At 18, Derek started his career in the Defense sector, where he served in various special units. As a leader and special forces medic, he was deployed multiple times to conflict zones. After leaving the Defense, he worked for several years as a crisis and security consultant, executing assignments in various high-risk countries.<\/p>\n
Thanks to his unique background, Derek has a profound understanding of stress resilience, decision-making under pressure, resilience, and effectively leading teams in demanding situations.<\/p>\n
During his lectures and workshops, he shares insights on:<\/strong><\/p>\n As a leader, I was tested multiple times during deployments, where nighttime and covert operations were disrupted by gunfire and roadside bombs. Sometimes very stressful situations from which I learned a great deal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Derek is the founder of \u2018Be Prepared\u2019<\/em>, an initiative to better prepare the Netherlands for emergencies, such as prolonged power outages, incidents at home or on the road, and to be ready for a disaster or major crisis. \u201cIn the Netherlands, we are extremely reactive when it comes to emergencies, if we even react at all; generally, we are insufficiently prepared and proactive. With \u2018Be Prepared\u2019, I aim to get as many people as possible moving to better prepare themselves and their surroundings for an incident, disaster, or crisis. I do this in a straightforward and realistic Dutch manner.\u201d<\/p>\n With over 20 years of experience in the special units of Defense, in business, and the public sector, he knows better than anyone how to perform optimally under pressure. Derek is known for his expertise in team dynamics, leadership, and mental resilience. His sessions are not only inspiring but also provide directly applicable insights for practice.<\/p>\n Thanks to his experience speaking for ministries, educational institutions, and large organizations, Derek knows how to convey complex issues in a clear and accessible manner. His insights help teams and leaders become more resilient and better prepared for unforeseen situations.<\/p>\n What makes Derek unique?<\/strong><\/p>\n Derek is available to cover the topics below or a combination of them. He can also supplement with an interactive workshop if desired.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At 18, Derek started his career in the Defense sector, where he served in various special units. As a leader and special forces medic, he was deployed multiple times to conflict zones. After leaving the Defense, he worked for several years as a crisis and security consultant, executing assignments in various high-risk countries. Thanks to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":76661,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_trash_the_other_posts":false,"editor_notices":[]},"sa_speaker_category":[],"sa_language":[249,250],"sa_employability":[188,216],"class_list":["post-82533","sa_speaker","type-sa_speaker","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"sa_introduction":"Derek began his career at the age of 18 in the Defense sector. Here, he served as a leader, Special Forces medic, and a member of Special Operations (BSB) with the Royal Marechaussee. He is now an entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker.","sa_one_liner":"Resilience & Performing Under Pressure","sa_name_title":"","sa_region":[],"sa_degree":"","sa_stars":"","sa_maglr_ids":[{"sa_maglr_title":"","sa_maglr_id":"8lwspjry9r"}],"sa_publications":null,"sa_socials":null,"sa_subjects":[{"sa_subjects_title":"Collaboration and connection","sa_subjects_information":" Success in challenging situations depends on strong collaboration. Derek shows how to build trust and collaborate effectively, even under extreme conditions.<\/p>\n"},{"sa_subjects_title":"Leadership and team dynamics","sa_subjects_information":" A strong team needs direction and decisiveness. Derek shares insights on how to inspire, motivate, and make a team resilient as a leader.<\/p>\n"},{"sa_subjects_title":"Stress resilience and performing under pressure","sa_subjects_information":" Performing under pressure requires training and the right mindset. Derek teaches you how to stay calm, make the right decisions, and function optimally in stressful situations.<\/p>\n"},{"sa_subjects_title":"Resilience and self-reliance","sa_subjects_information":" In crises, you are often initially reliant on yourself. Derek provides practical tools and strategies to act independently and resiliently in unforeseen (emergency) situations.<\/p>\n"},{"sa_subjects_title":"Pushing boundaries and perseverance","sa_subjects_information":" How do you deal with physical and mental barriers? Derek helps you discover how to push your boundaries and how discipline and determination make the difference.<\/p>\n"},{"sa_subjects_title":"Crisis management and mental strength","sa_subjects_information":" Crisis situations require quick action and a strong mindset. Derek teaches how to maintain control, bring structure, and act powerfully in emergencies.<\/p>\n"}],"sa_faq_items":null,"sa_minimum_price":"800","sa_maximum_price":"1650","sa_banner_image_id":75872,"sa_videos":[{"sa_video_title":"Special forces medic van BSB over missies en voorbereiding","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Xqm3uea-ViU"},{"sa_video_title":"Ex Special Forces: Zo Blijf je Presteren Onder Hoge Stress","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5oPQ5EyrnOk"},{"sa_video_title":"Oud-operator vertelt over de Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) | Arrestatieteam NL","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pPeCHlIHCx0"},{"sa_video_title":"ITWC 2026 Event - Derek de Vries","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CS40-tP58WQ"}],"sa_order_score":10},"yoast_head":"\n\n
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