About me
Hello!
I am Pieter, and I will guide you through this important journey to reconnect with yourself and your inner purpose. I’m Belgian, father of three girls, and have more than 20 years of experience as a manager in the not-for-profit sector. I worked as country director of various international organizations in Central Africa and as Executive Director of an influential European patient organization for people living with HIV.
After almost running into a burnout a number of times, I changed course and started looking for ways to prevent or deal with burnout. I’m a certified coach (recognized Level2 training at the ICF - International Coach Federation), and have a lot of experience with meditation and other well-being techniques. As a coach, I combine sharpness and confrontation with a surprising sensitivity and softness, to bring people into contact with their essence, the reality of their situation and, above all, to get them moving.
"after twenty years in management I took a sabbatical and decided to accompany people who experienced similar levels of stress..."
Pieter
About the need to reconnect
About the need to reconnect
Working in the not-for-profit sector is noble. The organizations we work for pursue a noble cause. We give our heart and soul every day to achieve these goals. But sometimes the work gets too demanding.
Because we work with vulnerable people or vulnerable themes, we almost feel guilty if we don't go to the extreme. There is also often a lot of administration, planning, monitoring, fundraising and people management involved. All of this can be extremely exhausting, and many people, especially executives in this sector, are heading for burnout.
I myself have led teams and partners in international NGOs for more than 20 years. Ten years as Country Director in Africa, ten years as operational leader or Executive Director in Belgium. When I threatened to burn out for the second time, I resolutely pulled the plug and started looking for ways to avoid such situations. I wish I had guidance then, and the knowledge I have now, I probably could have continued with my work, albeit with adjustments. I now want to offer that kind of guidance to people who find themselves in similar situations.
By taking intense courses and through self-study, I have been able to put together a recipe that helps to avoid the black hole. Through a combination of making space for ourselves, eating and living healthier, personal coaching conversations, guidance and rest, I believe most of us can avoid the worst. What I offer is a six-week guidance process, culminating in a week of silence and nature, either one-on-one or with a small group of fellow unpluggers. Given my personal experience, the offer is primarily aimed at managers and executives in the not-for-profit sector, but obviously people
active in other domains are equally welcome!
Pieter's character and professional experience make him particularly suited to accompany others who face complex, multicultural situations.
David Haerry - Research reporter, trainer, management & strategic consultant