Frank Garten

Frank Garten is a Netherlands-based speaker, author and facilitator, specialized in communication and cooperation with people from different cultures. His main focus these days is ‘Clarity in Conversations’.

Frank helps companies and teams to improve the quality of their dialogues. With a solid basis in general management in international companies (NXP Semiconductors, Philips), he is able to understand the dynamics of global teams and businesses. Author of 3 books on cross-cultural management, Frank travels the world to give lectures and provide practical workshops on the do’s and don’ts of (intercultural) business.

With a PhD in Physics, Frank has a curious mind, strong opinions while he does not hesitate to take a vulnerable position of ‘not-knowing’ that he considers essential to effective leadership. Frank likes to confront and challenge, forcing people to look in the mirror and become aware of their own behaviors before making judgments about others. He will talk about practical application of his knowledge: what can business professionals do, such that their international collaboration with team members, colleagues, suppliers and customers improves?

After obtaining a PhD in physics and chemistry, Frank started working in the semiconductor industry; first of all in technical- and project management roles, later in commercial functions (technical and commercial marketing). In this b-to-b role he negotiated contracts with electronics manufacturers across the world, especially in Asia, the US and Eastern Europe. After a short sidestep in strategic marketing for Agere Electronics, he returned to Philips Semiconductors in a general management role, leading a 20-people team to increase market share in LCD-TV chips to 50% and revenues to 68 meur. After several years he made the conscious choice to move to Human Resources, an unexpected move for someone with a PhD in Physics. For 4 years he was responsible for Learning & Development across the company, and set up the learning curriculum for 5000+ employees worldwide. His outspoken thoughts about HR originate in this period. The move however reflected Frank’s passion for helping people unleash their full potential, which is his main professional drive these days. Since 2008 Frank is working as an independent professional, specialized in (intercultural) communication and cooperation. He works across the world, giving lectures, workshops and facilitating leadership development programs.