Episode 2 of the podcast series Op Karakter: When Everything Falls Silent
The second episode of the podcast series Op Karakter, created in collaboration with TopsportNetwerk, dives into a universal but often overlooked moment: what happens when a career suddenly stands still. In “Als het stilvalt”, elite water polo player and newly re-crowned European champion Simone van der Kraats sits down with Mattijs ten Brink, former CEO of Transavia and Sunweb Group, to explore these defining pauses after major victories, but also after setbacks.
03-03-2026
The conversation between Simone and Mattijs uncovers why the business world has much to learn from top athletes when it comes to mental resilience. Both emphasize the value of an open culture in which vulnerability is not seen as a weakness, but as a foundation for sustainable performance.
Listeners gain practical insight into themes that matter deeply across teams and organisations:
- Regaining control when momentum shifts
- Navigating loss and transition
- Balancing ambition with perspective
- Building open, psychologically safe team cultures
- Performing—and performing happily—under pressure
Just like the series as a whole, this episode highlights why mental resilience has become an essential component of modern leadership. By bringing together the lived experience of elite athletes and leaders, Op Karakter offers honest reflections that translate directly to daily organizational practice.
At LTI, we recognize these themes every day in our work to strengthen people, teams, and decision‑making in complex environments. Episode 2 is therefore not just inspiring; it is a relevant invitation for leaders, athletes, and professionals who want to stay firmly in their strength, especially when everything seems to pause for a moment.
Listen here for a short preview. Or check Spotify for the full episode of Op Karakter – When Everything Falls Silent: