Why We Created This Tribute for Christian

 

There are people who carry titles.
And then there are those who embody an era.

Christian Fillet is one of those people.

For over twenty years, he has played a key role in the leadership of ESN. Ten of those years as president.
During that time, Christian didn’t just help shape the network — he became its face, its voice, and its compass.
Not because he sought attention, but because time and again, he brought people together — with ideas, with purpose, and with each other.

 

Anyone who has worked with Christian knows: his leadership was never about status or control.
He listened. He asked the right questions. He made space.
And above all, he stayed focused on the bigger picture: how can we make a real difference, together?

This is not a farewell.

This is an ode.

When we began thinking about how to honour Christian, we quickly realised that a bouquet of flowers or a thank-you speech simply wouldn’t do justice to what he means to ESN — and to the many people touched by his leadership.

Christian is not just a chair.
He is a connector. A bridge builder.
A quiet force behind countless transformations.

That’s why we wanted to create something that goes beyond the moment.
Something lasting. Something that grows with time.

This project is not a farewell gift.
It’s a story. A living document. A time capsule of his impact.

Real leaders don’t just lead – they connect

Leadership is not a role. It’s a mindset.
And Christian lives that mindset deeply.

He didn’t lead systems. He led people.
He offered direction without imposing it.
He opened doors, empowered others, and brought out the best in those around him — often before they saw it themselves.

That kind of leadership is rare. And precious.

ESN is made up of hundreds of colleagues in social services across Europe.
Together, they form the ESN Family — people who make a difference, often without fanfare. Christian was, and still is, a beacon to many of them. Someone who sees both the broad vision and the quiet, human details.

Who we are

This tribute was created by people who have worked closely with Christian, and who — over the years — became more than just colleagues.

We are Team Caberdouche, named after our shared creative home base in Brussels. A team brought together by shared values and friendship, composed of:

  • Jan Maessen – creative thinker with a sharp eye for language and tone

  • Luc Kupers – strategic mind with a feel for systems and symbols

  • Guy Paul Libin – storyteller and sound director, giving voice to feeling

  • Pascale Cockhuyt – driving force and soul of the project from start to finish

 

Together, we didn’t want to build a monument.
We wanted to tell a story — one that moves, that resonates,
and that shows why this man truly matters.

 

The myth and the man

In Greek mythology, heroes bring order to chaos — not with force, but with vision.
They give direction in uncertain times, not by shouting, but by standing steady.

Christian fits into that tradition.

He is not loud. Not dominant. But present. Clear. And deeply caring.
He gave space to others — to ideas, to complexity, to vulnerability.
He made things move, often without being seen.

And just like myths live on through the people who continue to tell them,
this tribute is meant to continue.
Not as a closing chapter, but as an echo —
a reminder of what has been, and an invitation to carry it forward.

 

And just like myths live on through the people who continue to tell them,
this tribute is meant to continue.
Not as a closing chapter, but as an echo —
a reminder of what has been, and an invitation to carry it forward.

For Christian. And for those who carry the work forward.

This tribute is for Christian.
But it’s also for everyone who builds bridges, who leads with empathy,
who works — often behind the scenes — to create a more social, more inclusive Europe.

For the ones who hold space.
Who uplift others.
Who strengthen communities.

For the ESN Family.

Because this isn’t just a story about leadership.
It’s a story about service, courage, and quiet impact.
About daring to build something greater than yourself.

And it reminds us that true leadership is rarely loud —
but always deeply felt.

This tribute could not have been created without the help of many colleagues who contributed ideas, time, stories and encouragement —and it would not have been possible without the financial support of Exello.net, who helped turn vision into reality.

To all who made this possible: thank you.