Who are you? What do you do? What have you studied?
My name is Aniek Korten and I have had my own coaching business since last year. Here, I coach successful and ambitious women who once chose a career path full of dedication, but slowly start to realise that they are no longer happy with their work. I help them to get back in touch with what really makes them happy deep inside, so that they can confidently make the switch to a job that does make them happy.
I made that switch myself. I studied at the university in Maastricht from 2010 to 2015. I did the bachelor European Law School and the master International Law. In 2018, I became overworked and someone then asked me, "If you could list one thing that gives you a bit of energy, what would it be?" And then, in a small voice, I said, "Then I want to help people not end up at this point, where I am now". That was the seed planted in my brain. In the years that followed, I started seeking more and more coaching work, both in my work and outside, as a volunteer. And that's also how Coach Café came my way!
What inspired you to become a coach at Coach Café?
When I read what Coach Café entails, I immediately thought: I want to be part of that! I really like the concept. I love meeting new people, and there is no shortage of that at Coach Café. The insights you gather in the three rounds can also be immediately put to practical use by asking your question and making contacts at the Living LinkedIn.
What is your most memorable experience as a coach?
With most of the people I speak to, I also connect on LinkedIn afterwards (if I remembered the names correctly!). Some people only speak very carefully about their dreams for the first time on an evening like Coach Café. When I then later see on LinkedIn that someone actually takes steps towards that dream, I find that really cool to see!
What would you like to pass on to (future) alumni?
Know that there is always more to choose than you think. Even if you once chose a certain study and a certain field of study. If you are really no longer happy in it, there are always other choices you can make. This is something we all easily forget once we have a good job, a house and everything in order. But the very fact that everything is in order also makes it harder to make other choices. You have then built yourself a cage, so to speak, from which you have to break out again. All the change you want starts with choosing differently. And I hope this interview has reminded you again that something else is always possible, no matter how hopeless it may feel at any given moment!
