Horse Whispering for CEOs: Why Leaders Should Listen More with Nico Van de Venne

The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast

The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast
Horse Whispering for CEOs: Why Leaders Should Listen More with Nico Van de Venne
Jul 25, 2025 Episode 75
Nico Van de Venne - Legally Certified confidant for entrepreneurs, executives and founders

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Dear listeners,

This will be the last episode of this podcast for the time being. Other aspects of business have caught my attention, and I would not be myself if I were to focus solely on quantity instead of quality.

Since my time is limited, I will focus on the other project for the time being.

Thank you, as a listener, for the loyalty and to all the guests for their wisdom and humanity.

Remember to jump from your head to your heart, and listen to the beat within.

Stepping into leadership shouldn't be a default promotion for top performers – it requires intention, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to serve others. Nico Van de Venne, premium confidant for high-achieving CEOs and entrepreneurs, pulls back the curtain on what he calls "CEO disease" and "founder syndrome" in this eye-opening conversation.

Drawing from 25 years of experience across nuclear, legal, IT, telecom, and sales industries, Nico challenges conventional wisdom about career progression. "There's no logic in humanity," he reminds us, pushing back against the assumption that moving up the corporate ladder is always the right move. Instead, he advocates for honest self-reflection: Do you genuinely want to lead others, or would you thrive more as an expert individual contributor?

The most memorable moment comes when Nico describes true leadership using a powerful metaphor: imagine horses pulling a carriage. While managers sit atop giving orders and demonstrative leaders run ahead showing exactly how things should be done, the servant leader moves invisibly among the horses, listening to each one's motivations and gently aligning them toward a shared goal. This invisible leadership style turns the traditional organisational pyramid upside-down, positioning executives as supporters rather than directors.

Nico's approach as a confidant centres on creating absolute trust – a space where leaders can speak candidly about their challenges without fear of their stories being recycled. "Sometimes listening to your own voice is the key to finding solutions to all your problems," he sha

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

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Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

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