About Me

My Career in a Nutshell:

I am a Certified Transformational Coach and have been running my own business since 2019, specialising in Maritime workplaces and helping create confident, collaborative teams. I work with individuals, organisations, managers, and team leaders to foster inclusivity and adopt empathetic leadership approaches.

My journey began in 1999 as a Maritime Officer with the Dutch Merchant Navy, where I spent several years working on cargo ships. While the sea provided adventure, it was also a lonely and isolating experience. Returning to shore, I transitioned into various roles within the shipping industry, working in both corporate and academic settings.

Over 20 years in male-dominated, multicultural industries taught me invaluable lessons about human interaction and the challenges that often arise. I've faced my own struggles, including the detrimental effects of working in environments characterised by micromanagement, gender stereotyping, bullying, and poor mental health support.

These experiences drove me to pursue an MPhil in Maritime Human Factors at the University of Strathclyde. This education was transformative, shifting my career focus and deepening my understanding of how to improve workplace dynamics.

Today, I’m passionate about using my insights and experiences to help others navigate the complex dynamics of the maritime industry, fostering healthier, more supportive work environments.

Fun Facts About Me

• I'm Dutch but my husband and I emigrated to Scotland 15 years ago because we loved the country so much we decided to make it our home.

• I am an introverted Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and Empath, as an HSP coach, you can also work with me 1:1.

• I'm an older mom and had my daughter at 41. She's named after the Scottish holy island, Iona.

• I used to work as a seafarer on cargo and multipurpose ships, mainly sailing in the Northern Baltic.

• My most memorable port visit as a seafarer was Novorossiysk, one of the largest ports on the Black Sea in Russia. I visited the local market and bought some snacks to take onboard.

• While working as a Second Officer on a container ship in The Port of Piraeus near Athens, Greece, I was robbed of my passport and money. The ship was delayed for a day as I obtained alternative travel documents since it couldn't sail without a Second Officer present.

• I gave up my full-time day job in shipping in my late 20ties to study Interior Styling at the academy in Rotterdam for 2 years and worked in a luxury rug store to support myself part-time.

• I earned my MPhil in Maritime Human Factors in my early 30s at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. Initially, I struggled to understand the Scottish accent fully.

• I have a sister who is 10 years older than me. Her father is my grandmother’s baby brother—yes, you read that right!

• I became a vegetarian at 30, and my guilty pleasure is a full vegetarian breakfast from Wetherspoon's when I'm on holiday in England.

• I'm obsessed with the British coastline and love walking on rocky beaches on windy days.

• Despite my maritime background, I'm actually scared of big fish and get uneasy looking them in the eye.