ABOUT DR. DAN
From catastrophic injury to academic rigour. The story behind the data.
THE VDH PHILOSOPHY
My approach is built on a simple triad: Evidence, Experience, and Empathy. Without data, we are guessing. Without experience, we are robotic. Without empathy, we cannot lead.
The Four Corners Model
van den Hoek means "from the corner".
The Four Corners Model integrates identity, adaptation, culture, and load into a simple framework that helps people and organisations understand how performance is shaped. Strengthening even one corner improves stability, clarity, and capability across the whole system.
Identity
• Identity shapes how people see themselves and how they respond under pressure.
• Clear identity provides direction, confidence, and purpose.
• When identity is stable, decision making becomes more consistent and intentional.
Load
• Load includes stress, expectations, pressure, and competing demands.
• Managing load helps people maintain clarity and avoid overload or disengagement.
• When load is understood and balanced, performance and wellbeing both improve.
Culture
• Culture influences how people behave together and what they believe is possible.
• High performing cultures encourage clarity, honesty, and shared responsibility.
• Strong culture supports alignment, trust, and sustainable performance.
Adaptation
• Adaptation describes how people adjust to challenges, uncertainty, and change.
• It reflects the ability to stay flexible while holding onto core values.
• Strong adaptation improves resilience and allows teams to respond without losing momentum.
Timeline of Impact
2008
2005
