10 things from my life and work experience that I bring to coaching that makes me an asset to you

I am familiar with constant change. I have lived on 3 continents, in 8 countries, 20+ houses. I have worked many jobs from bartender, to paper boy to logistics person for TeenStreet Europe to what I do today. Put me in a village anywhere in the world and I will enjoy myself. Put me in a megacity and I will enjoy myself just as much.

Growing up, my parents depended on the generosity of others, as do we today. Like St. Paul, I can make do with a little or live in abundance. I don’t mind spending the big bucks. I am also content with the little we usually have.

I have founded/co-founded various business-for-transformation initiatives. I lead and managed 4 of them and eventually handed day-to-day business over. Some are successful, others have failed. My responsibilities included fund raising, business planning, hiring, product development, marketing etc. - the whole gamut. Apart from practical experience I also studied business management in Germany.

I am a father of 4, married since 2004 and I understand what it means to raise a family in challenging circumstances. With little support networks, on a budget, in a poor nation (where there isn't a roster of child friendly activities to choose from every weekend) taught us the value of a close-knit family.

I lead a team of 30+ adults and oversaw an organization with an annual turn over of 500k$. Learning to appreciate all the details that come with it, was par of the course. Accounting, challenging issues with people  and working with unpaid volunteers is a specialty field that requires unique management skills.

I grew up as a third culture kid (TCK) in West Africa. My mother is Dutch, my late father was German. English is the 4th language I learned  (although now I only remember the bad words of the tribal African language I once spoke). I know what it means to be without roots, or with roots everywhere.

Founding businesses-for-transformation in a communist country is a cherished experience. It allowed me to watch pioneering initiatives grow as the Lord brought in people, resources and opened many doors. 15 years ago it was my pregnant wife and me. Today structures and departments have emerged and I have passed on the baton to the next leader.

Leadership is "the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal.” I worked on different teams, projects and businesses for over 20 years. Regional initiatives, and serving on various boards and diverse committees included. This experience gave me a broad view of leadership, under various leaders but also as leader myself.

I have a fairly good grasp of the issue (as far as one can) and have extensive experience with cross cultural teams. People from all continents have been on my teams except Antarctica: no penguins yet. In my adult life I have worked with people from all over the world. Growing up, I already developed a sensibility for this subject.

This list sounds really great and amazing and is true. But I also know that my understanding is limited and there are many things I do not grasp at all. I do not suggest that I know it all (or know it best) and am open to learn. This is a valuable thing for you, as I can lean back and let you discover your own learning. Being aware and humble enough to believe that I too can learn with and from you is your biggest asset.