What is the best thing that I love about my work? It’s a great privilege to be able to create things people enjoy, to be able to work from any location in the world and being totally independent on every level.

What is my idea of happiness? Taking my daughters out in my car and driving nowhere. Waking up next to my dog. Tears streaming from my eyes while laughing with friends. The beginning of spring. Old people walking hand in hand. My daily drive to the beach on my motorbike in summer. If you’re open to it happiness is everywhere — and most times it’s free. 

What is my greatest fear? My only fear is that something would happen to my daughters. 

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? You’d have to ask my friends and family… perhaps my lack of talent for small talk. Yes, I wish I was better at that. 

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I am not really someone who admires people, but Philippe Starck (and also Raymond Loewy) inspired me to become a designer. 

What is my greatest extravagance? The interior of my apartment.

On what occasion would I lie? Not to say that I never lie, but I rarely do. My head is rather messy so I would never be able to replicate a lie. There is only one truth to a story and it’s much easier to remember the truth. 

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Money driven people.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? Every time I start a new company I am super happy. It’s also risky place for me since my hyperfocus tries to burn me out. And since I have just started a new company and I feel exactly how I want to feel I am super happy right now — even in these challenging times. 

If I could, what would I change about myself? I’d like to be more patient and a little less lazy. 

What is my greatest achievement in work? I have had multiple companies and in all of them I could use my talents. Talents are something you get for free and are nothing to brag about but when applied in the right way they are a blessing.

Where would I most like to live? I’d most want to live as close to my daughters as possible. 

What is my most treasured possession? My 1952 Faema Marthe espresso machine.

What is my most marked characteristic? I always say “yes”, even when I say “no” I try to let my eyes say yes. “Yes” is a powerful word. Look in the mirror and say “yes” 5 times. And then say “no” 5 times. You’ll see what I mean. Yes can turn pitch dark black to bright & shiny pink. 

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My house and the beach (at 7 minutes from my house) inspire me every time. 

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? There is this fairly new restaurant called Yuzu in The Hague. Run by 3 friends with so much passion and talent – it’s always a pleasure to spend time there. I can’t wait for them to re-open after the current lock down. 

What books influenced my life and how? I read loads of biographies, but “the 4 hour workweek” by Tim Ferris really changed my life. When I started reading it I realized I already implemented 80% of his ideas in my professional life, but the remaining 20% made me very confident about my way of thinking. 

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Miles Davis, “All Blues” from the “kind of blue” album. But I’m not going to die. 

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? No one. 

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? As boring as the answer may be: my daughters Ella and Lux. 

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Godfather pt1 – preferably in a cinema. It’s like a lesson in cinematography. 

What role plays art in my life and work? Art plays a big roll in my life, but I get just as much inspiration from everyday life.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? I once asked my daughter at a period in her life where all she did was watch YouTube videos on her phone: “did you read the book about the girl who was on the sofa watching YouTube videos? No? Didn’t you see the movie too? Really? You know why? BECAUSE THERE ARE NO BOOKS OR MOVIES ABOUT GIRLS ON SOFAS WATCHING YOUTUBE VIDEOS!” So I do believe you need to get up and do something. 

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My business partner in crime is my ex-wife Esther. She acts as my compass, making sure I don’t ask too much of myself — or too little. When your luck is up friends and fans are everywhere, but real friends are there no matter what. It’s lonely at the flop, but the bright side is that bad times tell you who your real friends are. 

What project, in 2021, am I looking forward to work on? I have just started a new company based on an idea that came up while walking down my street. It’s a business in a field in which I have zero prior experience, and since I love to learn this is a great challenge. 

Where can you see me or my work in 2021? I don’t want to sound too ambitious but within 2 years I expect my new product to be a household name worldwide.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Well I would rather say “I will retire with passion”. Not sure when because I love what I do. 

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story? I’d love to talk to Elon Musk, Tim Ferris, Dalai Lama, Jeff Bezos and/or Richard Branson. It would be great if you could set up a meeting, I am free for lunch next week 🙂

How can you contact me? Rick@nlxl.com

Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Hero’s Journey

IS THE HERO’S JOURNEY FOR YOU?

• You are a creative professional who is interested in developing yourself and your creative business.
• You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. A coach can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
• You want to learn more about how to tell yourself a more powerful story, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
• You are curious and want to engage in an interactive learning journey with Peter de Kuster.
• You are motivated to work in-between journeys on yourself (e.g. working on questions that will help you develop new storytelling, mindsets, skills, and behaviors).

WHAT’S YOUR QUEST-ION?

The Hero’s Journey is all about your development. To make the most out of your journey with Peter, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with him. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration.

PRICING

One Hour Virtual Coaching for Euro 150 (excluding VAT)

One Day Journey for EUR 1,200 (excl. VAT)

Two Day Journey for EUR 2,150 (excl. VAT)

Three Day Journey for EUR 2,950 (excl. VAT)

BOOK THE HERO’S JOURNEY

FAQ

Who can sign up for The Hero’s Journey?

Creative professionals who wish to improve their storytelling, mindset(s) and develop their leadership skills.

What language do we speak in the journey?

English

Can I bring my own topics?

Yes, you get to choose your own topic.

Are journeys confidential?

Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the journey.

Where will the journeys take place?

Sessions will take place travelling with Peter a world city like Paris, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Antwerp, Venice, New York, Berlin, Madrid.

How do I sign up?

Send Peter an email to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com

How do I pay?

After you booked The Hero’s Journey by sending an email to Peter you will receive an email with info how to pay.

How do I book and reschedule a journey?

Once we’ve received your payment, our Program Coordinator will book your journey. She will also support you with rescheduling journeys if needed.

What is your cancellation policy?

Individual journeys can be postponed up to one week before the journey.