Masterclasses
Free Coaching Hour: are you up to the challenge?
In this first Free Coaching Hour you will get an overview of what it means to set up a business in an integrated way. Of course, we will discuss your priority business questions. A truly ‘eye-opening’ hour with week-long assignment :-). Are you up to that challenge?
Online Masterclass: integral entrepreneurship approach.
In this online Masterclass you will learn everything about customer target groups and how to serve them with a real value proposition. Based on the international Canvas Business Model. The advantage of this model is that you see an integrated business approach, where all puzzle pieces fit together from the customer approach to making a profit. At the end of the Masterclass you can easily give an overview and tell about your business idea and how you are going to approach this in all facets of the business.
Online Masterclass Personal Business Growth
If you want to start a business or further professionalize your career, this Masterclass is ideal for you!
- First of all, you will gain insight into your personal and professional motivations and dreams that you want to pursue.
- You will gain insight into growth areas of your talents in combination with your passions. In addition, you will train in your ability to adapt your leadership style to different situations and to build and inspire teams.
- You will also learn to invest smartly and, above all, to do maximum business with as little money as possible, including knowledge of lean principles to create value and minimize waste at the same time.
- Then we will discuss your interpersonal relationships and improving your communication and collaboration by recognizing core qualities.
- Of course, also about developing your growth mindset with an increased ability to face challenges and recover from setbacks.
- Last but not least: executable personal growth plans and concrete steps to achieve leadership and business growth goals.
Bootcamp Weekend focus on entrepreneurship!
In this Weekend Masterclass you and other entrepreneurs will work together for a whole weekend and with full focus. Here you will learn all about customer target groups and how to serve them with a real value proposition. Based on the international Canvas Business Model. The advantage of this model is that you see an integrated business approach, where all the puzzle pieces fit together from customers and markets to making a profit after all efforts done. At the end of this Weekend Masterclass you can easily give an overview and pitch about your business idea and how you are going to make it happen this in all facets of the business. It’s an interactive Masterclass with lots of practical exercises and after the weekend you go home…fully loaded!
1. Bootcamp full week focus on entrepreneurship with additional sessions and visits.
In this Full Bootcamp week Masterclass you and other entrepreneurs will work together for a whole week and with full focus. Here you will learn all about customer target groups and how to serve them with a real value proposition. Based on the international Canvas Business Model. The advantage of this model is that you see an integrated business approach, where all the puzzle pieces fit together from customer and markets to making a profit after all efforts. At the end of this Bootcamp full week Masterclass you can easily give an overview and pitch about your business idea and how you are going to make this happen in all facets of the business. It is a very interactive Bootcamp with many practical exercises and extra business visits. After that week you go home…fully loaded!
2. Bootcamp full week focus on Retail Management with additional sessions and visits.
- In this bootcamp, all parts of retail management are discussed. From the operational and financial running of stores and purchasing products to category management and creating communication campaigns. Too many to mention. I use my 35 years of retail experience to explain the practice of retail management.
- By the end of this Bootcamp, you will be able to: Understand the fundamentals of retail management, Understanding the category management processes, Practicing with complex logistics chains and purchasing requirements, Learn about store operations, visual merchandising, and inventory management, Practice with financial opportunities and issues and how to make money, Practice applying for healthy investments, Understand the importance of customer service in retail, Practice with communication strategies, storytelling and intensive stakeholder management, Understanding e-commerce barriers and solutions, Explore the role of technology in modern retail, Develop effective retail strategies and Analyze the retail industry and its trends.
Masterclass Retail Management:
for a powerful approach in all facets of the customer journey
- In this Retail Management Masterclass, all parts of retail management are discussed for a powerful approach in all the facets of the customer journey! From reaching the customer with communication campaigns, category management and procurement to operational and financial running of stores. Too many to mention. I use my 35 years of retail experience to explain the practice of retail management.
- By the end of this Bootcamp, you will be able to: Understand the fundamentals of retail management, the importance of customer service in retail, practice with communication strategies, storytelling and intensive stakeholder management, Understanding the category management processes, Practicing with complex logistics chains and purchasing requirements, Learn about store operations, visual merchandising, and inventory management, Practice with financial opportunities and issues and how to make money, Practice applying for healthy investments, Understanding e-commerce barriers and solutions, Explore the role of technology in modern retail, Develop effective retail strategies and Analyze the retail industry and its trends.
Business Coaching of existing companies, on site.
A very effective method is to spend 1 to 2 weeks intensively on site together. To do a business scan followed by a step-by-step plan for the coming years. Topics in demand are business strategy, market and customer approach, value chain analysis, sales and brand strategy, team building and investment opportunities.
Conference speech / Business interview.
It is always very inspiring to enter into a dialogue with each other about market opportunities, customer approach and business operations. I would like to be interviewed about my 35 years of international retail experience or to be a keynote speaker at an Entrepreneur conference.
Topics in demand are business strategy, market and customer approach, value chain analysis, sales and brand strategy, team building and investment opportunities.
Areas of expertise
Business Strategy
All facets of the business are involved. From the point of why this business was set up to finding the best value proposition for the customer group you want to serve Really sit down to make a business plan, but above all get an overview of what your dreams are, the direction you want to go and why exactly? Those are questions worth discussing with each other!.
Business Opportunities
Unlocking business opportunities for talented, passionate and committed people. I am a networker and connector between suppliers and buyers in the market.
There are always opportunities, but you have to know how to find and distinguish them. That is the dynamic and challenging sport, very exciting to do! Sharing my business knowledge based on more than 35 years of international (retail) business.
Product Development
Translating customer wishes and desires into the best products and services, that is the real challenge. Relevant solutions for customers are very welcome and you don’t have to ‘sell’ them.
Retail Management
Developing a retail store, outlet or online channel in the right place, where most of your customers are, will bring the best options for growth.In addition, if you know how to serve customers in a consistent manner, have everything well organized, always have the products in stock, and make good use of the marketing retail tactics, then sooner or later success will come your way.
Value Chain management
Value chain management, from farmer and seeds to relevant value propositions for product/market/customer combinations, is the modern way to create value in the chain and bring profitable business to everyone.
Category management
It is always welcome to know more than the retailer itself knows about its customer range. If someone has real know-how of their customer’s customers and markets, you are welcome as a discussion partner and Category captain
Expertise Topics
Business Strategy, Category Business Strategy, Category management, Sourcing, Product Development, Branding, Store Development, Operational management, Value Chain management, Finance, Human Resources.anagement, Sourcing, Product Development, Branding, Store Development, Operational management, Value Chain management, Finance, Human Resources.
Expertise Sectors
Fast moving goods: Fruit & Vegetables, Dairy, Meat, Seafood, Aquaculture, Chicken, Vegetarian, Frozen foods, Coffee, Tea, Cacao, Healthcare, Body care, Haircare, Baby care, Cosmetics, Organic, Pictures
Business questions?
All business questions are welcome, especially the why questions, for example 5x further through questions on a business topic… then you get to the real questions
Portfolio
My Resume
About Me
I’m founder of Africa Business Coaching and assisting and training SMEs in many African countries. Part time since 2010 and full time since June 2022. In addition, I lead the projects for PUM senior experts in Ghana and I am a business strategy expert for Women on Wings India.
In my international career, I have a background in retail. I was 35 years employed in senior positions by Albert Heijn supermarkets, the market leader in the Netherlands. Part of Ahold Delhaize with 7450 branches in Europe, US and Indonesia.
My experience extends to numerous commercial positions in fast moving sectors such as fresh produce, seafood, meat, chicken, dairy and also health & beauty products. Experienced in developing consumer markets and creating added value in international supply chains, as well as in category management, product development and sourcing.
In my way of working, i always starts from the customer and market segment side, and then translates these into products, solutions and services.
I have lived and worked in the Netherlands and holds a Bachelor degree in Commercial Economics and additional (inter)national courses.
VISION
In 2050, the population in Africa will double, from 1.3 billion to 2.5 billion people and today half of Africans are under 20 years old. Our Vision is reaching entrepreneurial young African Key People (Changemakers). Unlocking their potential, In order to bring New Opportunities for the next generation In Africa.
MISSION
Business Coaching for SMEs In African countries. The ABC’s of setting up and scaling up SME’s, with a strong focus on the customer and the opportunities In the various markets. Connecting them with (inter)national business network, target markets, buyers, wholesalers, retailers and finance.
Working Experience
Regional Manager PUM Africa
May 2024 — present
Regional Manager Africa of the 18 Africa Country teams (focus countries) and member of PUM Management Team. (Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe) Aimed at helping ambitious entrepreneurs in Africa with Scale Ups of 10 – 250 employees and who are preferably part of a business eco-system.
Founder of Africa Business Coaching
June 2022 – present (full time) (in my free time since 2010)
Unlocking market opportunities for talented, passionate and committed business people (Part time since 2010, fulltime since 2022).
Country Coordinator PUM Ghana
May 2022 – April 2024
Coordinating the Country wide business projects with the help of 7 Local Representatives . ‘Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs’
Business expert Women on Wings
February 2021 – present
Business strategy expert for SME’s in India. ‘One million jobs for women in rural India’.
Lead Category Manager Seafood, Poultry & Vegetarian at Albert Heijn Merchandising
August 2019 — July 2022
Manager Healthy Eating at Albert Heijn Quality Department
2017 — 2019
Manager Sustainable Retailing at Albert Heijn Marketing Department
2016 — 2017
Sr. Category Manager Dairy at Albert Heijn Merchandising
2012 — 2016
Sr. Format Manager City & Small stores, Albert Heijn Format Department
2017 — 2012
Sr. Category Manager Frozen at Albert Heijn Merchandising
2007 — 2007
Sr. Category Manager Health & Beauty at Albert Heijn Merchandising
2004 — 2007
District Manager Utrecht / North East Brabant at Albert HeijnStores
2000 — 2003
Management roles (District Manager, Unit Manager, Format Manager) at Etos.
1994 — 2000
Format Manager, at Albert HeijnFormatDepartment
1991 — 1994
Junior Category Manager Meat & Poultry, Sourcing Manager Pork at Albert Heijn.
1986 — 1991
Staff member de Visser Butchery Middelburg, Keurslager Yerseke, Spar Vlissingen
1976 — 1983
Coaching Experience
Business projects
Africa Business Coaching (Remote + On site)
• Burundi Bujumbura UNIKORN company, Business coaching (On site, August)
• Remote coaching Rikolto 8 week-Masterclass, 16 Program managers, Africa, Asia America, Europe June / July
PUM Country coaching
• Ghana Country Coaching 6 local Representatives across Ghana, Project visits, March
• Indonesia Java Alamendah Al Itttifaq Fruit & Veg. cooperative, Management Team Training, May
Business missions
Africa Business Coaching (Remote + On site)
• Burundi Bujumbura Buveco Fruit & Veg export company, business coaching
• Remote coaching 8 week-Masterclasses for Start-Ups (Netherlands/Uganda/Ghana)
PUM
• Ghana Country Coaching 6 local Representatives across Ghana, Project visits August + November
• Ghana Tema, The Fruitmaster Fruit & Veg. Retail + Greenhouse management
• Indonesia Java Alamendah, Al Itttifaq Fruit & Veg. cooperative, program development.
Women on Wings coaching
• India Delhi 15 year WoW jubilee, Giving Masterclass on CEO Summit
• India Berinag Avani Kumaon Handcraft Handwoven silk, wool, linen from 46 villages
• India Kolkata ONganics, Organic Rice & Herbs Cooperative of 5000 small farmers, Business Strategy Workshop
Remote coaching
• PUM: South Africa Graaff Reinet, Karoo Catch Ltd., Catfish farming, processing, added value
• PUM: Indonesia JavaAlamendah, Al Itttifaq Fruit & Veg. cooperative, program development
• Women on Wings: IndiaMicro start-up’s, Business training development
• Women on Wings: India Visakhapatnam, Business coaching Kovel Foundation • Women on Wings:
Remote coaching
PUM:
• South Africa Graaff Reinet, Karoo Catch Ltd., Catfish farming, processing, added value
• Indonesia Bandung Alamendah Al Itttifaq Fruit & Veg. Cooperative
• Kenia Nairobi Samaki Express Tilapia
Business Missions, 6 months Sabbatical
Africa Business Coaching
• Rwanda, Kigali, African Leadership University (ALU), Business Masterclasses
• Rwanda Kigali, Akilah Entrepreneurship Institute for women, Business Masterclasses
SNV Ghana
• Hortifresh program, Accra Fruitmaster Fruit & Veg., Joekopan Export Vegetables, AB Farms Export Vegetables
PUM
• Ghana Sogakobe, Flosell Hatchery Aquaculture
• Senegal St Louis, Dakar, Countrywide Onion program management
• Indonesia Java, Eretan, Mina Bahari Seafood Cooperative
Business missions
Africa Businees Coaching
• Akilah Institute for women Rwanda Kigali, Retail Masterclasses
PUM
• Indonesia, Java, Alamendah, Al Ittifaq, Vegetable cooperative, business strategy
• Indonesia South Sumatra, ,Baturaja, K.I.M. region wide aquaculture business advise
Business missions
PUM
• Ghana Tema Fruitmaster, Fruit &Vegetables Business strategy + plan
• Senegal, Diagambal, Walo Aquacole Integre (Start up)
• Tanzania, Mwanza, Mwasapro community, Sardines processing& Sales
• Making Africa Work Bus.case Ghana Tigernuts + Bus.case Rwanda Milkpowder
Business missions
PUM
• Ghana Tema Fruitmaster, Fruit&Veg, business scan and business plan
• PUM Albania Sarande Alfa supermarkets, business strategy and marketing tactics
Partnerships
Min. of Foreign Affairs/Punchy Pack
• Partnership elections, South Africa Venda area Avocado Bus.case: Small Farmers + Icco+ Fair Match Support + Westfalia + Albert Heijn
Business mission
Albert Hijen
• Albert Heijn Foundation South Africa, Tzaneen Westfalia Avocado Company
Business missions
Private
• Rwanda Kigali, Gisenyi, Burundi Bujumbura, Kenia Nairobi,Tanzania Mwanza, Business Masterclasses
Business missions, 6 months Sabbatical
Ahold
• Ahold Ghana in Accra, Business workshop, Fruit & Vegetables, Sheabutter in Tamale, Wall paintings in the North.
Private
• Genesis Farms in Ethiopia in Debre Zeyit: Agriculture, Livestock, Dairy, Hotel & Restaurant, Technical University.
Education Overview
Ahold Retail Academy, Cornell University, Boston
International retail experience
Together with 20 Ahold retailers from Europe and 20 from the US, we were trained in all the promising and upcoming international fast moving retail opportunities
The Complete Skilled Negotiator, The GAP-Partnership, Mijdrecht
Professional negotiating with a mindset of win-win focus, to make sustainable business possible
Very inspiring course, where practicing, making mistakes and achieving joint successes were central to that course. More results and impact for all parties involved, that is the aim!
Responsible Entrepreneurship at Radboud University, Nijmegen
2006
Early bird course, ahead of its time. When sustainability was not yet considered so important, it was then a high-quality university study. Learned a lot from it and was able to put it into practice at Albert Heijn.
Innovation course ‘Inventit’ at Nijenrode University, Breukelen
2003
Special course with a professional vision on the innovation process. How can you really start an innovative movement, how do you do it yourself and how do you mobilize others to really get from idea to implementation.
Nima C at SRM, Amsterdam
Applied marketing, with emphasis on business cases
Apply the theory of marketing to all kinds of products and markets. From fast moving products to the Catterpillar / Komatsu excavator markets.
HEAO Commercial Economy for applied science Zeeland, Vlissingen
Translating studied theory into practise of doing business
Business Economics, Marketing, Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology and International Languages were central to this study. Because I had already worked in various jobs for 7 years before I did this study, I could also very easily translate the studied theory into the practice of doing business
S.V.O. Butchery Education
All facets of the butcher’s profession.
I did this study at the same time as working in various butcher companies, starting in my father’s own family specialty business and then at the Dutch Keurslagers organization and a Spar supermarket.
Impressions
TV7 moment
Business insights
Rwanda TV7 business insights
TV7 in Rwanda were bringing our business insights to the country
Morocco Masterclass
Entrepreneurship Training
Entrepreneurship masterclass
It was incredibly inspiring to spend a long weekend brainstorming intensively about entrepreneurship with each other!
Visual Merchandising Training
Uganda & Tanzania Markets
Masterclass Visual Merchandising
In Mbale Uganda and Arusha Tanzania 60 central market entrepreneurs were trained for more fresh sales and profits
Unikorn Burundi
Fortified Maize Flour Supply
On-site training in Bujumbura
Comprehensive on-site training provided for supplying fortified maize flour to the World Food Programme
Ghana Entrepreneurs
Business Meeting
Meeting promising entrepreneurs
Great pleasure to meet ambitious and promising entrepreneurs in Ghana…
Blog
Bujumbura
✅Looking forward… from September 5 to 10, I was in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the ...
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Morocco
🌍Super fun. Last weekend, I led an intensive Entrepreneurship Bootcamp together with Abderrahim Q...
Inspiring consult at IATF2025
At IATF2025, I offered free coaching hours, which was greatly appreciated. By listening carefully to...
Free consults at the IATF2025 in Algiers
At IATF2025, I gave free consultations to young entrepreneurs who were eager to export their product...
IATF2025 (Intra-African Trade Fair) in Algeria
Last week, September 5-10, I attended the IATF2025 (Intra-African Trade Fair), in Algiers, Algeria....
5 days at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal
Very impressive and inspiring…🌍 In early September, I spent five days with 5,000 participan...
Johan de Visser
Founder
I am available for coaching and training. Connect me by sending a message.
Phone: +31 6 53742150 Email: johanjdevisser@gmail.com
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