Jean-Paul Close

Jean-Paul Close is philosopher, scientist, executive coach, author and single parent. Inspired by his own rich life, that he himself describes as a "beautiful landscape full of ups and downs comparable to the Alps", he wrote among others the following books (All in Dutch so far but the last two are being translated into English):

• 'Handboek voor de toekomstige marktleider' (2005)
  (Handbook for the future Market leader)
• 'Succesgids voor ondernemers' (2007)
  (Success guide for entrepreneurs)
• 'Geheimen van echte welvaart' (2009)
  (Secretes of true welfare)

Close describes the evolution of the human being using is welfare model, the 5K method for successful entrepreneurship, his 3x8 principle for personal balance and the Pyramid Paradigm for a modern, well balanced multicultural society. He inspires business executives, politicians and scientists with the innovative vision on the world's society and the challenges that mankind is facing. He places the credit crisis in historical context as a necessary step along the moral education about true welfare and prosperity. His speeches, trainings and coaching are for many true eye openers, surprising and often confrontational with old beliefs. He challenges local, European politicians, business executives, entrepreneurs and even the churches to take the lead in the welfare debate. Nothing remains unchallenged in the views of Close, who finally sees a peaceful, optimistic and prosper future for everyone if we all start living along the lines of true welfare principles that have been discovered and described by him in his books.

Close is initiator and CEO of the 5K Group of independent entrepreneurial coaches, president of the STIR foundation for the world wide transformation of societies to true welfare, and leader of the network of Centres for Welfare Creation that are to carry the welfare mission and vision on a regional basis. Close has a university education and a long past of entrepreneurial and executive positions around the world. He is single parent, father of two daughters.