Michel Koopman notes that as we navigate the complexities of global business, learning the art of expressing ourselves effectively and empathetically is not merely a skill to be acquired—it’s essential.

Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.

“Achieving a senior executive role is a significant milestone. I often receive this question from new senior leaders: "What should I focus on, and what should I ignore?" They feel that the way they drive impact needs to become more strategic, but the workload can seem overwhelming. How do they recalibrate their focus?

In my experience, success at the executive level often boils down to mastering three foundational pillars: culture, strategy and proactive sustainability, at times also combined with operational deep dives and strategic rainmaking. Since I became a first-time CEO of an online media company 15 years ago, I've found that attention to these areas adds the greatest value to your team, your customers and the long-term success of the business.”

W.A.I.T. Before You Speak — and Make Every Conversation More Impactful

When professionals embrace silence and intentional communication, they create space for innovation, trust and more meaningful conversations.

BY MICHEL KOOPMAN EDITED BY CHELSEA BROWN MAR 25, 2025

Key Takeaways

• By learning to pause before speaking, professionals at any level can drive more productive conversations, ensure key voices are heard and strengthen workplace dynamics.

• The W.A.I.T. framework (short for "Why Am I Talking") helps individuals communicate with purpose and intention.

• Professionals who speak less and listen more create room for others to contribute and foster a more inclusive and innovative environment.

Many of us want to get promoted at work, but don’t often stop to consider what that means.

Moving into the executive ranks often means leading the very people you once worked alongside. And while you might attract attention with stellar performance, it’s not enough to secure your success as a leader.  

Have you ever wondered why some messages stick and why some presenters hold your attention while others fade away? The answer often lies in a timeless communication principle: the Rule of Threes.

Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.

Why Work-Life Balance Is Overrated — and What to Pursue Instead. Managing quality, not time, is the secret to thriving personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways

• Balance is relative — what feels balanced varies from person to person, and the key lies in defining what it means to you.

• True balance comes from the quality and joy of the time spent rather than the amount.

• You can find a sense of harmony by aligning your time and energy with what genuinely matters to you.

• Instead of rigidly dividing work and personal life, integrating the two can create a cohesive, joyful whole.

The Overlooked Side Of Succession Planning

Succession planning is often regarded as a key pillar of organizational resilience. Done well, it ensures that high-potential younger leaders are primed and ready to take on critical roles, safeguarding continuity in leadership. Many companies invest with great intention in identifying future leaders and providing them with coaching, mentorship and strategic growth opportunities.

Leadership relies on balancing these two forces. Here’s a simple way to approach it

Combined, these traits become complementary forces that empower leaders to navigate challenges while inspiring teams to reach new heights.

How to Evolve From Manager to Mentor and Create a Lasting Impact in Your Organization.

Are you stuck managing tasks instead of inspiring your team? Leadership is more than execution — it's about leaving a legacy. Here's how to transition from a manager to a mentor who makes a lasting impression.

Stop seeking approval. Here’s how adopting real accountability can help your career

Moving past seeking approval is more than just a productivity tip, it’s a mindset shift.

At some point, we’ve all looked to our manager for a sign-off, hoping for that sense of security: “If they approve it, I’m in the clear.” But there’s a hidden cost to always seeking approval. The problem? By leaning too heavily on seeking approval, we miss out on opportunities to own our decisions entirely—and with that, we risk stunting our own growth.  

Moving from seeking approval to true accountability is a game changer. Rather than treating each decision as someone else’s responsibility, owning your choices empowers you, builds trust, and ultimately makes you a more decisive leader. Here’s how to move past looking for a quick sign-off.  

'You're not that important.' How not to fall into the most common leadership trap.

A common leadership trap is failure to delegate and empower your team and shoulder all the work yourself.

Many senior leaders complain about running from meeting to meeting, from one fire drill to the next, from dealing with employee matters to investors, from presentations to spreadsheets, from Zoom to town hall meetings, board meetings to performance reviews, strategic planning to ops reviews, from checking email to moving calendars around, and the list goes on. Every meeting has an opportunity cost—a leader can never be in two places at once

Time management is an obvious priority skill for any senior leader. As a result, the executive coaching conversations I have with my clients are largely spent picking apart the executive’s agenda, priorities, team, colleagues, personal strengths and weaknesses, and areas of improvement

Preparing For Business Presentations: 10 Tips To Boost Your Confidence

for Forbes Business Council

Jan 29, 2024

Michel Koopman is a top growth strategist, executive coach, CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching and 2Swell.

How to Harness the Power of Authentic Storytelling to Become a More Effective and Inspiring Leader

Storytelling enhances business leadership by inspiring a culture of authenticity and trust through sharing relevant personal stories.

BY MICHEL KOOPMAN EDITED BY CHELSEA BROWN MAY 15, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Incorporating personal stories into presentations and pitches can significantly enhance audience engagement and comprehension, transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences.

• Authentic storytelling not only impacts individual leadership but also shapes organizational culture. Human stories foster connections among team members, making it easier for them to relate, respect and follow the leader and each other.

• Successful storytelling for leaders involves reflecting on personal experiences, crafting narratives of conflict to resolution and continuously iterating based on feedback.

Have you ever wondered why some messages stick and why some presenters hold your attention while others fade away? The answer often lies in a timeless communication principle: the Rule of Threes.

Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.

W.A.I.T. Before You Speak — and Make Every Conversation More Impactful

When professionals embrace silence and intentional communication, they create space for innovation, trust and more meaningful conversations.

BY MICHEL KOOPMAN EDITED BY CHELSEA BROWN MAR 25, 2025

Key Takeaways

• By learning to pause before speaking, professionals at any level can drive more productive conversations, ensure key voices are heard and strengthen workplace dynamics.

• The W.A.I.T. framework (short for "Why Am I Talking") helps individuals communicate with purpose and intention.

• Professionals who speak less and listen more create room for others to contribute and foster a more inclusive and innovative environment.

Michel Koopman notes that as we navigate the complexities of global business, learning the art of expressing ourselves effectively and empathetically is not merely a skill to be acquired—it’s essential.