As an Expat myself, I know how challenging it can be in the 'in-between'. Life has a way of happening 'in-between' countries, decisions, careers... and the list goes on! In my journey, people from all over the world have crossed my path, people whose stories are inspiring me personally. This blog is where I tell some of their stories in the hope that they will inspire you too.
So let me start by introducing myself...
Hi. I am Wanda Winterboer
01.
After more than 2 decades doing HR, Strategy and Innovation work, I re-imagined the next version of me, outside of Corporate life and outside of the comfort of the country I used to call home.
My studies included a little bit of this and that across Humanities: Social Work, Psychology, and Human Resources. And when I stepped out of the Corporate world, I challenged myself to find the sweet spot where my skills intersected with what makes my heart beat faster. So in 2023, I moved to the Netherlands with my family, and started piecing together the next version of me.
02.
My empowering moments as an Expat
I grew up in South Africa, where the sun shines... well differently 🙂
From South Africa to the Netherlands
From Corporate Life to Storyteller and Entrepreneur
Age is just a number
It is just so silly how we can get in our own way, clinging onto beliefs that don't serve us anymore. That empowering moment, while eating a slice of my favourite pizza, when I realised (and decided) that I am not too old to start over.
Gefeliciteerd!
That moment when the KvK official shook my hand and said the words, it felt real: I am the owner of my own business. A mix of seemingly opposite feelings on the 'feelings spectrum' were all interwoven into a beautiful tapestry of my new chapter.
Inhale and exhale
That moment when I realised that my husband/ children/ adopted cat were safe and ok, I lifted my gaze and saw opportunity and new horizons, limited only by my own imagination, beliefs and off course learning a new skill here and there.
The thrill of mastery
The many micro moments when I master new things, figuring out where to buy groceries, navigating a route to unheard-of places, saying basic Dutch words, biking in the city, and other stuff big or small. Mastery has a way of silently whispering 'you've got this'. And the biggest thrill of them all, the moment when I held my new Coaching diploma, with both hands.
03.
In this version of me
My Coaching and Consulting business is where my strengths meet my passion for helping people and businesses grow (click here to learn more about Grow Nova).
I feel alive when… I do meaningful work and see the impact of my contribution.
We can all imagine that next version of who we want to be… a few small changes or a larger transformation.
I truly believe that we each have an abundance of resources, creativity and ideas inside of us, often blocked by limitations we put in our own way.
Sometimes you just need someone to partner with through a change or a decision that needs to be made.
As a Coach, I have seen people achieve amazing things when they step outside of what feels comfortable.
That moment when their eyes light up… when they become aware of their own potential and the opportunities available to them, that is when I become intensely aware of the priviledge of doing this work.
So far, there are 4 parts to this version of ‘work me’:
Storyteller
My hobby is to share inspiring stories about fascinating people who cross my path. Telling their stories is my soul food 'on the side'.
Coach
Where my strengths meet my passion for helping people and businesses grow. Coaching can be super powerful in life and in business.
Strategic Consultant
With 20+ years in Strategic HR and Innovation experience behind me, I partner with businesses to solve their people challenges.
Volunteer
I am always on the lookout for opportunities where I can give back or contribute to the community in a meaningful way.
04.
Words that inspire me
I loved reading about your journey Wanda. The in-between can sometimes feel like an abyss, where we can get stuck, and the longer we are there, the harder it becomes to move forward. I look forward to read more about your journey, and will reach out and connect.
Thank you for your kind words Hesma. I would love to connect with you on Instagram and hear more about your experience. See you there!
“Wow… what an incredibly inspiring first blog. Thank you for opening your heart and soul to us, for sharing your journey so vulnerably and beautifully. It’s so clear this comes from a sincere and authentic place, and I have no doubt you’re going to touch countless lives and build a strong, thriving business through your coaching and consulting work. You carry something truly special—the ability to see people, to lift them, to guide them. You are such an inspiration, and I’m honored to witness the beginning of this journey. We salute you.”
Thank you for your kind words Glenda. I really appreciate it, from my heart to yours!
Very good blog Wanda so proud of you
Thank you so much 🙂
Your blog is an amazing reflection of your creativity and passion. Well done for taking this step – keep sharing your voice with the world!
Thank you so much Celeste, my wish is to share hope and possibility.
Inspirational Wanda, what you have dared to do in the past year.. out of your comfort zone, so many challenges… and you have done this while still supporting your family… amazing, thanks for sharing your journey, letting me be a part of it and for your kindness
Thank you Shar. I am so happy that our paths have crossed here in the Netherlands. You have inspired me too!
It is so wonderful to read your blog. Nothing in life is holding you back. Not even pulling up your roots from your birth country and accepting another country as your own.
You have always been a hard worker, and I just know that you are not only going to make a success of your new business, but every client will see your passion for helping people.
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me and meant to me. You’ve helped me work through situations more than once.
May this new venture of yours not only be a success, but may you grow through it to your full potential. May you mean to every person who crosses your path what you have meant to me. Proud of you, my sis – our Mom and Dad would have been proud of you too!
Thank you for your lovely message sis! When I count my blessings, I do count you twice 🙂