What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Putting words in a certain order so that they not only convey the message, but are also aesthetically sound. That, and putting a healthy dose of humor in it, even when you adres a serious issue. Sometimes when I read blogs or articles, I get the message but it doesn’t stick because it’s written down in a boring way. I want my stories to stick.

What is my idea of perfect happiness?

I don’t think perfect happiness exists. However, I do think you can come real close. For me that is when I have finished something that I have been working on for a long time. In other words: for me, happiness lies in achieving something, whether it is big or small, work or private. And obviously, when me and my girlfriend come home after a hard day’s work, kiss each other and discuss the day. This may sound a little dull, but to me the coming home part is crucial.

What is my greatest fear?

Becoming deaf. Listening to people and being able to have a conversation is an important part of storytelling. If I’m am no longer able to hear, I fear I will lose a part of my ability to make stories.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I am a born optimist – which is not the same a badly informed pessimist — so I don’t really focus on those, I just try to focus on good traits. However, if I need to pin point a trait that I deplore in myself it is my tension to rush through life.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

Actually, this is not directly a person within my profession, however I do think this person is great storyteller: Barrack Obama. I enjoy the way he speaks, how he chooses his words, how he pronounces them and how he also uses humor to convince his listeners. To me those are qualities that a storyteller should have.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I swear a lot. Really, a lot.

On what occasion would I lie?

When I first read this question, my reaction was: “I don’t lie, that’s not something I do because I am trained to write down (a version of) the truth.” However, that is probably a lie. So perhaps I would lie when I know I can really hurt someone with the truth. But even in those occasions, I don’t want to lie. Instead, I tell a ‘nicer’ version of the truth. Eventually the truth is something far more valuable than a lie to cover that.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I work in a commercial environment where time is money (obviously). Stories are best when you have time to think. I always want the best story possible, but I don’t always have time on my side.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

When I made a series of video’s with a great camera man/director. The ideas that we had and the way we realized those ideas made me really happy. Also, I had to interview a couple of very interesting people. To sit with them, and share their stories is something that makes me really happy.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Probably doing the interviews on camera with a bunch of very interesting people. It was a TV personality, owners of a super interesting Dutch brand, and the founder of one of the biggest festivals in the Netherlands.

Where would I most like to live?

New York City. I fell in love with that city when I first visited. I think I was twelve, and visited a friend of mine who had moved there due to his father’s work. I went back a couple of times, and I am going again next spring.

What is my most treasured possession?

Probably my road bike. I am a fanatic road cyclist. I recently bought a really — no, really — nice bike that I enjoy every time I ride it.

What is my most marked characteristic?

I am in it to win it.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Strijp-S. I’m lucky to live in that part of town. It is a post-industrial area, which has a certain raw-ness and creativity to it. People here are modern, outspoken, and very friendly.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Ketelhuis, no doubt. I call it my frontyard. The food is great, and so are the people working there. It’s in an old building where electricity was generated for the whole Strijp-S area. The owners now have kept that piece of history and mixed it with a very vibrant, creative and modern feel. I just love the place.

What books influenced my life and how?

There are two books that influenced me: the first is The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. I got this books from my mother, who told me that there were some very valuable life lessons in it. I think I read that book over five consecutive times. It’s not only a great story, it is also very well written. I just couldn’t stop reading it. It’s a search of wealth and happiness, which the main character carried with him all along.

The second book that influenced me is the book by Peter Sagan, one of the most flamboyant and successful road cyclist today. He is one of the best of his kind, trains like an animal, races like a winner, but his motto is “why so serious?” (from the Joker in Batman). Everything he does, no matter how hard he works or how much is at stake, he always knows how make fun. To me he is the ultimate example of how to live: work hard, but never forget to enjoy life.

Who are my favorite writers?

Yuval Noah Harari. He is an Israeli historian who has a very interesting take on things. He sees manners in a different and inspiring way. He can be confronting, without offending anyone. His work is very inspirational to me.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

If I had one day to live, I would listen as much a I can. I am a music freak. That is to say, classical, jazz, hiphop, soul music, and pop. Preferably all at the same time, but I would end with a Bob Dylan song: You’re gonna make me lonesome when you’re gone.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Santiago from The Alchemist. It is the person who is in search for things that he thinks he doesn’t possess, but in the end it turn out that everything he was looking for, he already had.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Peter Sagan. He’s a true athlete, a fighter and a beautiful person. Despite the immense pressure, he know how to enjoy life.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Marshall — a movie directed by Reginald Hudlin. It is a movie based on a true story (I love those kind of movies), and it’s situated in the US in 1940. The movie is about a NAACP lawyer who defends someone who is accused of raping a woman. It’s about segregation and the hole trial is based upon a black man raping a white upperclass woman, while in fact they were in love.

What role plays art in my life and work?

I would say a pretty big part. Many of my friends are either musicians, writers of painters. I see a lot of their work, I even have it on my walls back home. I used to compose and play music when I was younger. It’s a great outlet. I still play occasionally.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

I’d say my girlfriend. She’s dead honest, super sweat and brings up the best in me.

Whom would I like to work with in 2020?

Good question, I honestly don’t know. Any suggestions?

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2020?

There are so many interesting people. I would like to meet the Dutch prime minister, but I would also like to meet Zach Galifianakis, for instance. Both are very interesting people, I think.

What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?

There is this new project that we are trying to realize. We’re still in a very early stage, but I have been invited by the CEO of my company — as one of the three — to create a concept, and to realize it.

Where can you see me or my work in 2020?

Online. I hardly do print.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Find inspiration in the things you love. If you do that, you will always be able to move on.

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?

Koen Frijns (writer), Ruben den Brok (musician, composer/producer), Niels (Egidius) van der Putten (painter),

How can you contact me?

cornelissenboy@gmail.com or via Instagram or LinkedIn