portret Martijn van Klaveren

Embedded coach

Martijn van Klaveren

“I believe that people are closer to their true selves than they realize.

In my experience, a lot can change when you dare to look at yourself with complete honesty—without having to be strong or judge yourself.

That openness creates space for genuine connection—with yourself and with others.”

portret Martijn van Klaveren

Embedded coach

Martijn van Klaveren

“I believe that people are closer to their true selves than they realize.

In my experience, a lot can change when you dare to look at yourself with complete honesty—without having to be strong or judge yourself.

That openness creates space for genuine connection—with yourself and with others.”

About me

Experience from the front lines to the boardroom

My approach to coaching has been shaped by nearly 35 years of working in high-pressure, fast-paced organizations. I began my career in the legal profession, then spent many years in the media (as a journalist, editor-in-chief, and producer), and subsequently served as the international director of communications for a major corporation for over 16 years. I understand the dynamics of both the workplace and the boardroom from the inside out.

During my years in the media, everything revolved around having conversations that mattered. As a reporter and editor, I interviewed many people, and as an editor-in-chief, I guided presenters, often during high-pressure moments, such as during news coverage and live broadcasts. It was always about getting to the heart of a story, a message, or a person.

Later, in my role as communications director, that shifted to guiding executives and other leaders on how to position themselves and communicate, precisely by working together to pinpoint what needs to be said at the core.

What I didn’t fully recognize back then, but now see clearly, is that the foundation of my work as a coach was already there.

Overcoming Obstacles

Over the years, I’ve seen how frustrating it is when, as an individual, you encounter something that hinders your performance or stands in the way of your growth. Whether it’s a difficult collaboration, an internal block, or finding your footing in a new role: I’ll guide you to identify the root of your obstacle, creating space for you to take control of your own path. And that brings peace of mind and greater fulfillment.

Behavior as the key

It struck me in all my roles: content often gets the most attention, but it is human behavior that determines everything. I saw the same patterns everywhere: conversations that are avoided and situations that keep recurring, even though everyone knows things can’t go on this way.
With a warm and attentive eye, I observe exactly what is happening: how do people react, what do they avoid, and where has the flow stopped? By gaining clarity on this, you break the cycle and discover your own, more effective behavior.

My motivation: calm and control

As a coach, I combine an empathetic, engaged, and cheerful style with the depth needed to quickly get to the heart of the matter. I bring calm to the hustle and bustle of the day. I find it fascinating to see what happens when unconscious patterns become visible and space is created again to make choices that truly fit.For me, a coaching process is successful when a sense of calm returns to an individual or team, when people approach their roles with a deeper sense of awareness, and when they go to work with renewed motivation. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing someone grow into a way of working that works for both them and the organization. When a coachee or employer tells me afterward that they truly feel I’ve helped them, that’s the greatest compliment I can receive.

About me

Experience from the front lines to the boardroom

My approach to coaching has been shaped by nearly 35 years of working in high-pressure, fast-paced organizations. I began my career in the legal profession, then spent many years in the media (as a journalist, editor-in-chief, and producer), and subsequently served as the international director of communications for a major corporation for over 16 years. I understand the dynamics of both the workplace and the boardroom from the inside out.

During my years in the media, everything revolved around having conversations that mattered. As a reporter and editor, I interviewed many people, and as an editor-in-chief, I guided presenters, often during high-pressure moments, such as during news coverage and live broadcasts. It was always about getting to the heart of a story, a message, or a person.

Later, in my role as communications director, that shifted to guiding executives and other leaders on how to position themselves and communicate, precisely by working together to pinpoint what needs to be said at the core.

What I didn’t fully recognize back then, but now see clearly, is that the foundation of my work as a coach was already there.

Overcoming Obstacles

Over the years, I’ve seen how frustrating it is when, as an individual, you encounter something that hinders your performance or stands in the way of your growth. Whether it’s a difficult collaboration, an internal block, or finding your footing in a new role: I’ll guide you to identify the root of your obstacle, creating space for you to take control of your own path. And that brings peace of mind and greater fulfillment.

Behavior as the key

It struck me in all my roles: content often gets the most attention, but it is human behavior that determines everything. I saw the same patterns everywhere: conversations that are avoided and situations that keep recurring, even though everyone knows things can’t go on this way.
With a warm and attentive eye, I observe exactly what is happening: how do people react, what do they avoid, and where has the flow stopped? By gaining clarity on this, you break the cycle and discover your own, more effective behavior.

My motivation: calm and control

As a coach, I combine an empathetic, engaged, and cheerful style with the depth needed to quickly get to the heart of the matter. I bring calm to the hustle and bustle of the day. I find it fascinating to see what happens when unconscious patterns become visible and space is created again to make choices that truly fit.For me, a coaching process is successful when a sense of calm returns to an individual or team, when people approach their roles with a deeper sense of awareness, and when they go to work with renewed motivation. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing someone grow into a way of working that works for both them and the organization. When a coachee or employer tells me afterward that they truly feel I’ve helped them, that’s the greatest compliment I can receive.

Recommendations

“Martijn brings empathy, integrity, and thoughtful guidance to the people he works with. He has a remarkable ability to listen carefully, create trust, and help others find clarity, even in challenging circumstances. I have always appreciated his support and professionalism.”

— Nadia Murad
Human Rights activist & Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2018)

“Martijn brings a great mix of experience, gentleness, and playfulness. He helps you find focus and direction in what you want and need to do.” – Fabian (coachee)

“What I appreciate about Martijn is his combination of sharpness and calmness. He instantly understands what’s really going on, and more importantly, he quickly builds trust. That gives you the courage to talk about things that are stressful, sensitive, or complicated. Martijn helps cut through the noise and get back to what really matters. That provides clarity, helps make difficult choices more conscious and easier, and leads to better decisions.” – Tineke Ceelen, former director of Stichting Vluchteling

“Martijn is very helpful. Despite previous coaching experiences, he still gave me new insights and helped me truly change my behavior.”– Ellen (coachee)

Recommendations

“Martijn brings empathy, integrity, and thoughtful guidance to the people he works with. He has a remarkable ability to listen carefully, create trust, and help others find clarity, even in challenging circumstances. I have always appreciated his support and professionalism.”

— Nadia Murad
Human Rights activist & Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2018)

Nadia Murad

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“Martijn brings a great mix of experience, gentleness, and playfulness. He helps you find focus and direction in what you want and need to do.”

– Fabian  (coachee)

********

“What I appreciate about Martijn is his combination of sharpness and calmness. He instantly understands what’s really going on, and more importantly, he quickly builds trust. That gives you the courage to talk about things that are stressful, sensitive, or complicated. Martijn helps cut through the noise and get back to what really matters. That provides clarity, helps make difficult choices more conscious and easier, and leads to better decisions.”

– Tineke Ceelen, former director of Stichting Vluchteling

********

“Martijn is very helpful. Despite previous coaching experiences, he still gave me new insights and helped me truly change my behavior.”

–Ellen  (coachee)

Educations

Coach Intensive Training – NONONS
(EMCC EQA Practitioner / NOBCO accredited)

3-Year Gestalt Training and Development Program
(Godefrida Hoogenraad Institute, now Tjongeroog)

Basic Coach Training – NONONS

Educations

Coach Intensive Training – NONONS
(EMCC EQA Practitioner / NOBCO accredited)

3-Year Gestalt Training and Development Program
(Godefrida Hoogenraad Institute, now Tjongeroog)

Basic Coach Training – NONONS