Damien Versele

learning architect 

deep change contractor

expertise

A lawyer by training, Damien has been working as an entrepreneur in the social economy, healthcare, culture and ecology for over 30 years. He has pioneered the establishment of various organizations and served on executive and management boards.  He worked for 17 years as CEO of a 200-person mental health organization and as managing director of a large sheltered workplace.  In this context, he led small and large change processes.  From 2017 to2023 he gained experience in leading an organization-wide change project to shift from hierarchical to horizontal leadership.  He personally experienced the many dynamics that help and hinder this.

He was part of various intervision and learning groups in a variety of learning settings (including VTLG, CIGO, Global Classroom and U Lab - see more information under the 'training' section).

He has been coaching since 2013 and received his certification as a coach in 2016 from Jef Clement (Center for Self-management)


Damien combines years of managerial experience with extensive knowledge and skills in participatory working.

education

  • Certification as a individual coach, teamcoach and trainer (Inspirational Coaching - Jef Clement) - 2015-18
  • Postgraduate annual organizational development course CIGO (Consultancy in groups and organizations), University of Leuven and Diepenbeek – 2004-05
  • Advanced Training in Leading Groups and Teams (VTLG), Institute for Communication (IVC) Kortrijk – 1995-96


  • Two-day introductory course in Non-violent Communication (Praatkracht - House of Connection Eindhout) - 2026
  • Deep Democracy certification level 1 - 4 (HUMMUS Mechelen) - 2025
  • Complexity in - out Course (Chris Corrigan - Harvest Moon, Consultants) – 2025
  • many three-day training courses in Art of Hosting Meaningful Conversations in the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Belgium, first as a participant, then as caller and co-host - 2014-25
  • 4 three-day trainings in Sociocracy 3.0 with James Priest and Lily David (UK) – 2018-19
  • U LAB (theory U) Leading from the emerging future - an introduction to leading profound social, environmental and personal transformation, Presencing Institute, MIT Boston (USA) - 2014
  • DISC certification at DISC Factor Netherlands - 2014
  • Mindfulness training, Institute for Attention and Mindfulness, Ghent - 2013
  • Various training courses in coaching within the Institute for Neurocognitivism, Brussels – 2011-12
  • Global Classroom on Presencing, 8 weeks digital training in leading from the future (theory U) at the Presencing Institute, MIT Boston (USA) - 2009
  • 2-day training in multi-party cooperation - MPS (University of Leuven) - 2006
  • Appreciative Inquiry training (appreciative inquiry as a methodology in working with teams and organizations), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA - 2005
  • 4-day training in Sociocratic circle organization method (SKM) at the Sociocratic Center of the Netherlands (Rotterdam) - 2004
  • Various training courses in social skills: conflict management and negotiation, performance and evaluation interviews, guiding change in the context of mergers
  • Semester Odyssey (3 months), experiential training in social skills and group dynamics (North Carolina Outward Bound School, USA and Mexico) - 1990 
  • Master in Law with distinction, KU Leuven – 1989

inspiration

  • Art of Hosting Conversations Meaningful Conversations is a philosophy and a way of life that harnesses collective intelligence and self organization in groups of any size. It is a practice of participative leadership, co-creation and deep listening within groups transforming tension into creative collaboration.
  • Sociocracy 3.0 is a practical guide to creating agile and meaningful organisations. It provides tools for anyone who wants to collaborate more consciously and effectively based on equality, collective intelligence and a flexible organizational structure. (def. from Jef Cumps)
  • Deep Democracy (Lewis Method) is a powerful approach to inclusive decision-making and conflict resolution that works by openly addressing tensions, differences, and minority perspectives. 
  • Theory U: the complexity of contemporary problems is such that the answers from the past are no longer fulfill. Theory U offers a new learning perspective, a new way of listening'that is open to the new, to what presents itself. Quite an art: living with an open mind, an open heart and an open will.
  • 'Appreciative inquiry' is a method to bring about changes in people and organizations based on the strengths they have within them. Appreciative inquiry looks for and reinforces the possibilities, strengths and successes of the past and present.
  • 'Mindfulness' is a scientifically proven method for dealing with stress, anxiety and pain. It is the quality to be fully present to reality, aware of where you are, what you’re doing and what you feel inside and outside yourself.