Reframe for Resilience - Episode 33: Resilience Through Curiosity and Culture with Loic Potjes

Reframe for Resilience

From Africa to Europe, from cultural clashes to coaching CEOs—Loïc Potjes’ journey is a masterclass in resilience, courage, and curiosity. Join Dr. Frank Douglas as he unpacks how reframing challenges can turn adversity into opportunity.

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Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of Reframe for Resilience, Dr. Frank Douglas sits down with Loïc Potjes, an executive coach and seasoned leader who has navigated diverse cultural landscapes and transformational challenges across the globe.

From his first bold leap into Africa at the age of 23—where he found himself unexpectedly running the finances of the Catholic Church in Zambia—to leading 700 employees in Europe and coaching CEOs today, Loïc shares powerful lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the courage to step into the unknown.

He reflects on how cultural clashes taught him deeper empathy, how failures became stepping stones, and why curiosity about people is key to building resilience in an interconnected world.

Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating change, this episode offers practical wisdom and a powerful reminder that resilience is built through perspective, connection, and service.

Key Topics

• Taking unconventional first steps after university
• Lessons learned from running finance in Zambia at 23
• Building resilience through cross-cultural experiences
• Leadership challenges and cultural clashes in Europe
• The importance of openness, humility, and curiosity
• How personal growth shapes professional leadership
• Reframing adversity into opportunities for connection

Timeline Summary

[00:00] – Introduction to Loïc Potjes and his diverse career

[01:31] – Leaving Europe at 23 to work in Zambia

[03:50] – Becoming “the bulldozer from Belgium” in organizational turnaround

[05:20] – Serving the Sisters of Mother Theresa and lessons on life resilience

[06:12] – Transitioning to corporate leadership in Europe

[08:30] – Managing 700 employees without prior experience

[09:45] – Cultural clashes and the importance of perspective in leadership

[11:59] – Lifelong curiosity about cultures and learning beyond differences

[14:30] – How cultural empathy shaped his coaching and leadership approach

Links & Resources

• Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC
• Listen to more episodes at Reframe for Resilience Podcast

Closing Remark

Loïc Potjes’ story reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but about reframing them as opportunities for growth. From Zambia to Europe to global coaching, his journey shows that curiosity, openness, and the courage to step into the unknown can transform both leadership and life.