At a crossroads: loyalty, ambition and my own voice
When I began coaching with Carla, I was at a crossroads. On one side, the familiar path: my role as deputy director in the family business. On the other side, the unknown, but desire to chart my own course. And did that mean leaving the family business where I had worked with my heart and soul for so many years? Or did that mean taking the helm from my father?
I knew I had to do something with the growth ambition that was within me, but also that I wanted to do it differently than the generations before me. With more space for who I am. With firmness and softness. And that is exactly where I met Carla.
Leadership that begins by recognizing what is already there
What I found so special about her guidance is that it wasn’t just about strategy or leadership models. It was about me. About the voice in me that wanted to be heard. I had demonstrably grown the company over the past few years. In part by adjusting myself and without fully recognizing the impact. But this growth also came through the unconditional support of my father. Recognizing this, being grateful to him for this, but now considering how I wanted to do it for myself, were valuable steps.
In talking with Carla, I have discovered that for me, leadership begins with acknowledging what I have long known. Even if that comes from my intuition. You can only really give clear direction if you dare to speak your own truth. That is what I did. Softly at first. Then more clearly. Until there was no other way than that something had to change.
Taking ownership and providing direction
And it did. I spoke out, made choices, said goodbye to a co-director and in doing so brought calm, clarity and new dynamics to the team.
I made the bold decision to assume ultimate responsibility and take over 90% of the shares. I deliberately put the remaining 10% away. A choice based on vision. And that is perhaps the biggest gain of the process: I have become the guiding light. Of the company and of my own life.
Leadership in balance and looking forward with vision
Today, as DGA, I am at the helm of an engineering firm that is growing not only in revenue, but also in appeal. We have become a sought-after employer in a tight labor market. At the same time, I still have a young family for whom I really want to be there. My husband and I have borne a great loss together. I know very well what is most important to me in this world. That makes leadership for me about performing and balancing.
My next step is to work on the company instead of ín the company. Building a strong MT and creating more room for vision and strategy. I want our company to contribute to sustainable solutions in the water bottom industry and position myself more firmly as a figurehead in this field. By leading more wisely.
The coaching with Carla was a turning point in this. She saw me standing where I am now, even before I fully believed in it myself. And that, to me, makes her a powerful guide for any woman who knows she is called and is willing to take that call seriously.
Myrte Tijhuis – Director
Carla’s take on this coaching journey
What I loved about working with Myrte is how she started to take her inner compass more and more seriously. Instead of being guided by expectations or taken for granted within the family business, she started listening to what her gut was whispering to her all along. That took courage. To be honest, to set boundaries, but also to fully recognize her own value. The steps she has taken (personally and professionally) are impressive. Not because she worked harder, but because she stood up for what she really cares about. And that is exactly what makes her such a powerful guide.
