Robin Kettenes
"I will challenge the quality of leadership''
About
Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by what makes a great leader. While others might have focused on results or titles, I was always watching how people led—how they communicated, how they inspired (or failed to), and how their presence shaped the energy of a team.
I remember observing my own managers closely, not just out of curiosity, but out of a genuine interest in the craft of leadership. Because yes, I truly believe leadership is a craft. It’s not something you simply grow into—it’s something you learn, reflect on, and refine over time. It didn’t take me long to realize that a leader can either lift a team up… or quietly wear it down.
What drives me is the belief that leadership, when done well, is both an art and a responsibility. It’s about motivating others without losing clarity. It’s about creating joy and safety at work, while also setting direction and expectations. I’ve seen what happens when this balance is struck—and when it’s not. And I’ve made it my mission to understand it better.
I stepped into leadership roles at a young age, and for over ten years now, I’ve been exploring the psychology behind great leadership. I’ve led teams, read countless books, scribbled notes after conversations, and reflected on both the wins and the lessons learned. In my most recent roles, I´ve been deeply involved in leading change - guiding leaders through large/scale transformation projects, often in the context of reorganizations, with a strong focus on customer service and contact center operations for the retail banking sector.
This website is my way of bringing those insights to others—maybe to you. Here, I’ll talk about leadership styles, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) psychology behind team dynamics, and the principles I believe make the biggest difference. I’ll share stories, examples, and yes, a few honest confessions too.
Because leadership isn’t just a job title—it’s a daily practice. And if you care about doing it well, I hope this space gives you something useful, or at least something to think about.
Want to know more about my background? Visit my linked in:
Robin K. - Randstad | Professioneel profiel | LinkedIn
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"I will challenge the quality of leadership"
This quote captures my deep conviction about leadership today. Too often, I see organizations promoting strong individual contributors into leadership roles without offering the proper support, training, or understanding that leadership is a true profession in itself — not simply an extension of operational excellence.
In many companies, leadership still carries an outdated stigma: to be a leader, you must be authoritative, have a commanding presence, and avoid showing vulnerability. Traditionally, leadership was often embodied by men in their fifties who could dominate a room simply by their physical stature. But leadership is so much more than that.
When I first stepped into a leadership role at the age of 23, I was a young woman — small, blonde, and anything but imposing. I often felt I had to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously. Yet deep down, I always knew: I have what it takes. Leadership, for me, is something you feel in your heart. It is a craft that can certainly be honed through hard work, but it helps immensely if you have a natural affinity for it — just like not everyone is born to sell cars, not everyone is meant to lead people.
I believe leadership skills — such as empathy, communication, coaching, and resilience — are much harder to teach than technical expertise or subject-matter knowledge. Yet many organizations still select leaders primarily based on content knowledge or seniority, rather than true leadership potential.
With this quote, I want to challenge these outdated mindsets. I advocate for recognizing and nurturing leadership talent, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold. I’m passionate about giving a voice to those who might not “look” like a typical leader but have all the right competencies inside them. Because strong, modern leadership is not about authority — it’s about authenticity, empowerment, and sustainable impact.