ABOUT VERDA

" Across cultures and professions, the human journey is surprisingly similar. When awareness grows, possibilities expand — in individuals, in leaders, and in the systems they shape."

 

Over the past decades I have had the privilege of working with people from more than 60 countries and cultures, ranging from young professionals to senior leaders and CEOs of multinational organizations.

 

Through these experiences I discovered something that continues to fascinate me: despite our different backgrounds, roles, and cultures, the inner human experience is often remarkably similar. Beneath titles and achievements, many of us share the same fears, hopes, questions, and the longing to live a meaningful life.

 

Over the years I have come to believe that what most often holds us back from our full potential is not the outside world, but the internal patterns we carry within ourselves.

 

My work focuses on helping individuals and organizations recognize these patterns, reconnect with their authentic strengths, and discover new possibilities for growth and leadership.

 

The values that guide my work are Integrity, Courage, Authenticity, Well-being, Growth, and Making a Difference.

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A lifelong learner

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Curiosity has always been one of the driving forces in my life. I am deeply interested in understanding human behavior, awareness, and transformation, and I continue to explore different perspectives on personal growth and leadership.

 

My learning journey has taken me through many different fields. I studied coaching and master coaching, completed a post-academic study on mindfulness at Radboud University, and spent nearly a year studying trauma and the body with Bessel van der Kolk and his team.

 

I have also participated in leadership and executive education programs connected to institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.

 

Currently I am studying energy medicine with the FourWinds Society, continuing my exploration of different perspectives on healing, awareness, and human development.

 

For me, learning is not about collecting diplomas but about expanding perspectives and deepening the understanding of what it means to be human.

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My professional journey

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I originally graduated as an electronics engineer in Istanbul and later continued my education in marketing and management at several international business schools.

 

I spent more than 20 years working at Philips, where I held global leadership roles including Country Manager, Global Marketing Director, Commercial Director, and Global Change Management Lead.

 

In 2008, while working as Global Marketing Director at Philips, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and explore something completely different. I moved to New York City and studied acting and filmmaking at the New York Film Academy.

 

That experience profoundly changed how I understood communication, creativity, and human expression. About a year later I returned to Philips as Commercial Director for a new business group, bringing with me a renewed perspective.

 

In 2013 I completed my coach training at the MMS Worldwide Institute, which became another important step in my journey. I began working as an executive coach and facilitator within Philips’ global leadership development programs.

 

The impact I could make through coaching and leadership development fascinated me. In 2017 I decided to fully dedicate myself to this path and founded OakTreeMe, where I now support leaders and organizations in developing authentic leadership, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

 

Alongside running OakTreeMe, I also serve as an Adjunct Professor at TIAS Business School, working with MBA students and leaders on leadership development and personal growth.

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The personal side

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Outside my professional work, I love music, hiking—especially in the mountains—scuba diving, and playing the piano.

 

I am also a proud mother. My daughter Emma has been one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life, and through our relationship I continue to learn a great deal about curiosity, creativity, and seeing the world from fresh perspectives.

 

I am happily married to a Dutch partner, and our international family life continues to deepen my appreciation for different cultures and ways of seeing the world.