What makes me get up in the morning?

Singing. That just happens automatically. Often without me noticing. (Which sometimes gets me into comic situations, like when a stranger starts to sing back, or when an aquaintance sends you a WhatsApp: “Hey! Did I just héar you pass by?!”…)

Next to that I rise every day for the growth of people. How I do that? On the one hand to get involved in the renewal of education, there where ‘it starts’. And at the same time through (re)discovering with others what drives them, what makes them thrive, and… what makes them get out of bed in the morning!

Not because I want it for you, not because the environment wants it for you, but because you want it for you. Genuinely coming from your core. Because it is your truth. Because I continually notice how professionals struggle with this, and you don’t really learn this sitting behind school desks.

I really get exited when that what has been slumbering is being lit. When I can fan a flame. When more space is being created. When You as an entrepreneur or a professional, or your Organisation can see clearly again. Can move more freely. That energizes me.

Oh and by the way, then we didn’t talk yet about my favourite places, about unexpected encounters, or about other things that make my day. The cherries on the cake; my Favourites.

about Samen met Eva

Genuinely curious - empathic - not judging - clear - sparkling, those are compliments I often receive. Qualities that I bring along, that make me proud!

I offer fresh perspective, to you as an entrepreneur, a professional, or in your organisation.

No fuss, wíth love.

Sometimes outside of the box, often surprising, directly relevant.

background

Graduated as a MA in Business Communications, after my working experiences in consulting (traineeship at Young Colfield), media and PR (European Parliament, Brussels), something started to bubble. I found out that a lot of ambitious people struggle with work, relationships, friends and family and “When am I doing things right?" And, how do you keep juggling all these balls, if possible with some ‘joie de vivre, in the air?! I struggled as well, but didn’t find a manual on ‘how to’ tackle these issues. I tried a lot of things, from a lot of them I learned, and came to the conclusion: It is much more fun to research how to manage this together! Coming from connection, instead of struggling alone.

I took a year of extra studies to learn about the methodology of ‘Appreciative Inquiry’, in a Post-Masters at the Instituut voor Interventiekunde (‘Institute of Appreciative Inquiry’, based in Amsterdam), and as a result: at the beginning of 2015, ‘Samen met Eva’ started to take shape.

Why 

1. Because I feel and see that I am moving in the right direction;

2. Because it makes me happy;

3. Because I think this is how I can contribute.

   And yes. Just like Steve Jobs I -once in a while- put myself in front of the mirror to ask: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I'm about to do today?" Because being brave is important to me. And with being brave I don’t mean extreme sports or bungeejumping with a blindfold per se, I mean looking at what is réally there, happening in your life. Facing what scares you. Admitting you were wrong. Saying sorry. Placing boundaries. Coming back to something. That is when I grow. And when I feel proud of myself.

Method

The foundation of my approach is Appreciative Inquiry, really compactly formulated: Focussing on that what ís possible.

Ap-pre’ci-ate, v., 1. valuing; the act of recognizing the best in people or the world around us; affirming past and present strengths, successes, and potentials; to perceive those things that give life (health, vitality, excellence) to living systems 2. to increase in value, e.g. the economy has appreciated in value. Synonyms: VALUING, PRIZING, ESTEEMING, and HONORING.

In-quire’ (kwir), v., 1. the act of exploration and discovery. 2. To ask questions; to be open to seeing new potentials and possibilities. Synonyms: DISCOVERY, SEARCH, and SYSTEMATIC EXPLORATION, STUDY.

(From: A Positive Revolution in Change: Appreciative Inquiry by David L. Cooperrider and Diana Whitney.)

Furthermore, my style is to combine direct impact with long term vision. Put differently: We formulate directly applicable actions and connect those with the vision-dots on the horizon, that we get closer to, being on the road.

now

I intensely love learning. Have been fortunate to be able to follow great education. And at the same time, with that knowledge and preparation at hand, I like to act in the moment. In the now. To look at what is readily available for you or your organisation now, to be able to make a step forward. We make sure that we use our time as effectively as possible, and create a visible difference together.

Would you like to explore a collaboration? Great! Contact me here, looking forward to meeting you!

Cheers,

Eva van Heeswijk - Samen met Eva®