About Me

My Career in a Nutshell:

I am a Certified Transformational Coach with a background in maritime workplaces. Since 2019, I have been running my own business, helping organisations and individuals build confident, collaborative teams through empathic leadership.

My journey began in 1999 as a Maritime Officer with the Dutch Merchant Navy, sailing on cargo ships. While the sea provided adventure, it also exposed me to isolation and challenges at life at sea. After returning to shore, I worked in corporate and academic shipping roles, gaining over 20 years of experience in male-dominated, multicultural industries.

Firsthand experience of micromanagement, gender stereotyping, and poor mental well-being support drove me to pursue an MPhil in maritime Human Factors at the University of Strathclyde. This was a turning point, deepening my understanding of workplace dynamics and shaping my coaching approach.

Fun Facts About Me

• Dutch by birth, Scottish by heart: My husband and I emigrated to Scotland 15 years ago and made it our home.

• Highly Sensitive Person and Empath: As an introverted Highly Sensitive Person, I know the challenges of balancing empathy with confidence, and I help others do the same.

• Late-in-life-mum: I had my daughter at 41. She's named after the Scottish holy island, Iona.

• Seafaring days: I worked on cargo and multipurpose ships, mainly in the Northern Baltic. My most memorable port? Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, Russia, where I explored the local market.

• Unexpected career twist: I left full-time shipping in my late 20s for two years to study Interior Styling in Rotterdam, working part-time in a furniture store to support myself.

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

• Secret fear: Despite my maritime background, I'm actually scared of big fish and avoid looking them in the eye.