Questions for Buddy – Erik Jan Reijenga

People-oriented, scientifically substantiated and with an eye for results: it is clear why Buddy and Erik Jan are such a good match. With 25 years of experience in business, he now helps people and organizations to grow.

What is an essential quality for a good coach?
A good coach dares to commit. And for that you have to be vulnerable yourself. You bring yourself into the process. Not as a protagonist, but as a mirror and sparring partner. I coach from a genuine interest, with an open attitude and a lot of attention for the person behind the story. At the same time, I keep the goal in mind. I continue to immerse myself in the profession and combine intuition with a solid methodical basis.

Why did you join Buddy?

Buddy fits in seamlessly with how I look at development: people-oriented, substantiated and with an eye for results. The combination of scientific approach, a businesslike appearance and real attention to people appeals to me. Coaching can help employees to understand themselves better, to make more conscious choices and to work and live with more energy. With 25 years of experience in business, I now help people and organizations to grow.

“Real growth often starts when you don’t know what to do.”

What has been a big eye-opener for you as a coach?

Real growth often starts when you don’t know what to do. I used to be rushed and thought that I had to keep going to be successful. Now I know that daring to slow down, stand still and reflect gives room for development. Trust your intuition, even when things are exciting. The moment when someone really connects with themselves touches me again and again. I see it as my role to create space in which someone feels seen and dares to get to the core.

How can you experience more happiness at work?

Know what is really important to you. Live and work in line with your own values and choose an environment in which you can be yourself. That seems simple, but requires awareness and courage. Work to live, not the other way around. Find rhythm, space and balance that suit you. And keep moving. Literally I mean: I am a fanatic endurance athlete and know from experience how powerful exercise is for the brain. In addition to my work as a coach for Buddy, I guide people with complaints related to stress, anxiety and depression as a running therapist. Running therapy is not about speed, but about moving at your own pace. It stimulates happiness hormones and helps to become mentally stronger.

Are you curious about what coaching can do for you? At Buddy you can easily get started with a coach who really suits you. Contact us today.