Two years ago, we were faced with a big reorganisation, for which I'd be largely responsible. I thought it would be a good idea to have a coach during such a difficult process.

So during those two years, at times when I wanted a sparring partner, I called on Huib, who'd been recommended to me by my predecessor. Whenever I needed him, he pulled out all the stops.

I was impressed by his ability to simplify the most complex things - of which there are many in a reorganisation - and break them down into manageable parts. His method was very concrete, which is a quality I really admire in a coach. Although it's easy to give advice, it doesn't always work in practice. But I always saw the concrete results of the advice Huib gave me.

At the time, I was the point of contact for various representatives: unions, authorities, Japanese and American stakeholders, the works council and employees. Huib taught me always to connect with people openly, even when I was incredibly busy. I benefited a lot from that.

His guidance is anyhow something I'll be able to draw on for the rest of my life. Don't go “sailing off to the horizon”, Huib often warned me, because I was never satisfied until I was Olympic champion in something. He advised me to pause for breath when I achieved something, and not go sailing straight off to the next horizon in pursuit of the next goal. So now I'm able to reflect better and earlier on the results I've achieved and get energy from them.

Huib gets to the heart of the matter quickly. Without waffling, he gave me advice that I understood and could put into practice. That was exactly what I needed. A reorganisation is a mammoth job, which has a huge professional and personal impact on everyone concerned. Partly thanks to Huib's coaching, the job is now behind me - and I've experienced a steep learning curve in the process.