This is Guido
I am a 43-year-old Dutchman, a father and husband, and a lot more. 2023 has brought exciting changes with our relocation to Bensafrim on the south coast of Portugal. We moved here because we wanted to spend more time outside in constant contact with nature and become more self-sufficient with a little less stress than in Northern Europe. We are finding our way in Portugal with the occasional struggles that arise, still excited to live in this country. I am a man who used to rely on his rational qualities but neglected or even was a bit afraid of his emotions, and was mostly disconnected from the body and soul. Even with a fairly successful career, I often struggled with the nagging feeling that I was not really “free” or being “my authentic self” with a stress level that was often too high and an (almost full) burnout as result. It took a couple of big losses and events in my life to accelerate my own development and self-actualization.
Now I know that it is a process that will take my whole life, but I see the path and I’m enjoying the ride. I also know that that process demands deeper work on the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical (dietary) levels. In fact, my dietary changes have made an enormous difference. I have been learning about these various aspects in my own life for years now, and I enjoy guiding others on their paths as well. I have studied (and continue to study) a broad range of knowledge related to the spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and leadership and professional development.
It is a pleasure to share this continuous learning with others. For me, it clearly is about using a combination of ancient wisdom (like Buddhism) and modern science in order to inspire and empower people in reaching their full potential.
My ICF certified education at the Holistic Coaching Training Institute provides me with the framework, practice, and mentoring for my coaching. I’m a person that likes to bring things forward and make things clear. As a holistic coach I believe in you as a client, and encourage you to hold the steering wheel of your own coaching process where you will find the answers you need that are within you.
My specialization is in coaching and training leaders and other professionals that want to take the lead from within. During my career I’ve always been intrigued by workplace dynamics and how they affect individuals and the organization. I’ve worked in very diverse places: at a multinational corporation, small businesses, national politics, a ministry, and an NGO. In politics, I also worked in a high-level stress and media environment that was quite challenging but also very educational. I’ve come to believe in people finding their inner strength (Qi) in their work, being as authentic as possible in the workplace. I don’t believe in “external” goals, superficial fulfillment, or faking your way through your career. We must first examine our own personal vision, home in on our values and beliefs and what fuels our inner strength. Then, we can make career plans or start climbing up the ladder in your organization. I have been an advisor to political leaders and CEOs and have a clear view about what true and brave leadership is: being authentic, clear and vulnerable while also being a coaching leader who listens to the people around you. I believe that this world really needs this “new” level of leadership, and that every leader can cultivate these skills. I believe in optimal performance, but the conscious way. I have developed the five elements of optimal (personal) leadership, the conscious way. From surviving to thriving in a stressful world and workplace ™. Based on my own experience, ancient wisdom and modern (optimal performance) science. It is a great pleasure to help leaders and professionals on their paths to authentic success.
“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up, we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability.”
– Madeline L’Engle