About

I am Erik Schouten, owner of this company and I coach and train individuals and teams. Coaching isn’t just a profession for me — it’s a passion and a way of living. I became a Professional Coach because I believe in the power of growth, transformation and unlocking potential. Helping others navigate challenges, set meaningful goals and achieve their dreams is what drives me.

I’m also a father of two little boys and work for a large container terminal in Europe; APM Terminals Rotterdam. APM Terminals Rotterdam was recognized as the most productive terminal in Europe by the American Journal of Commerce (J.o.C.) and was achieved  by having a laser-focused, unrelenting campaign for continuous improvement. Me being part of this, ignited my Lean journey.

Efficiency, continuous improvement, and creating real lasting impact — that’s what drives me too. I believe in optimizing processes, eliminating waste and helping organizations operate at their best. Every challenge (or problem) is an opportunity to refine, streamline, and innovate, ensuring sustainable success. With Lean principles at the core, I empower teams to work smarter, not harder, and achieve outstanding results.

As a father, my greatest mission is to guide my two sons toward a life of growth, resilience and purpose. I strive to instill in them the values, skills and mindset to navigate life with confidence, logic and integrity. Just as I coach them to become the best versions of themselves, I’m passionate about working with people who are ready to do the same — those who are willing to invest in their future, embrace challenges and step beyond their comfort zones. True transformation happens when we push boundaries and I’m here to support and empower that journey.

My CV:

Experience

2017 – now,  Founding of Schouten Training & Coaching  

  • Training and coaching of individuals and teams
  • Giving workshops and Training
  • Giving lectures
  • Interim Manager

2019 – now,  Management Support, Lean Change agent & Project Manager – APM Terminals Rotterdam/Hutchison Ports Delta II                                         

  • Part of COO Operations Management team
  • Complex Problem Solving, implementing and ensuring countermeasures
  • Selection of Kaizen suggestions and team members for executing the Kaizens
  • Trainer of Lean students, coaching and facilitating Lean Practitioners
  • Chair of Shift leader meetings and Terminal Operator work group meetings
  • Supervision of interns and thesis advisor
  • Creator and editor of standardized processes and safety procedures

2014 – 2019  Shift leader Operations – APM Terminals Rotterdam                                         

  • Responsible for 55 Terminal Operators including 3 Foremen and 6 Mentors
  • Accountable for execution of the planned loading and discharging activities
  • Responsible for compliance of operating procedures and safety regulations
  • Taking over previous shift and fine tuning preparations for own shift
  • Provided PDPs for the Foremen and Mentors
  • Coaching and developing of teams and individuals
  • Providing performance appraisals
  • Responsible as Case officer during absenteeism
  • Emergency Response officer
  • Safety officer

2011 – 2014  Foreman Operarations – APM Terminals Rotterdam

  • Delegating tasks to Terminal Operators
  • Monitoring of planned loading and discharging activities
  • Providing damage reports
  • Providing of relevant information to Shift leader
  • Making preparations for next shift
  • Emergency Response officer

2005 – 2011  DJ / Producer in various discotecs beachclubs and outdoor events in Brazil and The Netherlands

  • Setting up sound system
  • Music styles Trance and Progressive House

2000 – 2014  Terminal Operator – APM Terminals Rotterdam

  • Crane Operator
  • Straddle-Carrier driver
  • Longshore man
  • Checker
  • Tug master driver

Education:

  • 2024 – 2025 PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner, QRP International, Brussel
  • 2018 -2019  Lean Coach – Global Lean Academy, Den Haag
  • 2017 – 2018 Professional Trainer – Institute for Communication & Management (ICM) Utrecht
  • 2016 – 2017 Professional Coach – Institute for Communication & Management (ICM) Utrecht
  • 2012 – 2014 Manager Port Operations, Scheepvaart & Transport college, Rotterdam
  • 2001 – 2003 Terminal Operator, Scheepvaart & Transport College, Rotterdam
  • 1996 – 1998  Mechanic, Verolme Botlek.
  • 1990 – 1995  Highschool diploma

Courses:

  • 2016 Safety Leadership – In tense
  • 2016 Leading others – Maersk Training
  • 2014 Emergency Response Team Leader, STC
  • 2013 International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, Exis Technologies
  • 2012 Emergency Response basic training, STC

Languages

  • Dutch (native)
  • English (professional level)
  • Portuguese (professional level)

Professional memberships

  • Member of St!R (Organization for professional counsellers)
  • Member of Nederlandse Orde van BeroepsCoaches (NOBCO)
  • Member of European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC)

Screenshot St!R big

Schouten Training & Coaching has been registered with St!R as a qualified coach. St!R is the independent quality mark for professional counselors in the Netherlands. Please check out the St!R website for more information.