What is the best thing that I love about my work? Allowing my clients to go beyond self-doubt, unlock their super powers within and dare go for what sets their soul on fire. I believe that when everybody did what they were meant to do, this world would be a better place. Contributing to a better world by helping my clients get out of anxiety and into alignment with themselves brings me indescribable joy and true fulfilment. It’s what I was meant to do!
What is my idea of perfect happiness? Being free to live where you want, do what you want and most of all be who you want; in other words DO YOU!
What is my greatest fear? Wasting my time on meaningless stuff and regretting not living my life to the max. This is why I decided to turn my life around at 24 and leave a draining relationship, quit my unchallenging job and move to Florence, Italy to follow my dream even though I was suffering from anxiety disorder and taking antidepressants. Making that move actually cured me from it.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Impatience. I am a highly excitable person who wants to feel the thrill NOW and having to wait makes me restless. But it’s part of life. My mum always says: “don’t go so fast, others need some time to catch up with you.” It’s what happens when you know what you want and feel on fire!
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? My mentor Gina DeVee for turning her life around and setting up a worldwide business empowering women to dare to desire, live their BEST life and get paid well for their gifts.
What is my greatest extravagance? I love being in the spotlight; get on stage, do lives in my Facebook group She Who Owns It and on my page Confidence Coach Sophie Charlotte, post vlogs on my YouTube channel, do fab photoshoots, write articles and just share my story to inspire others. I believe that when we dare to shine, we allow others to do the same. And when we all shine, we light up the world!
On what occasion would I lie? This is seriously a hard question for me since my biggest value is being authentic and being true to myself and to others. I sometimes act as if I don’t understand Italian to create a shock effect after a fifteen-minute conversation in which I faked not getting what a group of guys were saying to each other in my company. It’s innocent fun. For the rest I’m pretty straightforward and am actually proud of my Dutch directness.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Spending too much time on my pc and doing administrative tasks. I love connecting with people in real life or during sessions on Skype; it gets my energy flowing since I love being with people and asking them the difficult questions that allow them to see their truth. I tap into my genius when I’m with people and just feel what they need in order to move forward.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? Organising my meet-ups for wonder women entrepreneurs on a mission in Florence. It is so cool to bring powerful women together who wish to contribute with their unique gift and to have them share their story, make friends, create a network and open up in safe place where they can freely show up as themselves. I love working with clients one to one and help them break through their blocks, but groups do something special to me. It’s where my light really shines, because I can take the stage, lead, inspire and create this safe space for sharing and transformation. I am my best self in those golden moments.
If I could, what would I change about myself? Be more patient, which I’m working on by consciously owning my worth more, trusting the Universe and having faith in the natural unfolding of events. For the rest I wouldn’t change a thing since I truly love myself and have learnt to embrace and own all the parts of myself which I used to hate: my insecurity, anxiety and high-sensitivity. I now use them as my super powers and have transformed them into authenticity, empathy and intuition – and I’m really proud of that!
What is my greatest achievement in work? Creating a safe space for women on a mission where they can share their stories, be inspired and empower each other to become their best self. I do this in my Facebook group She Who Owns It and during the meet-ups I organise for this group. My big vision is to take it global and to have meet-ups in many big cities worldwide and create a real network where women with big and bold dreams find support and sisterhood.
Where would I most like to live? In my current dream house in Florence!
What is my most treasured possession? The diamond ring my mum gave me.
What is my most marked characteristic? Enthusiasm.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The coffee shop Ditta Artigianale Oltrarno; I shot my promo video and did my photoshoot there. I work there, meet clients there and I even coached the barista towards becoming the national champion in the Italian Barista Championship! It’s like my living room! Besides that I love Piazza Santo Spirito; a gorgeous, yet cosy square around the corner from my dream house.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? I love T’amerò in Piazza Santo Spirito for a lovely dinner and Il Locale for a great cocktail; such a fancy place!
What books influenced my life and how? You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. When I started reading that I finally started loving myself, which is the number one thing that has allowed me to choose myself, chase my dream and overcome my anxiety disorder. It’s the only way to dare take the leap and really rock your own world.
Who are my favorite writers? Fabio Volo (Italian), Gijs Jansen (Dutch Acceptance & Commitment Therapy expert and my teacher), Janne Robinson, Marianne Williamson
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop This Feeling, Alicia Keys – This Girl Is on Fire. And the rest of my Spotify list Sophie Charlotte’s Selection for Power Babes
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Moana
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My mum for choosing herself and therefore becoming the best possible version of herself while bringing up my sister, my brother and me in the meantime. Jim Carrey for his spirit and his amazing commencement speech in which he says these striking words: “dare to be seen in all of your glory”. This man speaks right to my heart!
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Moana
What role plays art in my life and work? I use art – or drawing – in my sessions a lot. I ask my clients to draw the image they have of themselves when they are their full selves, when they are doing what they love and are in total alignment with their true selves. It’s very powerful to work with imagery because it shows what wisdom lies in our subconscious. I then use that metaphor to see what’s needed in order to turn the picture into reality.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My dad – he always likes all my Facebook posts, totally believes in me and thinks I’m awesome for doing what I love. He also supports me financially when needed and having that safety net there is so valuable!
Whom would I like to work with in 2017? As many women as possible who want to get out of their anxiety and into their own life!
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017? My mentor Gina DeVee at our live events in Paris and Santa Monica. I’ve already been to see her in Maui and in Mallorca because I am committed to following the steps she gives us and to be in the room when she shares her wisdom and empowering energy.
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? To expand my She Who Owns It platform and to reach women worldwide who are on a mission and want to get out of their own way, step into their power and create meaningful connections with like-minded sisters.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017? On my Facebook page Confidence Coach Sophie Charlotte, on my YouTube channel, in my Facebook group She Who Owns It, on Skype during a free discovery call or in real life in Florence!
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? It means that fulfilling your true calling is something you don’t just do from 9 to 5, until you’re 65. It’s who you are, what you stand for and what sets your soul in fire. You’re willing to do it no matter what and will keep on going until the very end so you can look back and proudly say: “I have lived life fully, I have made a difference in the world and I can die happily without any regrets at all!”
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Louise Evans, Betty Soldi.
How can you contact me?
By sending an e-mail to info@lifecoachsophie.com or through all my previously mentioned social media platforms.