Over the summer, we are introducing the individuals who make Calderon Search & Advisory what it is, sharing their career stories, passions, and the work they’re doing to support our clients and their leadership goals. After introducing Dagmara Kruczkowska , Harco Leertouwer, and Cathy Miller recently, we close at the end of the summer this serie and this week the stage, more appropriate than ever, is for Cyrille van Hoof , Executive Leadership Coach.
Cyrille van Hoof is an experienced presentation coach with a background of over 30 years as a professional singer. She guides entrepreneurs, managers, and executives in finding their authentic voice and delivering impactful presentations. With her Q&A method, Cyrille helps clients strengthen their natural communication style by working on body language, tone of voice, composure, clarity of message, and audience interaction. She offers tailored one-on-one coaching, group training, and specialised programs for entrepreneurs, leadership teams, and executives. Whether addressing colleagues, clients, or investors, Cyrille ensures that every story is told with authenticity, confidence, and impact.
1. What resonates with you in Calderon Search & Advisory’s vision?
What I value most is Calderon’s clear focus on purpose-driven leadership and creating a lasting impact. We recognise that leadership is more than just managing a role or achieving short-term objectives. Instead, we see leadership as a responsibility to shape positive change, both within organisations and in society. That perspective resonates deeply with me because it mirrors the core of my own work.
As a presentation coach, I help people uncover and strengthen their authentic voice so they can inspire and move others. Just like Calderon Search & Advisory, I believe real impact starts when leaders embrace their deeper purpose and translate it into action. For me, true connection is not built through authority or perfect delivery but through the courage to show who you really are. When you dare to present yourself authentically, you create space for trust, dialogue, and sustainable impact.
2. How do you define ‘purpose’ in your own work?
For me, purpose is about staying close to your inner core and having the courage to express it fully. It has been the central thread throughout my life and career, including the more than 30 years I spent as a professional singer. On stage, I discovered that technical excellence is important but never sufficient. A flawless performance does not automatically create a bond with your audience. Real connection happens when you dare to open up, when you share emotions, experiences, and even your vulnerability.
That same insight forms the heart of my coaching. Whether I work with entrepreneurs, managers, or executives, I emphasize that authenticity is what makes your message resonate. Purpose, when expressed genuinely, is what transforms a presentation from a transfer of information into an experience that moves people. It’s what allows leaders to inspire others, to build credibility, and to communicate in a way that lasts.
3. What role do authenticity and vulnerability play in leadership and presenting?
Authenticity and vulnerability are not optional; they are essential. People instinctively sense whether someone is hiding behind a façade or speaking from a place of honesty. When you present yourself authentically, you are not trying to impress with perfection, but to connect through humanity. That is what builds credibility and trust, both in leadership and in communication.
Vulnerability, in particular, often has a transformative effect. It doesn’t mean exposing everything or appearing unprofessional; rather, it’s about acknowledging your humanness. Admitting that you are nervous, pausing to collect your thoughts, or sharing a personal experience doesn’t weaken your leadership, it strengthens it. These moments allow others to relate to you. They see that you are approachable and genuine, and that opens the door to deeper connection. In my experience, authenticity and vulnerability together form the foundation for powerful, inspiring communication.
4. Can you share a transformation you’ve witnessed in someone you coached?
Yes, one example that has stayed with me is a manager I worked with who was extremely knowledgeable and respected in their field. Despite their expertise, they would freeze the moment she had to present in front of a group. Their fear of being judged and their perfectionism prevented them from fully stepping into the role as a communicator.
Together, we worked step by step on the basics: building a clear structure for the story, practicing breathing techniques to stay calm, and learning to let go of the idea that they had to be perfect. The turning point came during one session when they finally dared to say out loud: “I’m nervous, but I’ll do it anyway.” That moment of acceptance unlocked something in them. From then on, their presentations carried a calm conviction.
What struck me most was how their team responded. Instead of losing respect, they admired them even more. They appreciated their courage, their honesty, and the fact that they were no longer hiding behind a mask. That transformation showed them, and reminded me once again, that embracing your humanity is often the key to becoming truly impactful as a leader and presenter.
5. What advice would you give leaders who want to make their presentations more powerful?
My first advice is always: start with your why. Before preparing slides or rehearsing content, reflect on why this message matters to you and why it should matter to your audience. When you anchor yourself in that deeper purpose, your communication gains both clarity and strength.Secondly, bring yourself into the story. Don’t hide behind data, titles, or slides. Share your experiences, your challenges, and even the lessons you’ve learned. It’s your unique presence and perspective that mak es a presentation memorable.
Finally, don’t strive for perfection. A flawless delivery may look impressive, but it rarely moves people. Just like in music, it’s not about hitting every note exactly right—it’s about creating an emotional connection with your audience. Show your humanity, use your natural voice, and dare to be vulnerable. That combination of authenticity and purpose is what makes leaders compelling and their presentations truly powerful.
