meet your coach

Hey folks, I'm Rachel (she/her). I'm an Amsterdam-based self-advocacy & confidence coach who is passionate about dismantling and challenging gender and societal inequalities. I love working with everyone and anyone on these topics, but I specialise in helping women and people with menstrual cycles who feel stuck to take back control of their health, their body and their life.

I have a lot of f*cking rage...

the story behind FierceFolks

My story isn't unique. It's the same knackered battle cry echoing from millions of women who came before me. Years of relentless period pain, ignored by doctors who treated my concerns with a dismissive wave. 72 visits to GPs, a demoralising and intimate slog through 9 gynecologists and 3 specialists, who all seemed utterly indifferent, despite my family medical history of the disease. Finally, at the age of 36, a diagnosis of endometriosis – a really fucking shitty consolation prize after years of feeling unheard. I felt vindicated, but that was bittersweet as it didn't actually change anything in my day-to-day life. Then, to add to the fun, life dropped in a sprinkling of early peri-menopause. Just for shits and giggles. Literally.

This experience ignited a simmering rage within me. Women deserve better. In health, at work, in relationships, as mothers, everywhere. And my experience in the male-dominated tech world, specifically within the construction industry as Director of Operations and People at KOPE.ai, has only solidified this belief. I've seen firsthand how workplace cultures, often designed by and for men, can fail to support the unique health needs of women, perpetuating the very issues I've personally faced. This isn't just about "women's issues"—it's about creating a truly equitable and productive work environment for everyone.

My journey isn't just about endometriosis and my health (I refuse to let this define me) – it has been about reclaiming my agency and shattering the narrative of the passive patient, passive employee, and passive human. I no longer allow things to happen to me; I own my life and all facets of it.

The social systems we live in can often feel like a labyrinth designed to silence and confuse. All of these experiences created a deep desire to help others navigate the complexities of a world that just isn't designed to benefit them, and to challenge the systems that are broken, armed with knowledge, data, and self-advocacy.

Fuelled by this fire, I leveraged my professional background in women's advocacy and FemTech (Girl Effect, and Clue, the cycle tracking revolution!) to become an ICF-certified coach. Now, my mission is twofold. Firstly, I empower individual women to learn how to dismantle the patriarchal and societal systems that are designed to keep us down, keep us quiet, hold us still. Secondly, I work with companies, to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces. Through workshops focused on female health in the workplace, I help organisations understand the impact of ignoring women's health needs and provide them with the tools and strategies to foster a culture of wellbeing and empower their employees.

This isn't just about women – it's about anyone who has faced discrimination or a lack of understanding from medical professionals, employers, partners, and families. We are a community united by a shared experience; a desire for change, and a commitment to our own agency. I believe that by addressing these issues at both the individual and on an organisational level, we can create a world where everyone thrives – in health, at work, and in every aspect of their lives. It's time to rewrite the narrative and build a future where every person has the support they deserve.

BOOK YOUR FREE CHEMISTRY CALL

my approach...

My coaching approach goes beyond you securing a diagnosis, or telling your boss to go fuck themselves. It's about empowering you to understand your body, your mind, track patterns, and become an active participant in your journey. We'll also dismantle the outdated patriarchal and societal structures that silence women and minorities, and equip you with the tools to advocate for yourself with more confidence than a mediocre white guy.

The battle for gender equality is far from over, and it's the tip of the iceberg. Systemic bias and outdated information continue to permeate the very fabric of our society. But through education, empowerment, and a healthy dose of righteous fury, we can chip away at these barriers. Not as 'angry feminists' but as people with agency and the strength and data to back ourselves, because no one else will.

If you're ready to rewrite the rules of your life and become a fierce advocate for yourself, you've found your tribe. FierceFolks offers a supportive space to learn, share experiences, and build the confidence to navigate topics like societal expectations, healthcare systems or outdated employment practices with your head held high.

My approach is all about:

Empowerment: YOU are the expert on your own body and mind. Own it. Reclaim it.
Education: Knowledge is power. We'll learn the science, history, data, and language so you can advocate effectively.
Dismantling Discrimination: We'll tear down the societal structures that hold us back. (I'm looking at you patriarchy, sexism, homophobia, fatphobia and more...)