My ultimate concern is human connection and joy. My fear is that people are sleepwalking through their lives, disconnecting from themselves and each other, losing the ability to experience what’s good about being alive. I envision a world where people support each other, live from abundance, and approach their time here with openness.
The Hard Work Myth
Most people believe that hard work leads to recognition and promotion. That’s reasonable because we’ve been taught that hard work will be rewarded, and it works for some people. I believe it’s more about your personal branding and relationships. People want to work with people they know and trust. People promote people who will make them look good and help them progress. People don’t have time to think about what you want and deserve.
The magic myth formula
Most people think that some people just “get it,” that they have some formula for success and career progression that others lack. That’s reasonable because from the outside, it looks that way. I believe that what those people have is learned, through mentors, observation, or guidance, and it’s available to everyone. It’s awareness, intention, and knowing where to direct your effort.
Passive vs. Intentional Life
Most people believe life is something that happens to them, and that’s reasonable because each day will pass by whether or not you engage with it. I believe life needs intention and guidance. Intentional input leads to intentional output: the things we want, enjoy, and find meaningful. Connection. Awareness.
The Comparison Trap
Most people compare themselves to their peers and assume those peers have some advantage or made better choices. That’s reasonable because we naturally measure ourselves against others. I believe the real issue is that people aren’t asking themselves the right questions. They think they already know the answer, so they stop looking. When someone sits with you and opens up those questions, everything changes.
The False External Fix
Most people believe that you have to make big external changes when you’re feeling unhappy, that external circumstances are the cause and the solution. That’s reasonable because we are often measured by our outside actions, our “success,” our accomplishments. It is tangible. It feels easier. I believe that focusing internally leads to true happiness. You can be fulfilled in almost all circumstances. You can make any workplace work for you. When you press eject on a new company, role, career, love match, city, country, it will be new and shiny until you notice the same patterns. Better use what you have. The foundation you have built. Start with peace and experimenting where you are. Take small steps rather than getting paralysed by the size of a big change. Then you’ll notice where you go, what brings you fulfilment, who brings you fulfilment.
Life as Hard vs. Life as Gift
Most people believe life is hard, and that’s reasonable because at some point life will be hard. We feel deeply as humans. We feel the loss, the fear, the things we want to avoid. I believe life is an amazing experience. It is joyful. It is a gift. When we approach life with lightness, intention, and possibility, we send positive energy into the world. We create a better experience for ourselves and the people around us.
The world should be fun, awe-inspiring, magical. We are deep beings with the ability to connect with each other and the world around us. We should support each other more. We live in abundance. We needn’t be so scared of scarcity. When we allow it, we can connect to the vibrations of nature, to other people, to experiences that make ninety years feel like a gift.
COACHING CERTIFICATIONS
My broader work
Career Coach with the United Nations
As a Career Coach working with the United Nations I focus on supporting United Nation Volunteers with career ownership and empowerment, skill development, and navigating complex personal and professional challenges within the UN ecosystem.
Alongside my private coaching practice, I work in Learning & Development co-creating, designing and facilitating learning programs, and managing their implementation end to end. It’s the same work at a different scale helping people and organisations grow into more of their potential.
Learning & Development Director and Member of the Board with the ICF
As Learning & Development Director and Member of the Board at the Netherlands chapter of the International Coaching Federation, my intention is to balance continuity with innovation, preserving what has worked well before my term while creating space for more celebration, connection and new forms of learning within the coaching community. My vision is to build a learning ecosystem that nurtures professionals and coaches at every stage of their professional journey, strengthens inclusion and belonging, and delivers high-impact education that supports performance excellence.
Learning & Development Program manager
As Learning & Development Program manager I partner with clients, trainers and consultants (subject matter experts) to create and implement learning programs for professionals at international SMEs such as Boels, Testo, Amgen and Thales. Utlising tools such as individual coaching, group coaching, eLearning, online and in-person workshops.
