From Feeling Foreign to Feeling at Home
I've been where you are...
Over twenty years ago, I started an exciting professional journey, beginning with the launch of my own tech startup.
This early adventure in entrepreneurship, which led to a successful sale and continues to thrive in part today, was just the beginning of my story.
From there, I ventured into the corporate world, where I embraced a variety of roles in supply chain and leadership, predominantly in the dynamic fields of technology and pharmaceuticals, nurturing a deep passion for innovation and team growth along the way.
From the early age of 20, I began building teams, hiring talent, and guiding them to excel, first in small enterprises and later in large, global corporations.
And then I noticed the invisible wall
After 15 years in corporate life in the Netherlands, working with Dutch colleagues, managing full Dutch teams, and often being the only foreigner in the room, I've witnessed something repeatedly: the wall.
The invisible barrier that internationals face.
The awkwardness when your eyes meet and then look away.
The feeling in your stomach when you try to make contact, but can't succeed.
Sometimes a polite smile. Sometimes a look past you. Sometimes you hear something that closesthe conversation.
And you're left wondering: what did I do wrong?
They must not like foreigners...
But it's not that.
You just don't have the manual.
That's why I created Dutch Work Culture School
When you first come to the Netherlands, you struggle to find a job, you finally get it.
You struggle to find housing, and eventually sign the contract.
Maybe you even sign up for Dutch classes.
But there's one thing nobody tells you about: the behaviour at work. The Dutch work culture.
Most internationals fall somewhere on the spectrum between "I don't blend in at all" and "I almost fit in… but never really truly belong."
I created Dutch Work Culture School because I've lived through that entire journey. But none of it came on a silver platter.
It came with many failed attempts, a lot of drive and ambition to integrate, and years of study and reflection.
When you first come to the Netherlands, you struggle to find a job, you finally get it.
Like many expats, I often wished there was a guide.
A simple, honest tool that explained:
- Why something respected in my country is frowned upon here.
- Why doing your best" sometimes isn't enough.
- How promotions really happen.
- How to get buy-in and cooperation from colleagues.
And how to remove that invisible wall.
I've done it and so can you!
My mission
I am passionately committed to empowering international professionals to thrive in the Netherlands.
My mission is to give you the manual nobody gave me.
To help you understand how the Dutch workplace really works, so you can thrive here without losing yourself.
I aim to shift your perspective from feeling like an outsider to feeling grounded and informed.
I help you understand the unspoken rules instead of guessing.
I support you in moving from struggling with Dutch directness to mastering communication with confidence.
And I guide you from confusion about consensus culture to navigating decision-making processes with clarity.
Ready to finally feel at home in the Netherlands?
At Dutch Work Culture School, you’ll find self-paced digital courses that help you understand how things really work here so you can thrive at work, not just survive.
Learn on your own schedule.
Get clear on cultural differences before they surprise you.
Build your career with confidence.
Each course is filled with real-life examples, practical strategies, and the unspoken Dutch workplace rules no one tells you about but everyone expects you to know.
Ready to finally feel at home in the Netherlands?
At Dutch Work Culture School, you’ll find self-paced digital courses that help you understand how things really work here so you can thrive at work, not just survive.
Learn on your own schedule.
Get clear on cultural differences before they surprise you.
Build your career with confidence.
Each course is filled with real-life examples, practical strategies, and the unspoken Dutch workplace rules no one tells you about but everyone expects you to know.
Our partners
