Select Page

I was sent to Japan because I was good at my job.

Little did I know…

2016, I had built a solid career.
I felt ready. Confident. Ready to nail it.

And yet… I didn’t.

Not because I wasn’t capable.
But because my Dutch leadership style
was not going to do the trick.

I thought I was prepared for Japan.
I wasn’t.

I underestimated how much culture shapes
The way we believe work should be done.

I was leading a cross cultural team. Working with peers from all over the world.

Reporting to an American boss. Working closely with Swedish headquarters.
On paper, everything made sense. In reality, it didn’t.

I thought I was being clear

Others experienced me as blunt.

I thought I was giving ownership.
They experienced it as lack of guidance.

My American boss gave feedback wrapped in compliments.
I genuinely didn’t know if I was doing well or not.

My Swedish colleagues pushed for alignment and buy-in.
My Japanese team looked at me like:

‘’aren’t you the boss?’’

‘’You can be excellent at your job and still be ineffective in getting things done.


If you don’t understand the cultural context you operate in.’’

A fish cannot see the water it swims in

It took moving abroad and making all the mistakes at work, to see how much of my leadership, communication and expectations were shaped by my own culture.

Things I thought were “normal” weren’t.

What I believe

You’re trying to do it right. You invest in leadership.

In communication. In feedback. You care.

But if you’re working in an international context and culture is not your starting point – you’re treating symptoms.

Fighting the wrong fight.

You can become an even better communicator. More clear. More empathetic.

But if you don’t understand how your behavior is interpreted in someone else’s cultural context – you’re already 10–0 behind, before you even start.

And no – it’s not a waste of time. But it is fundamentally incomplete.

Because if you don’t understand:

How the other person makes decisions, how they relate to hierarchy, whether they’ve learned to speak up or stay silent, how to read indirect communication and feedback

– you’re guessing.

You’re shooting in the dark. And let’s be honest – you might hit something over time.

But it’s never a bullseye.

So yes -everyone has good intentions.
And yes – things improve over time. But…..

In the meantime you’re losing time, energy, momentum and business results and opportunities.

While it could be a lot simpler. And a lot more effective.

What I do today

In 2021, I founded CCS – Cross Cultural Solutions.

Because I saw how often organizations try to fix behavior, without understanding what’s actually driving it.

Through trainings, workshops and tailored programs, we make the impact of culture and it’s differences, practical and usable in everyday business. 

And I work directly with leaders who want more than theory.  Leaders who don’t need an academic approach – but clarity, sharpness and results.

Take me to Cross Cultural Solutions
A

If you ask people about me, you’ll probably hear the same three things: practical, energy and a lot of laughter.

A

I’m fascinated by why people do what they do – even if I don’t always fully understand it.

A

I don’t like chocolate. Yes – really. I know. It’s a shocker for many.

A

What drives me absolutely nuts? Food packaging that says “easy to open.” It never is. And honestly how are we able to fly people to the moon, but still haven’t figured this out?

A

Yes, Coco is my real name. Born and raised. And no – it wasn’t a common name in the Netherlands back then either.

A

I fly over 100.000 km a year. And no – I don’t feel guilty about it. I love what I do.

A

I take my work seriously. But if making a fool out of myself helps you or your team move forward, I’ll happily do it.

A

As a facilitator, I’m sharp, present and fully on. I take care of myself but I take even better care of the people in the room.

A

Communication is my strength. Choosing between pizza or pasta? Still a daily struggle.

A

I speak three languages but I’m definitely funniest in Dutch. (Laughing while typing this).

You’re doing a lot right – but that doesn’t mean it’s working.

I thought I was prepared. I wasn’t.

For trainings and programs for your organizations, we look forward to talking to you at CCS.

For direct support on your intercultural leadership development? or Coco as a speaker?

Contact Coco