We call Katja a Coach, but she calls herself a facilitator, giving others the space, positivity, and feedback they need to find their own unique strengths. That supportive approach was influenced by something a fellow coach once said to Katja: “We always look at our perceived weaknesses and try to make these better. Instead, we must look at our strengths and pursue to make these even better.” Now, it’s more than a message — it’s the cornerstone of her work with customers around the world.

Katja holds a Masters in History from the University of Leiden, a field of study that inspired her interest in people’s stories and connections and how we share these. Starting her career at the largest bookstore in Rotterdam, she brought that interest to a career in Learning & Development with various organizations in the Netherlands and the UK. Katja is the founder and CEO of Sparkling Speech Ltd, a personal development company focused on communication and confidence for introverts and Highly Sensitive Persons. She also helps leaders with speechwriting. Her interest in storytelling and Public Speaking led Katja to join Toastmasters International, an organization she has been an active member of for many years and in which she has held various leadership roles.

In her free time, you can find Katja at the gym (she is a certified cycling instructor), enjoying a cappuccino and cake at her favorite local cafe, or listening to one of the many LPs in her cherished record collection. Katja is a proud resident of London and considers her move there to be one of the best decisions she has ever made.