The Happy Expats

Who we are

The Happy Expats is a coaching collective based in the Netherlands. Founded by Simon Jansen and supported by a growing team of passionate professionals,

We help international professionals and multicultural teams grow, collaborate better, and feel more at home, both at work and in life.

We know how the Dutch workplace works. And we understand what it’s like when things don’t feel natural to you.


We specialize in the development of international professionals and multicultural teams. We believe in people, communication, and personal leadership as the key to change.

Who we work with

We work with international professionals, team leads, and multicultural teams who want to collaborate more effectively and grow stronger together. Whether you're new to the Netherlands or working across cultures, we’ve got your back.

How we work

At The Happy Expats coaching is:

  • Personal and practical

  • Rooted in real understanding of the Dutch work floor

  • Focused on sustainable growth

  • Always tailored to your unique story

We work online or in person just 100 meters from Utrecht Central Station. Our 1-on-1 coaching combines deep reflection with concrete tools. We also work with teams, supporting better communication, more effective collaboration, and leadership development across cultures.

Meet Our Team

Simon Jansen en Abigael Verspoor - The Happy Expats

I'm Simon Jansen, founder of The Happy Expats.
After years in the corporate world, I became a coach and started my own company named Fresh Thoughts. Over time, I noticed a pattern: talented, motivated international professionals were struggling to find their place. Not because they lacked skills, but because they didn’t always understand the (unspoken) rules of Dutch work culture.

I knew how things worked here. But I also knew how disorienting it can feel if they don’t make sense to you.
So I decided to do something about it.

In 2024, I teamed up with Abigael Verspoor, a seasoned program designer and fellow coach. She had lived and worked in the US and had first-hand experience adapting to a new culture. Together, we created The Happy Expats, a coaching platform that’s practical, personal and rooted in real-world experience.

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Aiva Eiduka – Personal Brand Strategist for international professionals.

Helps you stand out with clarity and confidence.

Aiva knows how it feels to start over in a new country and to wonder how to show up professionally without losing your voice. With a background in PR, storytelling and coaching, she has helped 100+ international professionals define who they are, what they bring, and how to communicate that powerfully on LinkedIn and beyond.

Expect a coach who listens deeply, challenges you thoughtfully, so you can speak with clarity and show up with confidence.

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Lieke Beijen – Team & Individual Coach who sees the whole person


Lieke has spent over 12 years in mental health and social work, supporting people through transitions and challenges. As someone who's lived and traveled internationally herself, she gets it - the excitement, the isolation, the moments you question everything.

What makes Lieke's approach special? She doesn't just listen to your words. She pays attention to what your body is telling you, the patterns you might not see yourself, and the strength you sometimes forget you have. With warmth and insight, she creates space for honest reflection and real growth.

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Kelly Helinski – Creative Coach who helps you move from stuck to unstuck

Kelly works with non-Dutchies who feel stuck but can't quite put their finger on why. Your head gives you all the logical answers, but something still feels off. That's where Kelly comes in.

With a playful, creative approach (and a healthy dose of humor), she helps you move from overthinking to feeling, from analysis to action. Through exercises, experiments, and honest conversations, Kelly guides you toward more energy, more clarity, and more leadership in your own life. It's coaching that feels refreshing, not heavy.

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Allard Klok - Team Coach - The Happy Expats

Allard Klok – Team Coach and Program developer


Allard leads our work in team coaching and development. With over 20 years of experience guiding teams and leaders, he helps people work smarter, collaborate more effectively, and stay motivated — especially in times of change. Allard has his own team coaching firm named the Rechargery.

We offer team programs that focus on:
✅ Team development — building trust, connection and shared ownership
✅ Leadership coaching — strengthening personal leadership and communication
✅ Change support — helping teams adapt, reduce resistance and stay engaged
✅ Team communication — improving feedback skills and constructive dialogue

Our programs are tailor-made for multicultural teams. Whether your team is mostly Dutch, mostly international, or a mix of both — we help you create a shared language, embrace diversity as a strength, and grow together.

We combine individual coaching, group facilitation and digital tools like e-learnings and drive scans — to support change that sticks.

Curious what we can do for you?

Let’s talk first just to get acquainted!

Book a free 15-minute discovery call to explore your goals and see if this is the right next step for you. No strings attached.

Book a 15 minute free Discovery Call
Our Location

Office building Central Park
Stadsplateau 30, 3521 AZ Utrecht.

Coaching sessions are also available online.

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Galgeplek 30, 6662 VR Elst - Chamber of Commerce: 84268417 - VAT: NL003674518B09