From training to practice
Q&A with Xander
At Elements, we believe in growing together. That’s why our team took part in training sessions with KlimaatContact and Braintrain. Two trainings, one shared experience: reflecting on how we communicate, listen, and connect with each other and our partners.
In this interview, Xander, sales rep for Tenaya, Helinox, Tilley and Care Plus, shares what these trainings meant to him: insights that stick, conversations that change, and how learning only becomes valuable when you apply it every day.
The training was part of a mandatory program. How did you initially feel about that?
I was immediately enthusiastic. Learning never really feels like an obligation to me, but as an opportunity! Especially since we followed these trainings together with the whole sales team. The input from the external trainers from both KlimaatContact and BrainTrain brought new perspectives. But also the input from colleagues—how they deal with certain situations—gave me new insights. The combination of both made me look at certain issues differently, something I still carry with me today
What positively surprised you during the training?
What surprised me most was how effective the approach was. With Braintrain, everything came together: the trainer’s enthusiasm, the clear structure, and the way he drew you into his story. His drawings on the flipchart illustrated everything well, and targeted exercises allowed me to immediately put theory into practice. Very concrete, constructive, and without any fluff.
With KlimaatContact, the session about building your own story really stuck with me. It gave me a framework to approach conversations differently, to wrap them up more consciously, and to listen better. I hadn’t expected that beforehand, but it turned out to be extremely valuable.
What is one concrete insight, exercise, or moment that stayed with you?
One phrase keeps coming back: “Interesting, tell me more.” That slogan from the training has lived on in the team even after the sessions. It reminds us to always keep asking and to stay genuinely curious. I also learned about the impact of small language choices. Not using “but” anymore, but instead building a bridge to something positive.
How do you still notice the impact on your work at Elements today?
I feel that impact mostly in conversations. My sales talks are more consciously structured, with more attention to listening. I especially think about how I ask questions and how I handle more complex conversations.
What do you think about Elements investing in trainings like these?
I think it’s great. It doesn’t feel like something you have to do, but as a choice to invest in people. Learning together creates connection: you share insights, grow together, and afterwards speak more of the same language. That shared learning experience makes self-development tangible and relevant for the team and for Elements. It confirms what we stand for: taking responsibility, continuing to grow, and building something meaningful together.