Gijs Van Der Most: The Architect of Modern Entrepreneurial Mindset

In a world where rapid change defines success, Gijs Van Der Most stands out as a pivotal figure shaping how today’s innovators think, act, and build sustainable ventures. With a rare blend of strategic insight, practical experience, and a deep understanding of human behavior, Van Der Most has become a trusted voice for entrepreneurs navigating disruption. His influence extends beyond individual startups—he’s redefining how scale, purpose, and resilience are cultivated in the modern economy.

Drawing on decades of case studies, direct mentorship, and academic rigor, his framework transforms abstract ideals into actionable systems.

Van Der Most’s approach centers on what he terms the “Triple Engine Model” of entrepreneurial success—comprising Vision, Execution, and Adaptation. This isn’t mere theory; it’s a dynamic blueprint tested across dozens of high-growth ventures.

“Most founders get trapped,” he explains. “They chase trends without grounding them in a clear, evolving purpose. The Triple Engine ensures you’re not just reacting—you’re building a system that learns and evolves.” This model has attracted attention from incubators, venture studios, and top business schools alike, reflecting its real-world applicability.

At the core of Van Der Most’s philosophy is the belief that great scaling begins not with technology or capital, but with culture. He consistently emphasizes that environment shapes results more than tools ever can. “Culture isn’t slogans on the wall,” he asserts.

“It’s the invisible hand guiding decisions when no one’s watching.” His work highlights three foundational elements: psychological safety, radical ownership, and continuous feedback loops. These principles, rooted in behavioral science, foster environments where innovation thrives and talent thrives.

Van Der Most’s insights have been shaped by a rich career spanning product development, corporate transformation, and early-stage investing.

Formerly a key strategist at pioneering tech firms, he witnessed firsthand how resilient organizations overcome collapse and how fragile ones implode under pressure. “I’ve seen companies scale from zero to millions overnight—and the same ones crumble within months when people belieb not purpose,” he notes. “The difference isn’t luck.

It’s systems.” This firsthand experience underpins his emphasis on institutionalizing learning and adaptive leadership.

One of Van Der Most’s most influential frameworks is the “Three Horizons Strategy,” a tool designed to balance short-term performance with long-term vision. It divides organizational focus into: - Horizon 1: Stabilizing and optimizing current operations - Horizon 2: Developing scalable initiatives in development - Horizon 3: Pioneering breakthrough innovations years ahead “This prevents over-investment in fads while keeping the future alive,” he explains.

“You’re not betting on the next big thing—you’re building the foundation for it.” Startups adopting this model report sharper strategic clarity and reduced burn rates.

Beyond theory, Van Der Most is a hands-on mentor and educator. He leads executive workshops, consults with scaling founders, and delivers lectures at leading institutions like SC Johnson and the HEC Paris, where students devour his crisp, real-world examples.

“I don’t preach; I demonstrate,” he says. “Afford the look of failure, expect the adapt,” urging entrepreneurs to iterate boldly and transparently.

Technology’s rapid evolution demands leadership that evolves with it.

Van Der Most’s focus on adaptive mindsets prepares leaders to navigate uncertainty not as threat but as canvas. “The future belongs to those who design flexible systems, not rigid plans,” he observes. “Resilience isn’t about staying the course—it’s about learning how to redefine the course.” By integrating psychological insight with scalable structures, he equips leaders to build ventures that endure.

Van Der Most’s legacy lies in bridging sharp analytical thinking with human-centered practices. In an era obsessed with speed, his work reminds us that sustainable success comes from balance—between vision and execution, agility and stability, technology and trust. Through his frameworks, mentorship, and relentless focus on systems over style, he continues to shape how entrepreneurs think, lead, and build the future one resilient organization at a time.

As global markets grow more volatile, the principles championed by Gijs Van Der Most offer more than insight—they offer a roadmap. Those who embrace them don’t just survive disruption; they lead it.