I am two worlds come together. I am in between spaces. Part of one, part of the other, not quite sure where I belonged. Until I figured it out, I belong to me.
So nice to meet you. I’m Naomi, an authentic confidence coach in Amsterdam.
Let me tell you a little story about myself.
Half Japanese, half Belgian, born in the UK and raised in The Netherlands, a Ha-fu (what I’m called in Japan), an ATCK (Adult Third Culture Kid), a highly sensitive person, I spent a large chunk of my life just trying to fit in and belong. While I now consider my heritage a beautiful asset, this wasn’t always the way.
Growing up with this mixed background opened my eyes to the world and allowed me to easily adapt to other cultures and people. My sensitivity meant that I could easily tune into other people and the environment around me. I’m known for my ability to find harmony and bring different people and perspectives together. There’s a peacemaker hiding in there somewhere!
But the ability to adapt and tune in so easily meant that I somehow also lost myself. The need to belong, to be part of something, meant that I developed an unhealthy need to achieve, to prove myself worthy of belonging. My coaching journey then began many years ago as a teenager when I had my first depression, the first in a range to follow. This sparked a deep interest in personal development. Initially as a way of understanding and healing myself but later on much more as a way of helping others.
I see amazing potential in you.
When you shed the many layers of who you think you should be, and be who you are.
I believe it’s the ultimate road to happiness.
My personal mission has always been to contribute to a world that was bigger than my own. Fuelled by a deep interest and passion for people, their welfare and the art of living. This led me to study Japanese and Politics in London and Tokyo, pursuing a Master’s degree in International and European Relations and Management in Amsterdam, starting my career working in international development, and later on led me to my current path, coaching.
My journey has been one of learning to deal with depression and high sensitivity, lack of confidence, fear of failure, cultivating courage and ultimately self-acceptance. It’s a beautiful work in progress. This personal experience has been matched with formal training as a coach, starting in 2013 at Het Europees Instituut (De Baak Management School, The Netherlands) and continued in Bali with life coach and author Carl Massy in 2015. I’m highly committed to my own personal growth by receiving continued coaching and supervision by a variety of coaches, and I continue my own education through reading and education. It never really stops does it?
Nor does the journey…
My last adventure involved really going after my own dreams and taking a big leap. In 2015 I moved to Bali and set up a location-independent lifestyle and worked as a coach to help others stop holding themselves back from the life they truly desire. I was also a proud member of the coaching team at The Practice in Canggu (Bali).
After 4 years in Bali, it was time to bring my life and work back to Amsterdam, my home town, where I continue to offer my coaching services both online and face-to-face. My focus here really lies in helping women to make the journey from self-doubt to inner confidence and live their most authentic and impactful life.
I believe everyone has a story to tell. I also believe that is where the heart of meaningfulness and connectedness lies.
I have started to tell you mine.
Can I help you tell yours?
I look forward to connecting with you.
With love,
Naomi
PS: Want more info on my professional history? Take a peek here
