In my corporate career I have traveled intensively and worked with people from all over the world. As a former manager, I know the Dutch workplace inside out. And as a coach and mentor, I’ve always had a passion for personal development and communication.
Over the years, I started coaching more and more professionals with a non-Dutch background. And I realised: It’s not always easy to feel at home here. Not because you don’t try but because the rules aren’t always clear.
We call those rules "the corparate games":
And while some things are cultural, every story is personal.
Your story is personal.
You are unique.
In 2024, I spoke with my colleague Abigael, a seasoned coach, team facilitator and program designer who lived in the US and knows what it means to adapt to a new culture. Together, we talked about how many international professionals in the Netherlands feel lost, underappreciated, or disconnected and how much better things can get with the right tools and support.
That’s how The Happy Expats was born.
At The Happy Expats, we work with coaches and trainers who know Dutch workplaces and understand multicultural teams. We give you clear, practical tools. And we work with your personal story.
So you can:
Be seen for who you really are
Thrive in your work and your life
And take the next step in feeling truly at home
Professionals we work with often tell us the same thing:
"I wish I had this guidance when I first arrived." "It helped so much to talk to someone who understands how things work in Dutch companies." "I finally understand what was holding me back."
Coaching trusted by professionals in: banking, insurance, IT, education, government, legal.
How can I feel more at home at work and in life?
What do I actually want and how do I get there?
Am I in the right place, or is it time for something else?
How do I stop doubting myself and feel more confident?
How do I speak up in meetings without feeling like I’m overstepping?
What are my strengths and how can I use them better?
How do I set clear boundaries without feeling guilty or rude?
How do I balance being myself with adapting to Dutch culture?
Why do I feel tired or disconnected, even though things seem “fine”?
How do I stop overthinking and start taking action?
Can I talk to someone who really understands how the Dutch work floor operates?
If you’re asking these questions, we can help.
The Happy Expats is a team of coaches and facilitators with deep experience in Dutch workplaces and multicultural teams.
We offer:
1-on-1 coaching for international professionals
Team coaching and team development for diverse teams
E-learning modules that support real-life learning
Tools to strengthen communication, boundaries and collaboration
Our goal is simple: to help you feel at home and in control both at work and beyond.
Curious if coaching is right for you? Book a no-pressure intro call today we’d love to hear your story.
