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Advisory & sparring in courageous leadership

I'm Mattias Leskens and with SWTR (SWEATER) I equip leaders and high potentials with the tools and the courage to tackle the leadership challenges that truly matter.

No fluff. Just sharp questions. Honest feedback. And action that drives real impact.

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Mattias Leskens, Advisor and sparringpartner in courageous leadership

[SWTR.] (noun, pronounced like ‘sweater’; plural: swtrs; /ˈswet̬·ər)

1 Leadership whisperer 2 Trusted advisor and sounding board 3 Strategic thinker 4 Down-to-earth, hands-on, empathetic 5 Allergic to empty theories and in-the-box thinking 6 Built to stretch, not to please.

Courageous leadership is choosing progress over comfort. It’s putting your business and people first, without shying away from what truly needs to be done.

Leadership challenges

Which of the following challenges sound most familiar in your organization?
explore solutions
Leadership challenges

Always busy, but not in control.

Your day feels like a never-ending race. You feel stuck in the chaos. Level of frustration is increasing because you know leadership should be about setting direction, not firefighting.

What if the day-to-day firefighting would be replaced by acting upon your long-term objectives?

that's what i need

Management lacking cohesion.

Management gatherings are not the engines for progress they should be. Surface-level discussions and hidden tensions kill mutual trust and performance. Your team is working hard but not together to bring the strategy to life.

What if your team would be truly aligned and rowing in the same direction?
that's what i need

Meetings that go nowhere.

Meetings start without a clear goal and end with vague action points. Accountability is hard to find. Decisions get delayed, and you’re left frustrated.

What if your meetings were the drivers for shared clarity and real commitment?
that's what i need

Talent walking away.

You’ve watched high performers leave, and attracting new talent feels harder than ever. The worry grows: is something in your company culture driving them away?

What if your organization would be a place where top talent thrives and attracts other talent?
that's what i need

Projects without progress.

Although project updates mention “on track”, deadlines keep slipping. Teams are working hard, but the lack of transparency and ownership leaves you questioning if some projects do align with the bigger picture.

What if projects would unlock true ownership and consistent progress?
that's what i need

Lonely at the top.

You feel the weight of big decisions on your shoulders. The pressure of making the right choices is heavy. You lack regular and honest feedback to keep you sharp. You lack someone to challenge your thinking.

What if you had someone to sharpen your thinking and co-navigate through your toughest moments?
that's what i need

In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is about balancing the individual - the team – and the results.

Real progress only happens when you break through the noise on the path to that balance.

The results you can expect

More confidence

Get clarity on your leadership style and start making better decisions – with confidence and real impact.

Visible progress

No fluff. Just honest insights and concrete solutions that help you, your team and your business truly move forward.

Stronger team

One team, one direction. Engaged, aligned and ready to do what needs to be done. No more silos or excuses.

Focus

Clear priorities and execution that works. Your strategy won’t stay on paper – it drives action and delivers tangible results.
Let's make it happen

Courageous leadership starts by leading yourself.

That requires self-awareness.

Own your strengths, break your barriers,and drive real progress.

What clients say ...

“When leading an organization, having someone you trust—who challenges your thinking and decisions—is invaluable. For me, that person is Mattias. Working with him is both inspiring and to the point. His sharp insights and advice push both me and my management team forward, on a personal and team level. Absolutely worth it!”

Kjell Audenaert _ CEO Homeras
“By listening and naming what truly matters, Mattias brought my management team closer both strategically and in dynamics.”
Bo Martinsen _ CEO & Founder NORRIQ
“He can ask questions like no one else, challenge like the best, push when needed, and hold back when necessary. It's always enriching when we spar together.”
Kevin Terlaeken _ General Manager Benelux Smartbox Group
“Mattias played a key role in aligning priorities between our management board and middle management. On top of that, his thoughtful advice during our 1-on-1 sparring sessions consistently gave me valuable insights and helped me grow personally.”
François Hofman _ Head of Finance & Controlling ARAG
“In just one feedback session, we openly tackled long-standing issues. Mattias created a safe yet direct environment, allowing us to finally say what really needed to be said. Since then, the dynamic in our management team has been stronger than ever.”
Dries Dehaese _ CFO NORRIQ
“Mattias challenged me in a way that’s bold yet grounded in trust. His knowledge, broad experience and natural authority made it easy to embrace his feedback. He is driven by strong values and always focused on making things concrete and visible. With Mattias, I didn’t just get advice, I got clarity, action, and a sparring partner truly at my service."
Koen Gonnissen _ Partner Mentally Fit
“As founder and co-CEO of my start-up, I needed someone who understood my reality and challenged me. With Mattias, I found someone who sharpened my leadership, refined our strategy, and helped turn it into clear priorities, giving our team the direction to accelerate.”
Ben Van Gorp _ Founder & co-CEO Adagio
“I turn to Mattias in tough moments or before taking important decisions. It’s reassuring to get a neutral opinion, without a hidden agenda.”
Thijs Smeyers _ Director Studio Globo
“Mattias facilitated our strategic off-sites and bridged strategy between the board and middle management. His mix of strategic insight and personal touch stands out. He doesn’t just analyze; he makes people and teams act. A true partner for any organization ready to grow.”
Gilles De Geyter _ CMO ARAG
“Mattias ability to truly listen, pinpoint core issues and provide actionable guidance has helped me make real progress, faster than I thought possible. His sharp questions and no-nonsense approach, together with his broad experience, have been an invaluable asset in navigating the challenges of growing my start-up.”
Jonas Leskens _ Co-founder & CEO Walkly
"Mattias impressed with his listening skills, direct style, and the way he facilitated and clearly summarized our complex strategy discussions.”
Alain Goudsmet _ Founder & Partner Mentally Fit
“Mattias is an outstanding sounding board: he listens actively, asks sharp questions, and instinctively senses what’s needed. What makes him unique is that he doesn’t get stuck in abstract advice, he truly thinks along and always provides concrete options. This lifts both me and our management team to a higher level. He challenges us, keeps us sharp. His passion is contagious and his impact is tangible. Working with Mattias is not just valuable, it’s truly inspiring.”
Nico Hernalsteen _ COO Homeras
“I finally understand the value of a ‘CEO whisperer’, someone in the background, always ready to challenge and support. I only wish I’d known SWTR sooner in my career.”
Marc Neyrinck _ CEO AddBusiness

      Ready to lead
      with courage?

      Let's talk.

      Mattias Leskens
      +32 473 645 283
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      You will receive an answer within 48 hours.
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