Strong shoulders in the Alps
Content creator
Content creator
In the autumn of 2025, a group of executives and key figures from Krommenhoek Metals traded their familiar Rotterdam shipyard for the rugged peaks of the Swiss Alps.
The century-old family business, which has been collecting and processing scrap iron and metals with determination, passion, and reliability for generations, stood at an important crossroads. The board wants to entrust daily management to a new generation. But how do you provide space without letting go? How do you build leadership that is not about control, but about trust?
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Tier 2 expedition
To answer those questions, Krommenhoek stepped out of their comfort zone. Literally. Together with Pink Elephant Expeditions and change experts from Het Zuiderlicht, they embarked on the Tier 2 Expedition: a three-day trek through the Swiss Alps, designed to push boundaries and grow as a team.
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The expedition began from a barn high in the mountains. The participants were split into two rope teams. What followed was not your typical team-building exercise, but an intense adventure where leadership, collaboration, and character were constantly put to the test.
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With packs on their backs and 2,400 meters of elevation gain ahead, they had to make choices without consulting the instructors. Who takes the lead? Who navigates? And how do you stay together when conditions get tough?
Insights grew along the way. The first rope team charged ahead at full speedโdecisive, but without a clear course. The second rope team opted for consultation and care, but had to be careful not to stall. In that contrast, everyone recognized something of Krommenhoek itself: a company where speed and results are deeply anchored, but where space for connection and communication is becoming increasingly important.
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Shared burden
By literally carrying each other's burdensโbackpacks, decisions, and emotionsโa new sense of balance emerged. Reaching the summit of the Sรคntis at 2,502 meters ultimately became more than just a physical goal; it became a symbol: reaching the top together is only possible when everyone takes responsibility, while also daring to rely on one another.
You think you are taking on a physical challengeโฆ But in the end, it turns out to be an inner journey.
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A journey in which you discover who you are and who is standing beside you when things get tough. A few colleagues from Krommenhoek Metals b.v. and I spent days togetherโliterally and figuratively going through mountains and valleys. We shared effort, frustration, humor, perseverance, and silence.
โWhat we achieved together in such a short time surpasses everything and makes previous leadership programs look worthless.โ
To take the organization to the next level, it is necessary to invest in a leadership model that supports the โstrong shouldersโ within the partnerships.
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This expedition taught me more than any other adventure. ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ข๐ค๐ช๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐จ, ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐๐ฉ๐๐ข๐๐จ ๐ก๐๐๐ง๐ฃ ๐ข๐ค๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช ๐๐ซ๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐จ๐จ๐ง๐ค๐ค๐ข..
The days in the Alps left a deep impression. In conversations under the starry sky, themes emerged that often remain unspoken on the work floor: letting go of control, mentoring young talent, and the tension between speed and care. The companyโs experienced โstrong shouldersโ discovered that leadership is no longer about carrying all the burdens yourself, but about passing on strength and knowledge. Mentorship became the keyword; creating space to learn, make mistakes, and grow.
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Growth path
Upon returning to the Netherlands, the expedition was translated into a clear growth path for the company. With guidance from Het Zuiderlicht, Krommenhoek started a coaching program based on Mission Command, focusing on clear goals, room for individual approaches, and trust in people. Work is underway on a follow-up expedition that will involve the entire organization, ensuring the mountain experience leads to lasting cultural and leadership change. What began as a challenging trek became a symbolic turning point. The expedition made it clear that true strength is about trust, connection, and responsibility. The group returned as carriers of a new way of working that fits the DNA of Krommenhoek, with strong shoulders shaping the future together.
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