When Barry founded Ben-Creatief in 2017, it was the culmination of a lifetime of experiences that taught him the value of simplicity and creative problem-solving. With a background that ranges from the Marine Corps to management roles in the business world, Barry has always been drawn to adventure and leadership. But his true passion lies in helping others connect with themselves and navigate life’s challenges with a fresh perspective.
Barry’s path to becoming a coach is anything but ordinary. He started his career in defense, serving in the Marine Corps and as warrant officer at the Green berets, where he learned invaluable lessons in leadership, communication, and dealing with people. “At Special Forces, everyone is equal,” Barry reflects. “The rank just determines who’s responsible for a task, but it’s all about working together and making decisions under pressure.” These experiences, combined with his later work in management for large brands, equipped Barry with the tools he needed to help others.
It was a personal situation that eventually led Barry to coaching. “I went through a tough time and had to work on myself,” he says. “That’s when I realized I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to help others.” And so, Ben-Creatief was born—a coaching service that’s all about connecting with people and guiding them toward simple, effective solutions.
At Ben-Creatief, Barry’s approach is rooted in the belief that life doesn’t have to be complicated. “The hardest thing in life is to understand that it’s all so simple,” he often says. Barry helps his clients strip away the noise and focus on what really matters, whether they’re facing personal challenges or professional dilemmas.
One of the ways Barry does this is by encouraging people to turn situations into problems that need solving. “When you think of something as a problem, you start looking for solutions,” he explains. “People are naturally creative, and they’ll find the answers that work best for them.”
Barry offers a range of coaching sessions, from one-on-one meetings to small group retreats in nature. His sessions often take place in serene settings like the heath of Hellendoorn, where clients can disconnect from their daily lives and reconnect with themselves. “I keep the groups small, no more than six people,” Barry says. “It’s all about connecting and helping people realize that the answers they’re looking for are already within them.”
What sets Barry apart from many other coaches is his emphasis on connection. “Coaching is 85% about the connection between the client and the coach,” he believes. But for Barry, it goes even deeper than that. “You have to connect with yourself first, then with your loved ones, and finally with the world around you.”
Barry’s coaching isn’t about applying a one-size-fits-all theory. Instead, he takes the time to understand each person’s unique needs and tailors his approach accordingly. “I like to keep it simple and often use metaphors to help clients see things differently,” he says.
There are many moments Barry is proud of in his coaching career, but a few stand out. He’s particularly proud of his involvement in the television program “Beau with the Veterans,” which focused on helping veterans with PTSD. “It was a meaningful experience, and I’m glad we could help,” he says.
Barry is also proud of the “wartable” sessions he leads, where he uses his military background to help groups think differently about challenges. “The reactions that come out of these sessions never cease to amaze me,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Barry plans to continue growing Ben-Creatief. He’s excited about offering more workshops and guest-speaking engagements. “I’ve been a guest speaker at the Anthony van Leeuwenhoek Hospital four times now, and it’s been incredibly rewarding,” he says. “One of the nurses told me that what she learned from me changed how she interacts with patients, and that’s what it’s all about for me—making a real difference.”
With room to take on more clients each month, Barry is ready to expand Ben-Creatief. He currently attracts new clients through word of mouth, referrals from fellow trainers, and social media advertising. “It’s amazing how much comes from just getting the word out there,” he notes.
As Ben-Creatief continues to grow, Barry remains focused on helping people connect with themselves, think creatively, and find simple solutions to life’s challenges. His unique approach, grounded in his diverse life experiences and deep commitment to personal connection, makes Ben-Creatief a truly special coaching service.
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