For the first 10 years of my life, I studied the world mostly closely. I was often labelled as shy, with today's knowledge I would call it sensitive. Only then did I decide to participate in it with full conviction. And I think few would have thought then that I would later stand in front of groups for fun. That didn't happen automatically by the way, I had to get out my comfort zone a great deal for that.
Because I naturally had 'good' conversations with friends, and because I suddenly found myself mediating between a friend and her mother who were quarrelling, for example, I discovered that counselling people suited me well and decided to study psychology.
Then, in my first real full-time job after graduating as an A&O psychologist, I quickly experienced chronic stress. After a little more then six months, I was sitting at home, unable to work any more. That was tough, I was mainly disappointed in myself. Now I look back on it as a blessing in disquise. Since then, I have been forced to see my health and enjoyment of work as goals (besides being there for others and performing), and that works.
And I also couldn't escape having to really deal with myself for a change, including mourning the abrupt loss of my father when I was 18.
This is how I discovered that daring to feel makes me a nicer person and a better psychologist, that coaching gives me great satisfaction and suits me well, provided I take good care of myself. I can use my analytical view, empathy, creativity, life experience and eagerness to learn (I never stop learning about this profession). And that I love my freedom immensely, which makes entrepreneurship suit me.
I have been living in Amsterdam IJburg by the water since 8 years with my boyfriend, daughter, son and dog.

In 2010, I started working as an independent coach. Before that, I worked for more than 10 years for various companies (including Hogere Hotelschool, Belastingdienst and NOA (psychological consultancy firm) in various roles (Change Advisor, Training Coordinator, Trainer, Coach, Developer, Account Manager and Sector Manager). This has taught me a lot about the processes at play within organisations, and the match between individual and company. From these experiences, I can easily empathise with your experience.
As a coach and trainer, I have worked extensively for government (Gemeente Amsterdam, stadsdeel Noord, Havenbedrijf, GVB), education (HU, Hogeschool Kunsten, HvA, HBR, De Haagse Hogeschool), media (VPRO, publishers) and healthcare (OLVG, AVL, GGZ, ARQ) and entrepreneurs/startups.
Besides individual coaching, I guide teams in development towards a growth culture, supervise peer review, and provide training in stress management, coaching and personal effectiveness.