Tell Us About Yourself?
My name is Anneke and I am on an adventure. My adventure started 5 years ago. I got divorced after 30 years of marriage. The classic story: one day, love just sneaked out the backdoor. When my husband left, my new life started. Old stories made a place for new stories. I wondered if I would become the same person as I was before I met my husband, but the reality was even better. I became myself again but in an older version. Balanced, wise, peaceful, and free. And yes, I found a new love. So the adventure continued. Being in love makes me feel like a young girl. I even started longing for a baby (crazy hormones). 😉 Today, the tale takes new ways: I have sold my house, and we will go on a bike tour for three months to Lissabon (our favorite city). Curious where I’ll be in ten years.
What Do You Do for Work?
I am an executive coach for men and women in their fifties. I am the founder of The Art of Seniority. I have been an entrepreneur since 2006, but this coaching practice became my new baby in 2019. When you are in your fifties, you still have so many years in front of you. It is no option to be unhappy in your work or relationships. But breaking free from a sad and painful place can be very scary. It feels like leaving your golden cage. The foundation of my coaching is always compassion and mildness. I encourage my coachees to make new choices based on their seniority. Less ego and more spirit, that’s my motto.
If You Had a Warning Label, What Would It Be?
Be aware, my enthusiasm can be contagious! I love to share stories, tips, and ideas; it can really get me on fire. I am aware that I can be overwhelming or become a busybody. Becoming older helped me to reflect on my weaknesses and strengths and, therefore, be more balanced.
What Scares You?
Hostility and violence really scare me. I am a peaceful person and cannot understand why it is that people harm each other.
What Do You Consider Your Greatest Achievement?
There is a lot I am proud of: being successful in business, being a good coach, being a public speaker, and I have written a book.
I am very proud of my children; they are the most precious in my life. My daughter, Geerte, is 25. She works as a movie producer. My son, Tobias, is 29 and just finished his master’s in political history. He is currently looking for his first job. I love them both so much. There are more kids I am proud of: the big brother (and his wife) of my son and daughter and the lovely daughter (and her boyfriend) of my new partner. Being all together really makes me feel proud of such a fine family.
What Would You Tweet to Your Younger Self?
Recently I discovered that I had a wrong idea about my younger self. I always thought that I was a fat girl. But I found a photograph where I am about 14 years old. What I see is a skinny young girl looking a little naughty and insecure at the camera. My tweet to her: “Be happy and proud of who you are. Know that you are loved.”
What Is Your Fantasy Version Of Your Older Self, Let’s Say 80?
First, I hope that I will stay healthy. My mother got Alzheimer’s when she was that age. She’s now 86 and lives in a home for people with dementia.
In my fantasy, my boyfriend and I are still together and still madly in love. We have grandchildren, and which will bring a lot of joy. We travel, have lots of time to read, and take long walks in nature. And perhaps I will still have some coachees. Why not?
What Do You Do To Stay Positive Both Mentally And Physically?
There is a lot I love to do: yoga, kungfu flow, long walks in the countryside with my dog Sas, relaxing at a wellness center, healthy food, playing board games at my kitchen table with friends, enjoy a good wine.
Sometimes I get stuck and feel miserable, but now I am older, it’s easier to get in a good flow again. A good conversation with my boyfriend and a big hug always helps. 😉
What Is Your Age, And How Old Do You Feel?
I am 58. A friend told me once: you have the status of a woman in her fifties but the spirit of a woman in her thirties. That really touched me. From that moment on, it was easier for me to accept that I am in my fifties and embrace all the goodness of it. And it’s still okay to feel 30 when I am up into wild plans, feeling energized and fired up.
Anneke is wearing a Ganni body, a blazer by Gant, and pants by Zara.
Styling Dayenne Bekker
Makeup and hair Esther van Maanen
Anneke is the winner of the Wella Professionals giveaway I ran in December 2020.
