Peter Jansen is the founder and CEO of LeaderMakers Limited, a boutique leadership advisory firm that has shaped leaders across organizations, governments, and even countries. For over three decades, he has been coaching and advising top executives, CEOs, and public figures, helping them navigate complexity, strategy, and personal growth. He is also the co-founder of Simplix Europe, an artificial intelligence company aiming to create AI solutions that enhance — rather than replace — the human experience.
At his core, Peter believes true leadership begins with character, resilience, and authenticity — values that align closely with the mission of Humans of Fuzia: to amplify voices that empower and inspire others.
Q: Peter, can you share your entrepreneurial journey with us?
I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was 16. LeaderMakers has been my most consistent venture, but I’ve always had my own businesses and lines of work. With LeaderMakers, I’ve had the privilege of advising leaders at every level — from schools and universities to multinational companies, and even presidents of countries. What makes us unique is that we’re not a mass coaching organization; we’re a boutique advisory that trains and develops its own coaches in-house through a rigorous 400+ hour education program. That way, our clients always get authentic, deeply prepared advisors who can meet the complexity of their challenges.
Q: Do you run your businesses solo, or do you have a team?
Definitely not solo. LeaderMakers has full teams across sales, finance, R&D, education, and of course, coaching and advisory. We invest in building people internally, and that creates the resilience and depth our clients value.
Q: Many entrepreneurs struggle to find their first clients. How did you approach this challenge?
*Client acquisition depends on your niche. For us, everything is built on reputation and referrals. We don’t advertise — yet we often have a waiting list. When I move countries, I rebuild my network from scratch by attending galas, embassy events, and government functions, where I build authentic relationships with the right people. It’s never about selling services — it’s about building trust.
But for anyone starting out, my advice is: don’t build a product and then try to push it into the market. Instead, find out what the market needs and create something for that need. Then build a pipeline — even if it’s just an Excel sheet. Stay disciplined, put in the hours, and accept that it’s going to be difficult at first. Resilience and persistence are what make the difference.
And perhaps most importantly: the hardest part isn’t clients — it’s family and friends. Often, those who love you will discourage you because they don’t want to see you fail. But you must set boundaries. If they’re not supporting you, step away from those conversations and protect your vision.*
Q: Are there any upcoming launches or projects you’re excited about?
Yes, I’m working on Simplix Europe, an artificial intelligence company I co-founded with my partner Roberto Pescador. Our vision is to create AI companions that enhance the human experience while maintaining strong safeguards. We already have strong MVPs and use cases, and we’re beginning funding rounds in September. It’s an exciting, empowering project that bridges innovation and human connection.
Q: You mentioned women’s empowerment. What message would you share with women entrepreneurs and professionals?
*One of the biggest misconceptions today is that success can be found through quick fixes — buying a best-selling book, following influencers, or copying formulas. But best-sellers are written for the average, and the average individual will not become the successful entrepreneur. True empowerment begins with self-exploration and developing your own character.
My advice: read philosophy, not just self-help. Read Marcus Aurelius, Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, Kant, or Descartes. Build depth of thought. Get a mentor, a coach, or an advisor who challenges you to grow authentically. Because when you understand yourself more profoundly, you become a stronger entrepreneur, leader, and professional.*
“Resilience, authenticity, and character are the foundations of leadership. Build yourself before you build your business.” – Peter Jansen
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