After studying business economics, he gained extensive national and international experience as a 
marketing and sales manager at companies such as Holmen Packaging, Nestlé, Vendex (DIY), and 
Bols International (Italy, Spain, and Greece).

Since 2003, he has advised SME on sales, management and communication. Besides being a speaker, his work includes (co-)drafting business plans, devising sales campaigns/ process and conducting
customer-focused sessions. The goal is always: how to generate more revenue and profit. 
He has also served as interim commercial director at three companies.

In evaluations, Richard is rated as a gifted and enthusiastic speaker. 
He tells vivid, engaging, and sometimes confrontational stories about what does/ does not work. 
Through his many intriguing examples, his speeches have a lasting impact. 
He says what many think but do not dare to say.

He publishes articles and booklets and writes provocative, playful columns 
on social media about ‘communication blunders in practice.’ 
He has published four readers and three collections.

Sales & Power Session Topics In his sessions, he aims to inspire people with a ‘Power Session’,
adapted to your desired topic, in how managers can approach their people and customers different. How can you make the sales more enjoyable and profitable for the customer, team member.
He tells leaders, country- and team managers how they can be an inspiration to those around them.
Happy and motivated people sell more. Make your people happy! 
Choose to improve the (communication) quality of your people. It’s easier than you might think!

A mix of energetic and humorous presentation style with useful and powerful insights on 
strengthening your persuasive authority. With a better and smarter targetgroup choice, higher average transaction value per customer’ as a starting point, he takes his audience on with an energetic and 
cabaret-like rollercoaster. Participants are inspired by striking visuals and playful stories from my 
personal earlier background in hospitality and as a keen observer of how customers/ guests are treated in shops and restaurants. Or ofcourse in B2B settings.

Presentation Style and Methodology

Elements stimulating the audience’s ability to absorb information:

• Humor
• Visualization: telling stories vividly
• Interaction: involving participants in the presentation
• The speaker/ workshop facilitator must be a ‘personality’ and radiate this
• ‘Content King’: the content is continuously enhanced with latest insights This forms the basis of his presentation methodology.

Approach / Distinction The presentations and speeches are interactive and practice-oriented. Examples from daily practice are used, increasing recognizability, increasing and contributing to improved communication and influencing skills. 
Participants from 5-10 years ago tell they have never forgotten his way of presenting and more over,
and still use the (sometimes unorthodox) lessons learned.

His goal is to touch the audience’s hearts.’Flat and dry’ information transfer 
is to be avoided. His vision: people only tryly learn when they have experienced the 
material emotionally. This happens through his positively provocative way of speaking and presenting. It’s about intrinsic motivation. No cosmetic tricks.

References (Selection of Testimonials)

“To be called ’the star of the conference’ is, of course, a great compliment”
– by Jan Moes (board member #VVCM).

“For an experienced team of field salespeople, Richard gave the speech:
‘Selling more to existing customers.’ It was an exciting session with many tips & tricks 
and practical examples. Very useful and I expect lasting increased sales.” – Willem Schuizeman, Area Manager Europe, Cavex Holland BV

“A very big thank you …………a superb presentation. I am really pleased with the reaction that you created”  
– Phil Rice, Head of Credit /Credit Services, Aggregate Industries

Dear Richard I wanted to  personally extend my grateful thanks to you for delivering an excellent
session on The Secrets of a High Performing Sales Team!,  at FCIB’s Rome conference.  
– Noelin Hawkins Director, Europe, Middle East and Asia
                                        

Thanks for the super presentation at the FECMA conference in Brussels. 
Everybody was enormously excited! I am very glad about that – Daphne Jongejans – Fecma organizer

“Dear Richard, many thanks for your great contribution for our successful
Credit Change management conference!” – Péter Szentirmay, Chairman HCMA Budapest

“It was a great closure of our Leadership & Sales conference. Absolutely SUPER!”  
– Marrit van Exel, Eurofins

“Many eye-openers. Useful tips and advice. Richard: Fast, humerous, substantive, great body language, knowledgeable.” – AkzoNobel Industrial Chemicals

“A lot of information that made me think and is applicable to improve 
my performance. Inspiring!” – Zorggroep Crabbehoff

“Engaging storyteller, uses humor. Keeps up the pace, which helps to stay focused. 
Inspiring, positive, clear, and recognizable situations that I will take into practice.” 
– T. Spek, Rittal BV

“Very successful speech! We would love to have Richard back again!” 
– Tabor Schools

For years Richard has increased the commercial skills of our Service Coordinators.
– T. vd Ham – former Director Operations – Yokogawa Engeneering EU

“Captivating, educational, practice-oriented. Focused oriented. Focused on the person from a positive perspective. The material discussed is very inspiring to encourage yourself to 
different behavior. Inspiring, interactive, educational.” – Azora Thuiszorg

“I only received positive feedback about the speech and about Richard. It was fun and 
educational!” – Municipality of Lansingerland

“Listened to the entire speech with interest. Received good tools. Very interesting. 
Learned alot about types and how to play with behavior, facial expressions, etc. I can use the 
information in practice.” – Kinderopvang Roermond

“A lot of useful information for conflict situations in one speech! Provides a clear overview of 
all applicable methods, clear examples.” – Waterschap Zuiderzeeland

“Clear, well-structured! Richard’s way of presenting keeps you 100% engaged all time!” – Municipality of Eindhoven

“A very clear, well-structured session . And the speaker does very well by ensuring people
don’t ‘drift off’.” – Agentschap NL

“A positive and educational day. Richard van Houten motivates you to be sharper.” 
– J. Schomaker, Schomaker Mannenmode

“Communicates clearly and pleasantly. Radiates energy. Educational, lots of information!” – Oogziekenhuis Zonnestraal

“Diversity of topics in a relatively short time, brought in an inspiring way. 
Richard has the quality to captivate for a whole day with a good story, 
interspersed with humor.” – Chamber of Commerce Central Gelderland

“This speech exceeded our expectations. Not only did we gain knowledge about 
different types of behavior and personality of a potential conversation partner but 
also about ourselves.” – Vervoersmanagement Noord Nederland B.V.

“Can keep people engaged all day with humor. Impressive! 
Relaxed and educational.” – NV Sportfondsen Bussum

“Gives energy and food for thought. Interesting and inspiring!” – Omoda Brands (Wehkamp)

“Received many new tips & tricks to apply! Inspiring and awareness of where I get my energy from.” – UMC Utrecht

“Richard knows how to deliver. He addresses situations that occur in practice. 
Humor, knowledge, plenty present. Enjoyed the presentation and its applicability.” 
– Province of South Holland

“Very interesting tips and material delivered in a very engaging and humorous way.” 
– Rijkswaterstaat Water en Scheepvaart

“Everything is explained clearly and with a lot of humor. 
Richard has a pleasant voice to listen to. 
Very nice. I will definitely pass this on to my colleagues.” 
– Grolsche Bierbrouwerij

“Managed to keep our attention all day, a true performer! 
The energy radiated from him, the pace was good, and there was 
certainly time for humor. Thank you.” – Politie Twente

“Captivating speaker, speaks clearly, gives fun examples and humor. 
An interesting, engaging day with enough tips for the future.” 
– M. Kooij, LTO Noord

“Richard van Houten, with his boundless enthusiasm, is able to captivate 
his audience from the first to the last minute. Richard clearly seeks interaction 
with his audience, making the session very lively. 
A speech by Richard van Houten is a feast of recognition for his audience. 
He is able to hold up a mirror to people and make them think about things 
they are unconsciously already aware of.”
– Director ABN AMRO Hilversum

“Very exciting, recognizable, and a lot of food for thought. 
Top speaker, clear and well explained. Value for money and therefore 
highly recommended.” 
– Marco Hagmolen, Huuskes

“Many new insights + good substantiation. Info in a pleasant way. 
Extraverted and lively.” 
– Patrick Rödel, Department Head, Eurofins