THE REALIST
Interview with Roel Janssen, 47 years old, living together. Educated at the Municipal Gymnasium in 's-Hertogenbosch and Business Administration at the Technical University in Eindhoven.
Roel about this time: one of my first serious clothing purchases was an Italian sporty jacket with black leather sleeves at Moda di Domani in 's-Hertogenbosch, somewhere in the mid-eighties. The jacket was fine, but afterwards I didn't think it was cut tight enough. I am short in stature (1.74 meters) and have always thought it important that clothes fit and fit well. My first job was as a café, bar and terrace attendant at café “In De Kleine Werelt” in 's-Hertogenbosch. I was 16 years old then.
What is Roel's position in life: I think it is important to be able to make my own choices, both in my private life and in work. That is why I became an independent entrepreneur. It allows me to maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure. It increases my quality of life.
What is your current profession? Roel: my company is called Structural Makers. I help SMEs to structure processes, organization, information and projects. I am also a freelance trainer in the field of project management. What are your challenges? Roel: If you mean what I want to have achieved in about 5 years, I don't have a clear answer. I've always found it the worst question in job interviews: "Where do you want to be in 5 years?" Perhaps I am mainly an opportunist; I grab opportunities that seem worthwhile to me with both hands, but I don't have a preconceived plan.
What is your favourite movie? Roel: The Godfather trilogy, followed by all movies and television episodes (about 800) of Star Trek.
Your favorite music? Roel: Everything by George Michael, including his covers. I especially love “I Can't Make You Love Me”, “Father Figure” and “Jesus to a Child”. Those songs are full of emotions.
Roel likes to travel: within Europe to Malaga, outside Europe I prefer the United States, but China also fascinates me. Argentina and Japan are high on my wish list.
Who would you like to be one day? Roel: King Willem Alexander. Especially because I wonder what he does all day when he is not followed by cameras and because I would like to sail in his new yacht (Wajer).
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"Drinking a glass of wine with George Michael and wanting to know everything about the choices he made voluntarily and involuntarily in his life."
If you could choose a terrace to have an interesting conversation, where would it be and with whom. Roel: I would give a lot to have a serious conversation with George Michael on a terrace in Malaga. I then drink white wine and want to know everything about the choices he has made voluntarily and involuntarily in his life. Sadly he passed away in 2016.
Where do you know Pascal from? I've known him since the mid 80's. My parents regularly bought clothes for my father in the shop where he worked - Moda di Domani - in 's-Hertogenbosch. I went there regularly and also bought my first serious pieces of clothing. Pascal already knew exactly what I liked and what looks good on me. He had humor and a good chat, we clicked immediately.
