What is the best thing that I love about my work?
With Slow Escapes I combine mindfulness meditation and creative expression as tools to unwind, slow down and reconnect to their natural state of being. The thing I love most about my work is seeing people embarking in their journey of self-development and self-exploration. It gives me a sense of that what I am doing makes sense and can impact lives.
What is my idea of happiness?
Happiness is in so many things! Laughing out loud or acting crazy with my children, dancing to music, being near the ocean, feeling in love. But I also realize that a sense of leading a meaningful life is far more fulfilling than the pursuit of personal happiness. living a life with purpose makes you more resilient to the ‘not so happy moments’ in life.
What is my greatest fear?
Becoming fearful, HA!
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I can overthink and I am quite an introvert, which is okay I guess, but I can work at showing more of myself and not underestimating myself.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
My role-models, being a holistic and creative entrepreneur, are everywhere! I admire people in any profession that operate ‘out of the box’.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I dare. I always try new things. And eventually I fail and fall and dust myself off and try again! And I fall again. And I try again!
On what occasion would I lie?
To not unnecessarily hurt someone. So it would be a while lie I guess?
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I honestly can’t think of anything. But if I have to come up with something it would be spending so much time on social media. Social media has given me so much in my entrepreneurship and I am grateful for it as a tool, but it’s also a trap that you can get lost in. Balance is key.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I am happiest thinking, brainstorming about new ways, new concepts to inspire people to spend time with themselves. I also enjoy guiding a meditation and giving people time. Just time and silence.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
It’s not so much about what I would change about myself, more about what I would have done different. If I could I would want to go Art School again. It is one regret I have. Maybe I could still?
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Getting my brand Slow Escapes out into the world and creating unique mindful experiences.
Where would I most like to live?
I would love to build my own retreat location near the ocean one day, having a multi disciplinary space open to artists, creatives, makers, people of different walks of life and combining it with a space to contemplate, meditate, be.
What is my most treasured possession?
I don’t have any valuable possessions actually. I value experiences more than possessions and I’ve had and am having lots of those. Having said this, I am quite a hoarder. I love collecting small bits and pieces that are beautiful and gathering them around me. Bits of driftwood, a dried flower, crystals, an antique Moroccan rug, things like that. They tell little stories.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I am perceived as being brave and adventurous. And I can sort of agree. On a side note; the downside to this characteristic is being just blatantly stupid and dumb at times, haha!
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Inspiration can be in many places. I am not a person for one spot, one location. I love being in museums but I also love markets and really good coffee spots. Being in book shops can definitely inspire me.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
4850 in the east of Amsterdam.
What books influenced my life and how?
Loving what is – by Byron Katie, has definitely been a turning point in my life when I was grieving the loss of my relationship with the father of my children due to his serious mental condition. It has changed my perspective on suffering and gave me huge insights as to why the only option is to ‘love reality’. And growing up; Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Famous Blue Raincoat – from Leonard Cohen, but covered by Jennifer Warnes.
And Gasolina by Daddy Yankee to spice it up and for the fun of it (it’s my latin roots)
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Mona in Kom hier dat ik u Kus – by Griet op de Beeck.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
There are so many; my son, following his passion as a music producer, my girlfriends that are badass single mothers doing all the hard work on their own. Friends that have left their ‘successful’ jobs and have chosen to give up security and go for passion, freedom and authenticity instead. My good friends in Morocco, following their passion and building businesses, supporting their families. My parents, living the forever nomad life, crossing borders and cultures. A good friend that I can always turn to for advice. My brother (big-time) for forever thinking outside of the box, dancing and moving through life.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
I’m absolutely horrible when it comes to remembering movies (ask my children and previous boyfriends haha!). I usually fall asleep.
What role plays art in my life and work?
A huge part. Art and creative expression are the heart beat of our existence!
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
Everybody has a story to tell. Everybody.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My children (young adults now) support me big time. They tell me over and over how proud they are of me pursuing my passion, despite being the sole caretaker of my little family. They are proud of me not choosing the easy paved out path of normality. And they are really and truly the wind beneath my wings.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?
With photographer and dear friend Marieke Verdenius, but I already am!
Creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs that want to collaborate on creating cool ‘slow’ projects!
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
The mindfulness and photography retreat Marieke Verdenius and I designed and curated for Slow Escapes. And the project I will be collaborating on with my brother, Noah Harharah.
I am excited to be writing again and I am launching a new brand soon. Exciting times!
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
On slowescapes.com or on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowescapes/
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
The key is to find out what the things are that you are passionate about. For some people it’s not that easy. But when you do find it, there is a sense of ‘coming home’ to what was always right there inside of you.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Two women I admire: Marieke Verdenius, Sif Orellana
How can you contact me?
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
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You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
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You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
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You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Heroine’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Heroine’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
The Heroine's Journey 