A Journey Through Listening and Intellectual Humility

Welcome! I am Corine Jansen, born in 1968 and raised in the bustling city of Amsterdam. I’ve been living in the pearl of the south (Breda) with joy for thirteen years. With over 33 years of experience in the communications field and years of management experience in various sectors, I have found my path in listening, compassion, and intellectual humility.

©Ron Magielse

My professional journey led me to The Lime Tree in 2005, where I completed my studies as an all-around mediator. After two years of intensive study at the TSM Business School in Technical Business Administration, I switched to the REshape Center for Healthcare Innovation at Radboudumc in Nijmegen in 2009. I began as Chief Listening Officer, working mainly with cancer patients, their loved ones, and medical staff.

At the end of 2014, I decided to continue independently, listening, speaking, advising, and training for companies, hospitals, governments, universities, and organizations locally and internationally.

Listening

Listening is an art that I hold in high regard. As a member of The International Listening Association (ILA), I completed the Certified Listening Professional (CLP™) program as the first Dutch person in 2014. Thanks to my efforts in this field, I have received several distinctions, including the ILA’s Special Recommendation Award, The Business Person of the Year Award, and the prestigious Hall of Fame Award in 2021.

Intellectual Humility

In my professional life, embracing intellectual humility has fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation. By acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers, I create space for my colleagues to contribute their unique insights and expertise. This not only enhances our collective problem-solving abilities but also strengthens our team dynamic.

On a personal level, intellectual humility has enriched my relationships. It has taught me to listen actively and empathetically, to seek understanding rather than to simply be understood. This approach has deepened my connections with family and friends, fostering a sense of mutual respect and trust.

Daryl Van Tongeren’s research emphasizes that intellectual humility is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously striving to be open-minded and reflective, even when it’s uncomfortable. This journey has been transformative for me, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

As I continue on this path, I remain committed to cultivating intellectual humility, knowing that it will guide me towards greater wisdom, compassion, and growth.

Global Listening Movement

In 2023, a group consisting of prof. Avi Kluger, Adi Y. Segal, and I conceptualized a worldwide initiative centered on the value of listening. We enlisted the help of eight other accomplished individuals in this field and established The Global Listening Movement.

Our objective is to foster collaboration among esteemed listening experts worldwide and facilitate the dissemination of practical techniques and strategies. We acknowledge the profound personal advantages of effective listening, such as enhancing one’s likability, evoking love, and enabling the speaker’s personal growth, even in the face of trauma.

We also recognize the importance of listening as the first step towards finding solutions to global challenges such as societal polarization, global loneliness epidemic, climate change, geopolitical unrest, social disparities, and technological advancements that transcend borders. 

Philosophy

Philosophy has always had a special place in my heart. Emmanuel Levinas is my great source of inspiration. But on my nightstand lies “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius.

14 words

If I were to describe myself, I would choose Listening, Analytical, Connecting, Humanist, Dialogue, Wonder, Stories, Inspire, Curious, Philosophy, Learning, Speaking, Art, and Reading.

I am delighted to share my thoughts, experiences, and observations on this website. I hope you find inspiration here and gain knowledge that can broaden your perspective.