leadership circles

New circles open end of January 2027!

Are you curious to find out how joining a leadership circle may change your life and leadership?

Hear from those who came before you

‘The journey I made with my circle, guided by Mette and Cornélie, gives me firm ground and direction in entirely new areas of leadership. Coming to experience the wisdom of what my body tells me, and integrating that ever more consciously into my role as a leader, adds a very important, interesting and enjoyable dimension.’ Saskia Jongma, leader in the public sector

‘Mette and Cornélie's approach creates the calm and safety needed for introspection. Joint introspection, which leaves you feeling whole and connected. Connected between body and mind, but at the same time with the people around you. And all of this combined gives (new) insights and concrete tools that I could move forward with.’ Gamze Aslancik, leader in the public sector

‘For me, the circle was a moment of calm each month to reflect and to listen. It was precisely because of our different backgrounds, life stages and beliefs that it was so inspiring to learn from one another about life. Especially by sharing our sometimes intimate thoughts and insecurities, which, surprisingly often, turned out to be similar.’ Leonie Straatsma, leader in the private sector

Our vision

As women leaders who want to make a difference in the world, we work hard. Instead of slowing down, as women leaders we tend to work harder and longer hours. We are strongly committed to the cause. The stakes are high and the issues are many and urgent. We (unconsciously) tend to self-sacrifice to reach our goals for a better world. We risk living life on autopilot, leading our teams in survival mode and compromising our health, potential and decision-making.

We may face multiple challenges on our leadership path. Many challenges (embedded values, behavioral patterns, limiting beliefs and thoughts) originate from the social, political, economic, organisational and family systems we live and work in. We notice them once we slow down, are mindful and examine them closely. That’s when the work of change can begin.

In our unique leadership circles, you embark on a journey of discovery into Whole Leadership. Whole Leadership is the congruence between head, heart and body. The focus is on creating a breathing space. Your nervous system comes out of survival mode. You experience energized calm and clarity. You feel connected to yourself and to others. New perspectives and choices open up. You re-connect to what really matters to you: your core-values. What is innovative about the circles is the shared experience within the group that powerful leadership in the outside world (your organisation/company) arises from conscious inner leadership. Self-Leadership. This enables you to create meaningful impact, even in stressful situations, while staying true to your whole self.

Whole Leadership is not a fixed model or state. We are all humans and see ourselves as ‘continuously in the making’. Whole Leadership is shaped in interaction with others and by knowing yourself at a deep level. It therefore differs per person and is continuously in dynamic development. With IMind2Lead we found that there are some common key elements that include: aligning heart, mind & body; living and leading from your core values; balancing between doing ánd being; welcoming all your parts -no need for ‘masks or spacesuits’; practicing respect, courage, compassion and intuition.

What we offer

• Monthly leadership circle meetings (3 hours) in an informal setting, for the duration of a year + a full day retreat.

• Small, curated groups, guaranteed to never exceed 6 people, with mutual trust and safety as the top priority.

• Tailored approach (based on personal conversations beforehand and recalibration during the process).

• Guidance drawn from our own lived executive leadership experience in demanding environments where major interests are at stake.

• Not a training, peer consultation group or regular leadership program. No rigid, fixed curriculum, but a focused and organic process of "wandering and wondering" towards Whole Leadership.

• Holistic, integrated approach that looks at the whole leader, in all her glory, strength and uniqueness. Masks, armor and/or space suits are explored with a compassionate and curious gaze.

• Community (members of other circles) of like-minded leaders for learning, exchange, growth, connection and support. Access to information, knowledge and networks.

• An experiential learning process, not solely knowledge transfer, in which lasting transformation is central.

Contact us directly for specific details about pricing and exact dates.

Resources:

• Inner Voice Dialogue (Janina Fischer)

• Internal Family Systems (Richard Schwartz and Janina Fischer)

• Mindfulness & meditation, breathwork (Jon Kabat-Zinn, Bessel van der Kolk, Tara Brach)

• Window of Tolerance and nervous system regulation (Dan Siegel, Bessel van der Kolk, Tara Brach)

• Body awareness methods (Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk)

• Polyvagal theory (Stephen Porges and Deb Dana)

• Complexity of systems and modes of knowing (Cornélie van Waegeningh and Harry Kunneman)

• Intergenerational / ancestral trauma work (Gabor Maté, Bessel van der Kolk, Janina Fischer)

• Stress management and resilience / vitality practices (Stanford University)

• Family constellations and systemic work, insight into hidden dynamics and patterns (Bert Hellinger)

• Self-compassion approach (Kristin Neff, Tara Brach)

• Dealing with emotional neglect, immaturity and narcissistic traits (Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Patrick Teahan)