My story
I'm Karlijn, founder of KdF Coaching.
I’m a seasoned Agile Coach turned Leadership Coach. Over the past 20 years, my focus has been helping organisations adapt to the disruptions and opportunities of the digital age.
Throughout my work with multinationals, start-ups, and scale-ups, I noticed a common trend: a heavy focus on processes and methodologies, often neglecting the crucial aspect of leadership development.
There seemed to be an implicit assumption that leaders would instinctively know how to lead their teams through any disruption, leaving them ill-prepared to navigate the constant challenges they face.
In focussing now on leadership coaching, I want to address this gap.
Motivated by my passion for creating impactful change, I decided to become a certified life coach at The Life Coach School.
This experience gave me the opportunity to fine-tune my coaching skills in an environment away from the world of startups, digital innovation, and agile methodologies.
It allowed me to build extensive coaching expertise in the full spectrum of the messy human experience.
It has given me a fresh perspective on the impact and possibilities of coaching. All this helps me to guide and support leaders across all aspects of their lives.
Bringing together my agile coach ánd life coaching experience, I am able to offer leaders a unique approach that allows both professional as personal development.
My goal is to equip a new generation of change-makers with the mindset and skills necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving and challenging business world.
I provide a safe and transformative space for ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders to pause, reflect, and grow. To unlock their full potential, to find balance, and to cultivate resilience in the face of challenges.
I believe in a new definition of leadership success.
One that is not only about achieving goals but also about embracing the joy that comes from making a meaningful impact all while having a fulfilling balanced personal life.
My own leadership journey
Most of my career I have had informal leadership positions like program manager, delivery lead or agile coach.
No one would ever officially report to me so I could not rely on ‘being the boss’ to get people to do what I needed them to do.
It thought me the importance of building relationships.
I have 3 university degrees, one of which is a Master in International Journalism.
Although I never worked a day as a journalist, still upon today I use the same essential competences:
Be curious, ask questions and be a good listener.
You do not need the right degree to be successful, you need the right attitude.
My most humbling experience was becoming a leader in a different culture, having moved literally to the other side of the world.
I had to completely revise what great leadership meant in a culture that prioritises community over individualism.
Never assume your way is the best way, even if before it has given you success.
“Sorry, how do I pronounce your name?”
The question I have heard most in my life. Yes even in my own country and language, so it’s me - not you. ;-)
Think a ‘car’ driving in a ‘lane’. Car-Lane.
You’re welcome.