Vergilius Pro
Multilingual versatile partner in organisational transformation and leadership development
Welcome to Vergilius Pro. I help organizations bring direction and structure to complex change processes.
I am Richard Kalmeijer, an experienced leader, coach and mentor in organizational development and transformation. I help organizations bring direction and structure to complex change processes – Agile, Digital, Scaling, organization and restructuring.
Whether it's setting up an international digital hub, guiding Agile transformations, or shaping future-oriented leadership with Generative AI: I ensure movement, clarity and results.
My strength? I connect people, processes and ambitions. With a strategic vision and a pragmatic approach, I ensure that vision actually comes to execution.
"An authentic and reliable leader, analytical and innovative. Optimistic, resilient and always focused on positive impact."
What you can expect from me
  • Natural and engaged leadership
  • Structure, overview and direction
  • Respectful and open communication
  • Quick results with sustainable impact
What I do
I help organizations bring direction and structure to change. My work operates at the intersection of organization, leadership, culture and strategy.
Organizational transformation
Guidance in restructuring and optimizing organizations for better results.
Digital transformation
Strategic implementation of digital solutions that align with your business goals.
Agile transformations
Designing and implementing Agile transformations and coaching leadership
GenAI transformation & leadership
Strengthening leadership in GenAI transformation
Want to know more? Feel free to contact me for an introductory meeting.
How I work
Meet the clients where they are
Change only works when it connects to today's reality. I look at where people and organizations are now and build from there.
Systemic thinking, human action
I see patterns, structures, and dynamics, but I work with people. Connection is the key to real movement.
Leadership as leverage
As a certified Leadership Circle Profile® coach, I help leaders gain insight into their impact and areas for development.
Results-oriented and action-driven
No endless talking, but taking steps. Sometimes small, always meaningful.
I guide organizations through change in a way that fits where they are heading
Optimistic and solution-focused There is always a way. And what we do today must still work tomorrow.
Technology as accelerator I help organizations embed technology into leadership and structure.
As a certified Leadership Circle Profile® coach, I help leaders gain insight into their impact. More about Leadership Circle Profile®
Services
Organization and transformation guidance
Guidance for complex - digital - organizational changes with focus on structure, strategy and people-oriented leadership.
Leadership development and coaching
Development of leadership through individual and team coaching, supported by the Leadership Circle Profile®.
Agile transformations and work methodology implementation
Implementation of agile structures and strengthening collaboration between business and IT.
Project and program
management
Direction of complex change processes, with focus on progress, result-orientation and strategic alignment.
I make what I do visible
  • Agile transformations in large organizations
  • Portfolio management as a steering tool
  • Leadership development in dynamic environments
Always with clarity, movement and results.
Projects & Testimonials
🧭 Assignment / Context:
Guidance of a complex international transition: setting up a new entity and digital hub for Decathlon in the Netherlands, in close collaboration with teams from France. Focus on HR, onboarding, compliance, structure and collaboration within a matrix organization.
💬 HR Leader Global Business Hub Amsterdam
"Richard is a strong cross-country connector and a strategic change agent. He was right in the middle of this complex transformation, finding the right people, building the bridge between NL and France, and guiding us through compliance and people challenges with heart, structure and vision."
💬 Senior Engineering Leader | Technology & Product Development – Decathlon International
"Richard is both compassionate and direct. He built the foundation of our new hub by navigating complex HR, onboarding and legal processes with great care. Personally, he was invaluable in helping me settle into the organization — his work made the transition smooth and the environment welcoming."
🧭 Assignment / Context:
Support with implementing an Agile mindset and quarter-based planning processes within the Fraud, Trust & Safety department. Guidance for both teams and leadership, focused on sustainable change.
💬 Senior Director of Fraud, Trust & Safety – Booking.com
"Richard is not just an agile coach — he also acts as a true leadership advisor, spotting and addressing opportunities beyond the initial assignment. He brings integrity, clarity, and practical impact. When he moved on, our organization was in better shape than when he arrived."
🧭 Assignment / Context:
Guidance of a large-scale Agile transformation within the Cargo division. Focus on portfolio management, leadership development and alignment between strategy and execution.
💬 Plant Leader Supply Chain Operations – AFKL Cargo
"Richard knows the theory of SAFe and change management, but always adapts it to the maturity level of the group he's working with. He was very personal in his approach, and acted as a counterpart for senior leadership. I grew as a person and as a professional thanks to our collaboration."
💬 Director Benelux – AFKL Martinair Cargo
"Richard's support helped me perform better in my role and improve my personal skill set. His open, honest and approachable way of working was deeply appreciated — not just by our team, but by me personally. He guided us through change, while coaching individuals along the way."
💬 Manager – AFKL Martinair Cargo
"Richard supported us in growing not just as a team, but as an organization. His ability to facilitate deep reflection and strategic alignment helped us prioritize and collaborate better. He combines clarity, structure and warmth in a way that's truly impactful."
🧭 Assignment / Context:
Implementation of Agile methodology in a technically driven organization. Coaching of leaders, teams and ownership culture; structuring of processes and change approach.
💬 Head of R&D and co-owner – IsarNet AG
"Richard quickly understands complex environments by listening and analyzing, and then proposes concrete improvements that he implements with clarity and commitment. His guidance on Agile and structural processes was crucial for our development as a company."
💬 Network Traffic Engineer – IsarNet AG
"What I appreciated most is how Richard balanced the needs of management and employees. He sees both the human and the systemic side of change. He helped us understand complex problems from all angles — technical, economic, organizational and emotional."
🧭 Assignment / Context:
As CIO responsible for guiding a large-scale digital transition within an educational organization. Focus on modernization, rationalization, nearshoring, organizational development and customer-focused product management.
💬 Cybersecurity Lead – Public sector
"Richard uses his full personality in his work: people skills, vision, sharpness, warmth and a great ability to connect. He is a leader who knows how to determine direction AND get people on board."
💬 Director Business Development – Technology sector
"Richard is a tough negotiator with extensive technical knowledge, but also a connector between client and supplier. Thanks to his approach, we reached a higher level as partners."
💬 Vice President Technology – Core42 (G42)
"Richard thinks not only as an IT leader, but also as an entrepreneur. He embraces innovation, looks at the bigger picture, and truly helps companies advance. His work has lasting value."
💬 Director Cloud & Application Services – w/emea
"Richard gave me space to grow as a new IT Operations Manager. His leadership and enthusiasm have been invaluable to my development."
💬 Information Manager – Leiden University
"Richard is a natural leader with deep ICT expertise. He brings energy, is sharp in negotiations and always remains people-oriented. Working under his leadership has helped me grow tremendously both technically and personally."
About Richard
After 10 years in various technical IT roles, I chose to transition to broader leadership positions: IT Manager, CIO, coach, mentor, and transformation guide. Along the way, I worked with startups, multinationals, and family businesses – both in the Netherlands and internationally. This broad experience taught me that real change is never just about systems, but always about people, structures, and context.
Common thread: Organizational and leadership development
What drives me is building organizations that truly work. Where strategy isn't just a paper exercise, but becomes tangible in behavior, collaboration, and results.
International expertise
I enjoy working in complex international environments where different interests converge. Where vision is needed, but also the courage to make choices, bring structure, and get people moving.
My style
Strategic and pragmatic
My approach is both strategic and pragmatic, analytical and people-focused. I ask relevant questions and know how to effectively address difficult topics.
Structure in chaos
I bring calm to dynamics and structure to chaos. And I'm only satisfied when something actually starts moving.
Can Do mentality
I'm also known for my optimism and Can Do mentality. I get everything done.
Continuous development
I believe in learning, reflection, and continuous development – including for myself. That's why I invest in coaching, leadership training, and the latest technologies, such as Generative AI.
International and multilingual
I work fluently in Dutch, English, and French, and feel at home in diverse cultural contexts. From Paris to Brussels, from Amsterdam to Toulouse: I move smoothly between sectors, languages, and teams.
Why Vergilius Pro?
Why 'Vergilius'? The name Vergilius is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. In this masterpiece, the Roman poet Virgil is Dante's guide through hell and purgatory – a role centered on wisdom, protection, and insight, without being divine himself.
When I thought about what I do – and how I do it – I recognized striking parallels:
Wise guide
Just as Virgil guides Dante through complex worlds with knowledge and calm, I guide organizations through transformations. No hypes or dogmas, but clear direction, experience, and strategic insight.
Independent mentor
Virgil doesn't speak on behalf of a higher power, but is chosen for his moral authority and wisdom. This aligns with my role as an independent consultant and coach – involved, but free from political lines or internal interests.
Guide of meaningful journeys
Virgil helps Dante develop his own insights. I also see my work not as providing ready-made solutions, but as facilitating a learning and development journey – for individuals, teams, and organizations.
Respected authority
In Roman culture, Virgil was known for his intellect and poetic power. In my work, it's about trust, sharpness, and the ability to make complex issues accessible.
Virgil is the perfect symbol of the essential mentor: a reliable guide who leads others through challenging transitions with experience and insight. And that is exactly what I aim to be with my work.
Why 'Pro'?
'Pro' stands for professionalism. Careful, transparent, goal-oriented, and human. For me, that's also leadership: 'Leading by example'
Masterclass GenAI Transformation & Leadership
Starting May, we will begin two-day masterclasses on the subject of GenAI Transformation & Leadership
The emergence of Generative AI represents a fundamental shift in how we work, organize, and lead. The goal is to familiarize participants with all aspects of GenAI transformation and optimize their required leadership skills.
For whom? Leaders, managers, change agents, and staff members who are or will be involved in GenAI initiatives within their organization who:
  • Want to turn GenAI opportunities into action
  • Want to demonstrate leadership in times of technological acceleration
  • Want to work with AI strategically, ethically, and practically
The course will cover the following topics, among others:
Impact of GenAI on organizations
Understand how Generative AI can fundamentally change your organization and transform decision-making.
AI as an accelerator of change
Learn how AI can accelerate and improve transformation processes in your organization.
Leadership in an AI context
Develop the skills to lead effectively in the AI era.
Practical application
Concrete tools for strategy, risk, governance, and use cases to implement AI directly in your organization.
Format & possibilities
  • 2-day program
  • In-company options
More information can be found in the brochure
Contact
Every collaboration begins with a thorough exploration of your challenges and goals. Based on this, we will jointly develop a customized approach with clear milestones and results.
🌍 Working in the Netherlands & internationally
🔊 Languages: Dutch – English – French