Meet our Leaders
Koen Van Gulck - Managing Director Europe
Vanessa Raber - Managing Director North America
Vanessa Raber - Managing Director North America
Koen Van Gulck is Managing Director Europe for Maslow Research Center (MRC) and leads our European operations.
With +35 years of experience in commercial and general management, Koen has specialized in strategy and culture coaching in recent years. The combination of developing teams and focusing on people provides the right mix to lead ot
Koen Van Gulck is Managing Director Europe for Maslow Research Center (MRC) and leads our European operations.
With +35 years of experience in commercial and general management, Koen has specialized in strategy and culture coaching in recent years. The combination of developing teams and focusing on people provides the right mix to lead other leaders to "Lead with Culture".
Koen advocates for a human approach that starts with self-awareness. After undergoing 2 kidney transplants and surviving cancer, Koen transformed himself into his own essence, who he really is. Koen lives in Belgium but can often be found in sunny Spain with his wife Tania. They love hiking in nature, especially in the mountains of the Spanish hinterland. Koen also regularly plays padel with his 3 sons, has participated in the World Transplant Games 3 times and occasionally cycles up the iconic Mont Ventoux in France for charity.
Vanessa Raber - Managing Director North America
Vanessa Raber - Managing Director North America
Vanessa Raber - Managing Director North America
Vanessa is the Managing Director at Maslow Research Center (MRC), leading the workplace culture transformation initiatives, certification programs and research center.
With a background in social science and a deep commitment to evidence-based methodologies, Vanessa ensures a seamless integration of services and innovation in program deli
Vanessa is the Managing Director at Maslow Research Center (MRC), leading the workplace culture transformation initiatives, certification programs and research center.
With a background in social science and a deep commitment to evidence-based methodologies, Vanessa ensures a seamless integration of services and innovation in program delivery.
With over a decade of experience in post-secondary education, Vanessa has designed and delivered training programs that create productive and engaging learning environments. As a certified Leadership Coach, certified in Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Vanessa adopts a learner-centered approach, tailoring solutions to meet the diverse needs of both individual and organizational clients.
As the leader of MRC’s research initiatives, Vanessa explores and defines the metrics of modern workplace culture. She has played a central role in developing MRC’s workplace analytics tools and processes that translate complex data into actionable strategies to drive our clients’ success.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, playing volleyball, hiking, and exploring new foods from around the world.
Coach Training and Credentials
- Certified Leadership Coach
- Certified Culture Coach
- Certified Culture Intelligence (CQ) Practitioner
- Certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Practitioner
Gord Aker, MCC - VP of Coaching
Vanessa Raber - Managing Director North America
Gord Aker, MCC - VP of Coaching
Gord Aker is the lead coach for Maslow Research Center (MRC)’s leadership development and culture transformation projects.
Gord’s approach to leadership development is the result of a unique combination that includes a graduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, over 25 years of organizational leadership experience, and over 17 years of
Gord Aker is the lead coach for Maslow Research Center (MRC)’s leadership development and culture transformation projects.
Gord’s approach to leadership development is the result of a unique combination that includes a graduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, over 25 years of organizational leadership experience, and over 17 years of coaching people interested in exploring and realizing their full potential.
In working with Gord, clients can expect to be supported in discovering and understanding the narratives that result in various leadership behaviors, while at the same time being challenged to consider different perspectives that enable growth and improve overall leadership effectiveness. Gord is also passionate about helping leaders develop a compelling purpose or vision of the future that inspires both courage and commitment.
As an indication of his commitment to the Profession of Coaching, in 2023 Gord underwent the rigorous process of achieving the Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) becoming one of approx. 1400 coaches worldwide to hold this credential. Gord also continues to pursue his interest in military history, technology, and education in his volunteer role as the Chair of the Board of Directors of The Military Museums Foundation in Calgary, Canada.
Gord and his wife of 35 years enjoy hiking in the summer, downhill skiing in the winter, and travelling in the shoulder seasons.
Coach Training and Credentials
- Master Certified Coach (MCC), The International Coach Federation (ICF)
- Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), Coaches Training Institute (CTI), California
- Leadership Circle Qualified Practitioner
- Core Values Index (CVI) Certified Coach
- Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Qualified Administrator