How do you return after a serious setback – like a heart operation? This powerful question was at the center of an inspiring session at the EHL in Den Bosch, organized by ABN AMRO MeesPierson, BrabantSport, and Stichting Klimop.

Bouncing back after setbacks. Lessons from Sport, Recovery, and Business.

With Olympic coach Jeroen Delmee and performance expert Eric Verboom, we were given a unique insight into the journey toward gold in Paris. Their story was not just about tactics, but about leadership – the courage to say goodbye to established names, and the vision to give young, hungry players a chance. Sometimes the best results come not from the most technically gifted, but from those with the strongest drive and resilience.

Leadership, we learned, is about making brave choices. It is about shaping your own culture and believing in the potential of new talent. And the parallels with recovery and rehabilitation were striking. Stichting Klimop reminded us that resilience, discipline, and team spirit are just as essential off the field as they are in elite sport.

At Elips, we recognize these lessons every day. Working with retailers and supply chain partners, we often see that setbacks, whether market shifts, logistical challenges, or supply disruptions, demand the same mindset as athletes and patients in recovery. Progress requires resilience, trust in the process, and the courage to adapt. Sometimes it means letting go of “what always worked” and embracing new solutions.

Like in sport, success in business comes from building the right culture, supporting fresh talent, and daring to innovate. The session was a vivid reminder that growth, whether personal, physical, or organizational, begins with resilience and vision.

A big thank you to all who shared their stories. The inspiration stays with us.