Your NameJeroen van Weeghel
Cohort AssignmentCohort A (Europe, MENA and South America)
1. What do you see as your primary work at this stage of your life?

I help men develop their (inner) leadership. Mature masculinity and healthy sexuality are important focal points in my work.

My 'day job' is in marketing and communications for an association of Board Members and people in formal positions of leadership in Dutch organisations.

2. What role do you see as yours to play?

I help facilitate a safe space where participants can embark upon or deepen their journey of self-discovery and self-realisation.

I see my role as a space holder, a facilitator, a guide, fellow traveller and explorer. I hold space for others to discover and develop themselves at the 'being level', to lay the foundations for their inner ecosystem to thrive.

3. What goals or aims do you have in regard to the above?

My aim is to expand my reach, to reach and touch more people with my work. To facilitate more workshops, sessions and retreats in order to make a regenerative impact. Ideally I would work with in-person retreats, multiple day immersive experiences in beautiful natural surroundings.

6. What have you invested in to get you where you are?

In 2020 I invested in a Team Coaching Facilitation Training. In 2018 I moved from The Netherlands to Ibiza, Spain. This emigration has accelerated my personal and professional growth a lot.

I have done a lot of work in personal development the past 10 years. I invested in coaching, therapy, and training. Earlier this year I joined Laura Storm's Regenerative Leadership Journey, which lasts for the rest of 2022. I spent a lot of time in conversations online with people in the field I would like to work in, to learn, be inspired and remain pro-active in moving forward.

4. Where do you feel your next arenas for personal growth are?

Getting more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Standing more firmly in the space of 'not knowing', as many areas of my life could be changing the coming years, such as place of residence, area of work.

Standing for my needs, wishes and choices. Maybe following my heart even more?

7. What fields of learning and which thinkers have been important in your life?

My philosophy studies (bachelor and masters) have been influential. Especially the thinking of the German philosopher Martin Heidegger, in particular his philosophy of technology. There I saw my gut feeling articulated what wasn't in line with nature and the nature of human beings, in the way we have organised our societies and lifestyles. Heidegger's philosophy of technology informed my exploration of how to live a fulfilling, healthy, balanced and meaningful life.

In my philosophy studies, I felt embodiment was missing. The majority of what I learned was abstract, theoretical, and lacked application and embodiment in daily life.

I found the embodiment aspect in taoism. I've been practicing Tai Chi and Chi Kung for more than 10 years. Taoist philosophy and practice align well with my vision on life. My teachers on this path have been very helpful and insightful in understanding more about life and to be inspired.

5. And for professional growth?

'Stepping up' in my inner authority. Trusting that my experience and knowledge are exactly what I need in this moment. At times, I can doubt my knowledge, experience and 'formal training' in the field I aim to work in.

8. Can you frame your philosophy or cosmology of life? What role(s) do humans play in it?

That's a challenging question. I find a lot of recognition and alignment in taoist philosophy and thinkers. In my perspective, humans are part of nature, stewards of life. We are here to help each other, to work together with nature in creating a thriving, healthy and joyful existence. We can learn a lot about how life works by looking at nature and learning from gifted thinkers and practitioners that used nature as their source of wisdom and inspiration.

Fulfilment, inspiration, wisdom, play, adventure, freedom, courage, compassion, and love are important values in life for me.