Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Florian Kersten. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Florian, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Nurtured abroad alongside my family, I re-entered my country of origin at twelve and was met with an immediate sense of estrangement from my culture. This stark contrast became a source of profound anxiety and spawned a lengthy battle with low self-esteem, lingering well into my late twenties. To counteract the void, I turned to escapist behaviors, diving into gaming and cannabis, prioritizing fleeting pleasures over my deeper aspirations such as cultivating a meaningful romantic relationship and a rewarding career.
The realization dawned on me that a pivotal transformation was necessary, and I seized it, anchoring into my inherent qualities—not for ego’s sake but to illuminate my inner essence. My life’s direction turned outward, focusing on how I could positively impact the community, striving to balance the scales from past self-absorption.
Entrepreneurship emerged as the embodiment of my independence and desire to share my true self with the world. Marrying my passions—my love for languages, cultures, and diverse peoples—with my talents in web development, coaching, and mentorship, and my natural attributes of empathy, teaching, and social engagement, I crafted my unique niche. I took pride in creating Dutch language courses, yet my vision was broader: enabling students not just to speak but to thrive within a foreign society that may seem unwelcoming.
Through teaching the delicate art of finding one’s place in a new environment, my confidence and self-assurance flourished. It became evident that my personal journey was less about self and more about fostering a betterment for others. The demand for empathy and compassion in our interactions became a guiding force. Immersing myself in the experiences of my students and peers, I discovered the profound value of my life lessons.
This drive for service blossomed into innovative teaching approaches, like ‘walking coaching,’ blending my insights with the needs of my pupils and the broader society. A focus on others catalyzed a remarkable serenity in my life, streaking my path with the brilliance of compassion, empathy, and love—principles which infused my work ethic.
I learned that inner emptiness wasn’t a void to be filled externally; it vanished, like dawn dispelling shadows, revealing an existing wholeness ready to be offered to the world. With this epiphany, my mission clarified: to enact a generous, spirited giving, nourishing a virtuous cycle of exchange in my professional endeavors and personal life alike.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a Dutch language educator based in the Netherlands, I specialize in coaching students and young professionals either individually or in small, intimately sized groups. My aim is to bolster their language proficiency while equally instilling confidence for everyday interactions. My journey began in 2021 when I launched Speak Potential Dutch Tutoring. Yet, as I evolved both personally and professionally, a desire emerged to transition from a regimented teaching format to an emotionally attuned coaching style. This pivot was driven by an awareness that my students needed support not just linguistically but also emotionally as they navigated the challenges of relocating to the Netherlands and mastering a new language. Thus, Safe Haven Dutch Coaching came into being.
The essence of my brand is to establish a personal connection with each student, weaving in contemporary technology, such as artificial intelligence, and digital recordings accessible on devices like tablets. A large screen takes center stage in my private classroom, enabling an interactive learning experience through videos and dynamic exercises. Artificial intelligence is a game-changer; it allows me to tailor my lesson plans to the individual needs of students, keeping me at the cutting edge of language learning innovations.
I thrive on creating novel teaching methodologies as an entrepreneur. Currently, I’m broadening my coaching services in Groningen, focusing on immersive experiences where I accompany students into real-world scenarios. This practice encourages them to confidently step beyond their comfort zones within a reassuring environment.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about offering guided Dutch language tours. These will be instructional excursions through the city, where students can learn grammar and vocabulary over several weeks. I’m considering a donation-based model for these tours, where contributions reflect the perceived value of the lessons. I believe that fostering education through such communal generosity is a vibrant, inclusive approach that empowers everyone to embrace the journey of learning.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on the journey that’s led me to where I am today, I can identify three core pillars that have profoundly influenced my path:
Firstly, effective communication has been indispensable—it’s not just about talking, but genuinely listening to the words and feelings expressed by others. This allows me to respond with the right mix of empathy and insight. To support this, I’ve found that possessing a diverse array of knowledge across various disciplines—from language pedagogy and coaching to mastering social dynamics and understanding the technical intricacies of web development and IT—is vital. Equally important is savvy entrepreneurship, which forms the backbone of turning passion into a viable career.
Secondly, acknowledging and embracing my distinct identity and having confidence in my capacity to learn laid the foundation for my success. Believing in my vision necessitated an ironclad trust in my own instincts and route, staying true to the internal compass that guided my decisions.
Finally, resilience has been my steadfast companion. The path wasn’t straightforward—there were numerous stumbles and moments of doubt. But it’s precisely through these challenges that personal growth and wisdom are fostered. My experiences have taught me the irreplaceable value of perseverance through adversity; after all, our greatest lessons often stem from our fiercest trials.
To those embarking on their own voyage, my advice is twofold: embracing the learning curve with an open heart and knowing that it’s perfectly acceptable—even necessary—to falter, because this is how you’ll broaden your horizons. Allow your missteps to be your guide, each one a stepping stone towards wisdom and proficiency.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I encounter the waves of overwhelm, I’ve learned that the most effective strategy is to lean into the experience, allowing it to unfold within a safe space. I’ve often grappled with a profound sense of isolation, driven by my errors, questioning if I would emerge unscathed. Yet, it is this very confrontation with adversity that built an unyielding resilience within me.
Time and again, I’ve discovered that no matter the depth of my descent, each resurgence fortified my resolve and crystallized my direction, a path illuminated from within. Cultivating a deep and trusting relationship with my innermost self has been pivotal. It has taught me to rely on my amassed wisdom and apply it practically, even in moments when perseverance seems impossible. There was a realization that I had to endure, and that surrender was not an option.
As someone who naturally gravitates towards the intensity of extremes and refuses to settle for mediocrity, this temperament has fueled a potent blend of insight, tenacity, and motivation. It is this unique concoction that has propelled my entrepreneurial ambitions, enabling me to radiate my essence and share my Light with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.safehavendutch.nl
- Instagram: @safehavendutch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safehavendutch/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-kersten/
Image Credits
Florian Kersten
