, he literally started his first business from his living room, growing it into an organization with multiple locations and hundreds of employees.

After leading his companies for 12.5 years, he handed over his businesses to new management in 2010 to focus fully on scientific research, writing books, and training and coaching young, ambitious students to become future leaders. He refers to these new heroes as highly energetic, proactive doers who, with vitality and commitment, shape their own futures.

Since then, he has authored several other bestselling books, including “The Art of Sustainable Performance,” “Leading is Reverse Parenting,” and “The Devil Inside,” published both nationally and internationally.

With the publication of his new book, “Facilitating Rebellion,” in May 2024, he completed his trilogy: The Hero, The Devil, and The Rebel. All with one goal: The Art of Sustainable Performance!

Through his books, presentations, and seminars, Bas reaches many thousands of executives and professionals annually, inspiring and energizing them to bring themselves and their organizations into a renewed state of flow and engagement.

The aim: Turning talents into HEROES!

Additional information: Bas originates from Raalte, Salland. He is married, has two sons, and currently lives in Utrecht, the Netherlands. He studied both Law (1995) and Business Administration (2007) at the University of Groningen. Bas obtained his PhD from Nyenrode Business University in 2011, served for several years as director of the renowned Executive MBA program, and was appointed Professor at the same university in 2020.

In 2020, he became only the second Dutch person ever to complete a marathon on all seven continents. In 2023, he became one of the world’s first pilots certified to fly electric airplanes. His personal motto:

Be of Use – Be in Shape – Be Happy: Become a HERO.

Breaking news: In October 2024, Marianne Timmer and Bas jointly founded the Topsport Academy—to once again turn heroes into HEROES!