Michiel has been a consultant and coach for most of his career. He has a master’s degree in applied resource sciences from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, ranked by QS World University Rankings among the top 10 engineering and technology universities in the world.

The first two decades of his career consisted of rigorous research and project management in environmental science and technology. At the hight of his career, Michiel worked for the International Panel on Climate Change when it was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. Recently, Michiel has focused on systems-oriented approaches such as sustainable Circular Economy for communities and organizations.

A turning point in his life was becoming aware of the disconnect between people’s behavior and knowledge. He became especially fascinated in how our natural and cultural environment shapes us as humans, and vice versa. This is when he launched his strategy and coaching practice focusing on systems thinking, wholeness and connection, always maintaining his practical ‘engineering’ mind to help clients heal, grow and get things done. 

He has authored numerous publications and two books, one in Dutch, and one in English: The Mantis and the Mirror. A gifted speaker and teacher who has lectured at two universities, Michiel writes and speaks in understandable and inclusive ways, making complex topics simple, but not simplistic.

Michiel lives in North Carolina and has worked in the Netherlands, Germany and the Caribbean. He has a son and three grandchildren.