Hans provides training in the art of Strategic Stakeholder Engagement (SSE) and the philosophy of the Mutual Gains Approach (MGA) because he knows from personal experience that parties only cooperate if it is in their own interest. The Netherlands is so densely populated that any new development will always come at the expense of many existing situations. Stakeholders in those situations will primarily react negatively to change. The art of SSE is to make stakeholders realize what the new development can bring them in a positive way, by letting them benefit from the dynamics of that development. Consensus based on recognition of mutual interests will offer a way out for many stakeholders from what initially seems to be an impasse. Parties are better off solving their problems amongst themselves than facing an uncertain trip to court that offers no predictable outcome for any of the stakeholders. In his experience, MGA/SSE is the best approach to achieve this.

As a law graduate and environmental diplomat, Hans spent seven years conducting international environmental negotiations for the Netherlands within the EU, OECD, and UN frameworks. Subsequently, he has dedicated the past 22 years to solving complex challenges, including the monitoring of agreements for Maasvlakte 2, the integration of the A4 highway into Midden-Delfland, the incorporation of the embankment connections for the Blankenburg Tunnel near Vlaardingen and Rozenburg, the coordination between the Zuidasdok project and the urban development of Amsterdam Zuidas, and most recently, Rotterdam's third city bridge.

Hans is senior trainer en coacht omgevingsmanagers on the job. Hij is coauteur van het Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Practical Guide (2024). In de afgelopen jaren schreef hij meerdere simulatiespellen die worden ingezet in trainingen van WesselinkVanZijst.