About me

Simon Jansen

Fresh Thoughts is Simon Jansen.

I am curious, optimistic, and driven. Humor and playfulness are essential to me, and my passion for learning and growth has been with me all my life.
I grew up in a loving entrepreneurial family where self-reliance was the norm. With extensive experience at various banks, I am well-acquainted with the dynamics of companies business models and financial markets. These have always fascinated me. In the financial sector, there is plenty of room for education and development. I have completed training to become a mentor and assessor and have participated in Leadership Programs in London, Paris, and Rotterdam. I also attended courses at institutes like De Baak and Schouten Nelissen. Additionally, I have gone through a coaching program myself. These experiences have shaped me into a coach who combines business acumen with personal depth.
Despite being a quick thinker, I later realized that my mind is not the only part of who I am. It was challenging to connect with my emotions and understand the signals from my body later in life. This realization led me to pursue several coaching trainings that have shaped me into the coach I am today. Now, I feel connected with myself, which allows me to connect better with others.

I live in Elst with Marie-Josée, and we have three grown-up children. My coachings are across the country or on-line.
Additionally, I sing and play in a band and perform solo at care homes.
My friends say that Fresh Thoughts is a name that perfectly fits both me and my coaching practice.

In 2024 I founded the happy expats. A platform for high potential, ambitious International professionals who want to get the best out of their life and career in the Netherlands. I participate in team coachings, 1-on-1 coachings and career coaching.

From Mentor to Coach

My experience as a mentor has always inspired me, and I have guided more than a hundred colleagues in their career steps. In 2018, I completed the ICM training to become an NLP coach, which led me to coach both bankers and others. At Raafwerk, I further developed my skills in ‘Professional Communication from Head, Heart, and Body’, and later in Body-Oriented Coaching and Systemic Work. To enhance my career coaching, I took a training in LinkedIn and AI. In 2021, I left the bank and founded Fresh Thoughts.

With my broad experience and training, I have now become the coach I wish I had had myself.

My mission statement

The training programs I have followed have also played a significant role in my personal journey. I gained insights into my motivations, patterns, and beliefs, and I was able to heal old wounds. This has helped me find my balance and become the Simon I always wanted to be. I am my own boss and do work that matters. This is important for you too, because a coach in balance can best guide you on your path.

In addition to one-on-one coaching, I am a strategic advisor for companies in areas such as business management, banking, and marketing. I also work with coaching partners on traineeships, leadership programs, and The Happy Expats.

Now, with what I love doing and what I am good at, I aim to bring value to others.