Désirée Willems

Positive challenger, passion for people development and driven by sales results | L&D professional met passie voor salescoaching | Salesmanager met passie voor ontwikkeling en groei

Boortmeerbeek, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

Strategic Learning & Development professional with broad experience in building learning and performance cultures within commercial and operational environments. Combines strategic insight with a pragmatic, hands‑on approach and translates vision smoothly into concrete initiatives with measurable impact. An experienced bridge builder who connects stakeholders at all levels around development and growth. My mission: to be a driving force within the organization, enabling people to grow with confidence, leadership and resilience — in a way that is both human‑centered and business‑driven. CORE EXPERTISE Strategic learning L&D architecture Leadership development & coaching Blended learning & learning on workstation Stakeholder management Sales coaching

Experience

  • Strategic Talent Leader at Lunch Garden
    Aug 2024 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

    - Uitwerking van de visie op leren - Evaluatie van bestaande opleidingsmethoden/programma’s ter versterking van de hospitality cultuur - Analyse van organisatiestructuur binnen de restaurants - Leadershipbegeleiding van district – en restaurant managers - Installeren van blended learning aanpak - Stimuleren van werkplekleren – feedbackcultuur en mentorship

  • Layoff/position eliminated at Career Break
    Feb 2025 - Jul 2025 · 6 mos

    Ontslag wegens neerleggen van de boeken Lunch Garden en daarna opnieuw aangeworven via doorstart CIM

  • Training Manager at JTI (Japan Tobacco International)
    Aug 2018 - Mar 2024 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    - Establishment of the Sales Force Academy, accelerating the transition from sales execution to strong business advisorship - Designed and scaled the Retail Academy as a business enablement tool, directly supporting commercial growth - Field coaching for sales representatives and district managers, strengthening commercial effectiveness and leadership capability - Led the selection and end‑to‑end implementation of the LMS (Docebo), enabling scalable, data‑driven learning - Introduced and embedded blended learning, energizing the learning culture and increasing application in daily practice -Recruitment and talent advisor, supporting the attraction, development and retention of key commercial talent - Directed career and talent development project, strengthening internal mobility, engagement and long‑term capability building

  • Owner at DeWil
    Mar 2010 - Dec 2020 · 10 yrs 10 mos

    Project Management AkzoNobel Executive coach with sales & marketing experience Certified DISC MDI Consultant KeuzeKompas Coach @ my future works Intervision & facilitation Business coaching, Executive coaching, stress- & burn-out coaching, loopbaancoaching

  • International Project Manager at Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings
    Mar 2010 - Jan 2012 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Project leader/manager for the introduction of a mass premium home decoration paint range in DIY for several European countries.