The story behind Stand Tall

Sharing the story of Stand Tall is standing tall in action; the creation of something important often comes from a place of learning, failure and vulnerability.
This name has more meaning to it than I realized when I first came up with it, and I’m grateful for the reminder it is to me every time again: to have the courage to stand tall.

Stand Tall means to rise up to what and who you are. It’s about authenticity, daring to be visible, and about moving forward when times are tough. But to me, with my 1,87 / 6”1 human giraffe size it’s also about literally standing tall, while when growing up I spent most time wishing I wouldn’t be standing out at all, that I could hide and be invisible – or at least average. I idolized being average!

This giraffe wished to be a cute meerkat that could just hide behind a rock. Safe from judgement, being able to sneak away when I had nothing to contribute. Be sportive, flexible, agile and not as clumsy and stiff as I was (ok… am.. :)).
It’s funny how something physical can play out in other aspects of life. I would avoid things that made people see me even more. Speaking up in school, giving my opinion, taking on a new fashion trend, take up a leadership role – these were No Go Areas for me!

Of course with time I learned and started seeing how this part of my life has been a gift in disguise. The fear of judgement and standing out made me a strong observer. Always keen to find out what was the acceptable behavior, to be liked enough that my weird things wouldn’t matter to others, and to observe what to do to fit in? Who did, and how? I noticed it.
I developed great listening and observing skills. I could see where people tried and where people just were. My own aversion against judgement, and my harsh self judgement, made me more accepting of others. People sense that. I was able to quickly create a space where people feel safe, seen, not judged, acknowledged, where they can be authentic. I gave others what I wanted for myself.

From that space I became a place for people to talk, share their dreams and struggles. I knew I needed more tools to be not only a listener, but to be able to advise and help people move forward. At some point halfway my management consulting career in Europe, one client wanted to pay me to have those conversations, even though I wasn’t a coach yet. This was the turning point, I got trained in the Co-Active Coaching method and it was the beginning of my coaching journey, back in 2010. Recently my toolbox has expanded hugely through NLP and Inner Dynamics Certifications, trainings accredited by ICF.

Nine years later, having coached dozens of people in different countries, cultures who had a variety of life and career questions, it’s time for me to stand up and be visible and do what I’m here to do: Get You to Stand Tall.

Standing Tall as a coach, I will be candid, compassionate, courageous, reflective and challenging with you. If I Stand Tall, I will inspire your courage and authenticity to Stand Tall and face yourself as well. Let’s turn fear into strength, forever move from doubt to confidence, be bold with your vision and create strategies to experience life in a more conscious state than you did ever before. Which gives you choice and control.
I feel great when you feel great about yourself and your future.

Stand Up. Stand Out. Stand Tall.