Coaching & Training

Being Visible Begins with Courage

Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

How visible are you?

Truly showing yourself can be incredibly scary, especially when you've lost connection with your true self. As a child, you are naturally aware of your body and feel things effortlessly. But over the years, through insecurity and pain, you may have chosen to escape from your feelings. You became a 'walking head,' disconnected from your body and emotions.

More and more, you're beginning to feel that something is missing, that you’re not 'whole.' Your body keeps reminding you of its presence, and the harder you fight it, the stronger the feelings of fear and uncertainty grow. Until you reach the point where you no longer want to run. You’re ready to face what needs to be seen.

This is where you will find your authentic self, your essence. It's a challenging journey—one I know from experience—but it’s a journey that rewards you by uncovering your true potential. When you dare to show yourself, your true BEING becomes visible.

Imagine, if YOU were to become visible:

  • You take control of your life and make choices that support your growth and well-being.
  • You rely on yourself; you intuitively feel and know what is right for you.
  • You fully accept yourself, even when life doesn’t always go your way.
  • You are less caught up in your thoughts and are more in the present moment.
  • You are no longer driven by fear and recognize your old patterns and conditioning.
  • You experience more love, compassion for yourself and others, and enjoy life more.
  • You set healthy boundaries and bring more focus and direction into your life.

"Being a fish out of water is tough, but that's how you evolve"

Feeling like a fish out of water?

It’s tough, but that’s exactly how you evolve. Growth happens when you find the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It's in that space of discomfort where real change and transformation can begin.

Imagine having the right support on your journey of self-discovery. Together, we’ll unravel the layers you’ve built up over time and bring your authentic self into the light. It’s time to live in alignment with who you truly are. No quick fixes, but a personal compass to guide your path toward self-realization.

This is your life! Take control, discover your inner strength, and live a life that reflects who you are at your core. Are you ready for the journey? Let’s embark on this adventure together.

Why choose for Guus Zijlstra coaching?

At Guus Zijlstra Coaching, it's all about deep, lasting transformation. I don't believe in quick fixes, but in real, meaningful change. During our initial consultation, we will discuss your coaching question and clarify what you want to work on. This first session is also an opportunity to see if there’s a mutual 'click.' A good connection is essential for creating a safe environment where you feel comfortable opening up and being vulnerable.

My coaching focuses on self-awareness, the key to self-realization and visibility. Together, we will explore who you truly are, beneath the layers you’ve built up to protect yourself from pain and rejection. Layer by layer, we’ll examine the thought and behavior patterns that are holding back your growth. I’ll help you recognize and break the habit of retreating into your mind, so you can embrace the exciting journey towards your heart.

Bodywork is an important part of my sessions. By involving your body in the process, we strengthen its natural self-regulating ability, supporting your healing. I’m here to guide you step by step, and while I can only point out what’s possible, I’ll be there to support you when you’re ready to look within and grow.

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it”

Kahlil Gibran

Clients portfolio

Testimonials

What I offer

Persoonlijke Coaching

Your journey to being visible

Whether you want to achieve personal goals, tackle professional challenges, or simply seek more direction, my coaching programs provide the right support. Each program consists of at least five 60-minute sessions in which we dive deep into your objectives.

Rates:

  • Private clients€99 excluding VAT per session
  • Through employer€150 excluding VAT per session

Curious about how I can support you? Book an intake session to discuss your challenges and find out if I'm the right coach for you. Together, we'll determine the next steps.

Training op maat

Focus op zichtbaarheid, leiderschap en preventie

Ik ontwikkel in-company trainingen die gericht zijn op de specifieke wensen en behoeften van jouw team. Deze trainingen combineren vaak coaching en training en behandelen onderwerpen zoals:

  • Authentiek zichtbaar zijn
  • Invloed zonder macht
  • Prikkelverwerking (voor zowel over- als onderprikkeling)
  • Grenzen stellen
  • Leiderschap

Daarnaast besteed ik specifieke aandacht aan de hoogsensitieve medewerker, een groep die volgens HSP en werk (2017) oververtegenwoordigd is in de burn-out statistieken. Het doel van mijn training is bewustwording en preventie van uitval, waarbij ik gebruik maak van de laatste wetenschappelijke inzichten om effectieve en duurzame veranderingen te realiseren.

Wil je een training op maat ontwikkelen voor jouw team? Neem contact met me op, dan bespreken we de mogelijkheden. 

Lezingen & workshops

Inspirerend en inzichtelijk

Met mijn achtergrond als neuro- en gedragsbioloog verzorg ik interactieve en inspirerende lezingen en workshops over uiteenlopende thema’s die relevant zijn voor de moderne werkplek. Door wetenschap te combineren met praktische voorbeelden, bied ik nieuwe inzichten die jouw team verder helpen.

Thema’s waar ik me op richt zijn onder andere:

  • Zichtbaarheid – Zichtbaar zijn creëert zelfvertrouwen en ruimte voor groei, zodat jij jouw volledige potentieel kunt benutten en impact kunt maken.
  • Prikkelverwerking – Inzichten in het omgaan met overbelasting door zintuiglijke prikkels.
  • Social media en ons gedrag – De neurobiologische effecten van constante digitale prikkels.
  • Leiderschap – Wetenschappelijke inzichten in effectief en empathisch leiderschap.

Nieuwsgierig naar wat ik voor jouw organisatie kan betekenen? Neem gerust contact op om samen de mogelijkheden voor een op maat gemaakte lezing of workshop te bespreken.

About me

Guus Zijlstra

For a large part of my life, I was searching. Searching for myself, but outside of myself. Eventually, I realized that the only place I could truly find myself was within. I now understand that it takes time to realize that you don’t actually need time to find yourself. One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is that life unfolds only in the here and now. You may have thoughts about the future or the past, but life is happening in this moment—not in the stories you create in your mind.

After completing my studies in Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, I began my career in the public sector. For decades, I held various advisory roles in the fields of environment, ICT, and HR. The common thread throughout my career has always been my curiosity about what drives people and organizations. What motivations underlie visible behavior? Whether it was a changing information system or organizational culture, my question remained: how do you relate to the system (family, organization, society) of which you are a part? And, perhaps the most challenging: how do you stay true to yourself within that system?

Years ago, the words from Marianne Williamson’s poem deeply resonated with me:
“Your playing small does not serve the world. We are all meant to shine… as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

I discovered that by allowing my own light to shine, I can inspire others to do the same. Now, it is my mission to help others increase their visibility. Visibility creates confidence and space for growth, allowing you to reach your full potential and make an impact.

The past is for learning, the present for living and the future for growing

How you can reach me

Address

Kanaalpark 140
2321JV Leiden

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