That Guy In Blue
Who is the man in blue?
Mark Huis in ‘t Veld is a speaker, trainer, chairperson, and always recognizable by his bright blue pants, blue shirt, or the blue shoes in which he literally helps people onto the stage. As That Guy in Blue, he is the driving force behind Presenters Lab: a practice studio where safety, play and growth go hand in hand.
His mission?
Making everyone feel comfortable on their own stage.
Ever since he was fifteen, when he started giving training, Mark has believed in the development potential of people. In stimulating intrinsic motivation. And in the simple yet powerful idea that learning and fun go hand in hand.
He has been self-employed since he was nineteen. What has remained unchanged throughout all these years: his curiosity about people. And his desire to awaken the potential in others. Whether on a football field, on a stage or in a conference hall.
How Mark
Became That Guy In Blue
June 2021. Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. For Mark, the country had already been a second home for years. He visited it about fifty times in eight years — as a trainer of football coaches, with a keen eye for coaching behaviour, a love for Syrniki (go google it) and a growing respect for the culture and people.
During one of those training sessions (Mark was mentoring a youth coach on the job) a mother on the sidelines asked his colleague a simple but memorable question: “Who is that guy in blue?”
Blue was a coincidence. But her observation was spot on. She had seen how Mark spoke without words. How he connected through posture, rhythm and intention. His colleague only told him later, but the words stuck.
When Mark largely stepped back from the football world in 2022 and focused entirely on speaking, presenting and moderating, he reflected on that moment. And decided:
I am That Guy in Blue.
Not as a gimmick, but as an ode.
To the people who shaped him. About the power of non-verbal communication. To Ukraine, which still feels like home.
Internationally at home
Mark has worked in over 25 countries and visited nearly 50 across all continents, and has lived in the Netherlands, Germany, China and the United States. This international experience forms a solid foundation for his work. It taught him not only to switch between cultures, but also between people, dynamics, expectations and languages. Spoken and unspoken.
From boardroom to beach campus, from conference to classroom: he seeks the same essence everywhere. Not tricks, but connection. In word, tone and attitude.
And although he now lives in Roermond, his playing field is no less than global.
Director of Coaching at Footbik
In addition to Presenters Lab, Mark is still active as Director of Coaching at Footbik, an international early development center with over 30 locations in Spain, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
At Footbik, children aged 1.5 to 7 years old are developed in motor, social and cognitive areas. In this case, football is the means, not the end. Mark has been involved from day one. He is the founder of the methodology and practice materials that have reached more than 70,000 children since 2014.
His vision of learning through play, motivation and fun lives on in every part of Footbik.
And here too, the focus is not on perfection, but on progress.
Flat white philosophy
Anyone who knows Mark a little knows: coffee is not a side issue. As a dedicated home barista, his morning starts with Bombora beans from LOT61, a precise grind, perfect temperature and velvety-soft microfoam. Favorite: the Flat White.
Not coincidentally, this is also the model for his presentations: not too flat, not too intense, with just the right amount of character.
His love for coffee extends beyond the kitchen. Mark maintains a carefully curated Google Maps list of hundreds of coffee shops around the world. From Shanghai to Nairobi, from Amsterdam to Astana. Feel free to ask for tips, he always has a suggestion. Or view the list yourself here.
What Mark can do for you
Whether you want to inspire a team, make an event sparkle, or just want to brainstorm about that one idea that sparks your enthusiasm, Mark will think, feel, and work with you. These are the ways in which you can use it:
Presenters Lab training
For professionals who want to grow in speaking, presenting or storytelling. In-company or open registration, always interactive, playful and with results.
Event host / chairperson
As That Guy in Blue, Mark brings flow, flair and focus to your program. He connects speakers and audiences, maintains the energy and creates memorable moments.
Keynote speaker
Mark speaks passionately to diverse target groups. Always full of enthusiasm and connection. Whether it concerns communication (speaking, feedback), intercultural experiences or how you, as an educator, transfer life skills to children.
Expert in coaching behavior (sports)
With over 20 years of experience training (youth) coaches, Mark knows better than anyone how to develop coaching behavior that aligns with playing enjoyment, pedagogy and performance. He speaks, inspires and trains about this.
Sparring partner
Do you have passion, ideas or a plan that ignites your fire? There’s a good chance that Mark will share your enthusiasm. One good conversation and things start to bubble. Creatively. Energetic. Concretely.
Coffee shop tipster
Moving to a new city? Do you like drinking coffee? There’s a good chance Mark has a tip for you ;-). Do you have a tip for Mark: kommadori!