Meet:
Johanna Koopmans
Trainer, Change Agent, Organisation Change Specialist and Therapist
BACKGROUND
Trainer and organisational coach, change manager, therapist
We are for real
Growing up in a country as minutely polished as the Netherlands, we are all conditioned unnoticed. And so, in all our neatness and efficiency, we sometimes put sides of ourselves in the shade that we think are less appreciated. I only fully landed in my working life when I started doing work in which I could bring my whole self. For example, I can share a wider perspective and dissent. And my creative, free, intuitive side and human warmth are also needed. I wish that for everyone, because only when everything is welcome at the table can we unlock our whole value, for ourselves and the world we work and live in.
We are of the wall
Growing up with two cultures and in different environments has made me a chameleon. I thrive both in a corporate environment, and in an alternative sanctuary. In both, I will bring in something new that adds value and connects. You can find me in high heels at the opera, but also barefoot in the sand - dancing to the sound of a drum. I am the inside outsider. And meanwhile, I remain grounded in who I am myself. Even if the outer appearance or way of expression is different, the underlying essence remains the same. I find it much more fascinating to look at that.
We innovate for tomorrow
Some people know from the age of 12e all they want to do - and stick to that. At is different. The journey is the destination. Self-development and learning is a continuous process for me and I have therefore completed several courses, which add different methods to my retrospectively coherent toolbox. I rest more and more in daring to put down something that does not yet exist. In my entrepreneurship, I am busy now working on my 12-month vision based on what I see needs in my various assignments.
We float like a butterfly and sting like a bee
I am an advocate of giving and taking freedom. When I trust others and the process, I notice that more ideas and opportunities become available. However, my inner radar is tuned to also want to intervene when the red line gets lost. Some straying is possible, but I always want to be able to find my way back to the path. That means that in my style I always keep room for all perspectives, but I can also give back quite sharply what I see and where the boundary lies. Let's dance and then get back to business!
We score without compromises
Delivering quality has always been a core value, which is why I like to look at what is specifically needed in each group, with each individual. Does it not fit? Then I try another way and want to put in extra energy together. When I notice that the people I work with get into a powerless, passive, or complacent attitude, I could get quite triggered. I used to go extra hard at such a moment, pulling and convincing, now I let go and know that I can only invite the other person to move.