About
Too often I see people move to a foreign country, or locals working with foreigners, who despite
their best intentions can’t create those meaningful connections that would allow them not
only to succeed, but to thrive. I want to see people thrive.
The world is becoming more and more interconnected and being able to communicate and
work effectively with people from all different kinds of backgrounds is increasingly essential.
Meeting other people, languages, customs and interests, should not be a
stressful, anxiety-filled experience, but a fun and enriching one (OK, maybe just a little
stressful!).
How do I know this?
Because I’ve literally been an expat my entire life! I have never lived in my own country, that is, I have never lived in Belgium, though I was born there. As a kid, we moved around every three years or so, and I have continued to move as an adult. This gave me the opportunity to live in countries as varied as Holland, Poland, Colombia, France and China. Now, I live in Portugal, and although I started my career in real estate, I really began focusing on working with expats through language teaching (English, French and Portuguese) and coaching for the past six years.
All these moves equals new houses, new schools, new friends, new languages, new customs. Navigating live as a child through different cultures, without necessarily having a very defined one of my own, developed a great tolerance for ambiguity and incredible adaptational skills. Who I am today, as an “Adult Third Culture Kid” (ATCK), continually evolves. But I believe the lessons I have learned so far (sometimes the hard way) are valuable, and I want to share them with you.
Besides life experience, I always endeavor to improve myself by continually collecting degrees, including a masters degree, certificates and professional development courses in coaching and cultural intelligence.
Still here?
Here are some more facts about me!
Near a small city called Tavira. I chose to come live here because I wanted to be in Europe for a while but still benefit from nice weather, and learn a new language!
Though both my parents are Belgian, my mother is Caucasian and my father is Afro-European, giving me a, let’s say, not so traditional Belgian look!
Most of that is just luck. I was lucky to be born into a family where my mother speaks French to me and my father speaks Dutch. Moving around so much, I was always enrolled in English-speaking schools, I moved to Colombia at the age of 11, and now I live in Portugal. See? Luck!
A genetic condition which, had my mother listened to the first doctor, meant I would never walk. But some 40 odd surgeries and many, many hospital visits later, I can happily say I have spent my life walking (awkwardly), running (if truly necessary – did anyone else use their disability to avoid a gym class here and there?!), the occasional tree climbing (because why not), kayaking (because it’s fun, and well, let’s be honest, I can do that sitting down), and trying out every sport I could possibly want until I reached my body’s physical limit. Currently, my new challenges are mountain biking and Pilates.
The smell of a book soothes me. I love to quickly flip the pages of the book with my thumb, with my nose right up to it so I can smell the literary beauty.
I enjoy painting, drawing, coloring, writing, journaling…but my interests are always evolving. I can spend weeks or months in one area and then not revisit it for years, while focusing instead on another area.
Ready to take action?
Schedule a free discovery call to see if I’m the right partner for your journey.
Testimonial
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