At Common Ground we want to change the world. Because we are convinced we can do better. As leaders, as organizations, as human beings.
We need courageous leaders to make this happen. Leaders willing to take risks, be vulnerable, and by doing so, inspire others to do the same. When people feel truly inspired, when they feel heard, seen, and valued, they become willing to be courageous and take action.
With our leadership development we empower you to play a key role in making things better.
THE CHALLENGE
Many companies struggle with employee commitment: people hold back, play it safe and hesitate to lead.
When organizations focus narrowly on those who look or think alike, they overlook colleagues who bring fresh insights. That weakens team bonds, limits ideas and blurs understanding of a wider audience. The cost is real. Lost talent, clients and revenue slip away when authentic conversations and viewpoints are missing.
They may voice concerns, yet rarely feel free to act. But when a variety of backgrounds and voices are welcomed, ambition and talent thrive. Often way beyond what companies imagine.
OUR CLIENTS
We work with Fortune 500 leaders who know they can do better.
Together, we move beyond walls and judgment to create cultures where courageous conversations drive real transformation.
Proud to have have worked with:
WHAT WE OFFER
The Common Ground leadership programs are designed to empower individuals with the skills and tools needed to become effective leaders who drive meaningful progress towards inclusiveness.
Our leadership development, executive training and keynotes are developed by Maaike Bloem-Burghouts. Maaike is an Executive Team- and Leadership Coach with an MBA in Personal Leadership Development, Business of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy.
She works with people that are eager to move beyond superficial team-building and step into the real work: creating cultures where people can disagree deeply while staying deeply connected.
AT COMMON GROUND WE EXPLORE
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Common Ground isn't visible, but it's what holds everything together. We help teams understand that connection isn't about agreeing; it's about building the relational infrastructure that allows healthy conflict, innovation, and transformation.
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We explore why courage, not intelligence or talent, is the most important capacity for leadership today. We examine what armor we wear when we're afraid, and why the willingness to be vulnerable (with awareness) is the only path to genuine influence.
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There are three arenas we can choose: disengagement, destructive conflict, or Common Ground. We guide teams through understanding which arena they're operating in, and what it takes to consistently choose the third way, where relationship is the highest priority, even when the stakes are high.
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Real connection happens at our edges: where it's uncomfortable, intimate, and alive. We help leaders understand the difference between borders (which can be moved) and walls (which keep us hidden), and practice the skills of meeting each other where transformation actually happens.
ACADEMY OF THE UNSEEN
What if leaders and talent with different backgrounds experienced growth together?
Common Ground presents: The Academy of the unseen. A unique approach in which we build trust through joint leadership journeys, rather than standard mentor- mentee roles or standard bias training courses. Our joint learning environment creates authentic relationships.
It sparks innovation, resilience and better decisions. Our method stands apart. Real conversations, real impact, real change. And real discomfort. Because once you’ve done it here, you can do it everywhere.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
This isn’t about learning new techniques. It’s about learning to meet yourself, and each other, without walls or judgement. If that sounds uncomfortable, it’s because it is. But it’s also where real leadership begins.
Whether through a keynote, a workshop, or a deeper leadership journey, let’s talk about how we can start bringing this work into your team.