What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The freedom, the possibility to grow, to develop my skills and knowledge, and of course making films! It is absolutely the best choice I have ever made. It is not always easy, but since I have started this, there’s no way back for me. This is it!
What is my idea of happiness?
The possibility to develop myself as a person, to grow, to wake up in the morning and be excited about the day! That you love what you do and not just ‘have’ to do it. I mean, your work is half the time of your life, it’s a waste to do something that demotivates you everyday.
What is my greatest fear?
That I cannot express myself anymore. I’m so blessed that I’m healthy, that I can use my hands, legs, etc. But it also scares me that in 1 second everything can be different. I have seen it with my friends and family. But at the same time it inspires me to see how strong people are and for me to get everything out of life. It still won’t stop me from doing this.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Well, I guess that’s my fear: public speaking. Which is pretty weird, because I have been directing movies with crews over more than 60 people, but still I don’t like to be in the spotlight. I’m training myself to just do it! But still, for example, if I have a meeting with a customer at the office, I feel really nervous.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
That’s a really good question. I don’t think it’s one specific person. I admire people who just fight for their passion, who knows that you have to work for your goal. Every time if I see the passion in the eyes of a person, even if they are singing, making music, dancing, it doesn’t matter, it makes me emotional. It gives me power, motivation and inspiration because I recognize it.
What is my greatest extravagance?
You know the feeling of falling in love with a person? These butterflies, excitement to be with the person and you cannot stop think about it? Well, that’s what film is for me. When I’m directing or editing a film, I feel so in love, I really have these butterflies flying around and I’m feeling such a child again.
On what occasion would I lie?
Lying wouldn’t bring you any further, I think it’s the best to always communicate openly and just be honest about the situation.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I don’t like small talk, I prefer a deeper conversation with a real meaning, and in this business for networking you have a lot of small talk. So that’s not my favourite part.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I remember that very well. I had my biggest film shoot, and we were on set for already 7 days, less sleep, and we were exhausted! It was the last take, in the middle of the night, and then… The film shoot was over! I screamed on set ”It’s a wrap”, and everyone put down their equipment and start hugging each other. I had to cry because of happiness. Everyone told me, it’s impossible, this project is too big, you cannot do it. And I saw so many chances instead of focussing on ‘what possibly could go wrong’ that I just did it. I have to be honest, I think that project cost me 10 years of my life, but I felt the butterflies, and I was so proud! That moment was amazing.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
My chaotic head sometimes. I can have 1001 thoughts in one second, but it also helps me to be creative. So I’m not sure I would really change it, maybe I would like to have a bit more control about it.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
I think that I’m just doing it. I didn’t see myself as a ‘boss’ or an ‘owner’ of a business. But I believed in myself, and I saw no other option if I wanted to do what I love. I started when I was 21, I had no clue or idea how to do it, and I worked so hard. I started every morning, till the middle of the night, and right now my business is running well & growing every day. + I can sleep normal and have a social life again.
Where would I most like to live?
Maybe first I would like to see more of the world. I would like to travel, learn more about people, cultures, to see more nature etc. But I also would like to settle in a house close to the forest, the water, where I can find my rest. Not too far from the city, but I want to be able to choose to look up the crowds and to to live in the middle of it.
What is my most treasured possession?
The one’s whom I love the most. The people who always have my back, help me out, and
love me for who I am.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I always think in possibilities and chances, where everyone else sees problems, or give me the ‘that’s impossible’ I actually just listen to myself. ‘What is realistic?’, ‘Is it true what they say?’ ‘But still, how can I make it work?’ and just go for it. I will always, but always: stand my ground and just fight for my goals.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
I don’t really have a most inspirational location, I think my surroundings are my biggest inspirations. Just being in nature can inspire me a lot, or to watch passionate people doing what they love to do.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
A quite place, with a heather on the terrace.
What books influenced my life and how?
The mindfulness books, to just really take a look at yourself, your inner self, and learn so much about who you are as a person.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
QUEEN.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Oh, that’s too much to write down!
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
The ones who are the closest to me. Not because I look up to them, but because we are all even and we accept each other for who we truly are.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
That’s so hard to ask a filmmaker! I guess it would be ‘Requiem for a Dream’, that’s one of my favourite movies. Especially the editing style!
What role plays art in my life and work?
A big role of course. All the movies, music, people, it’s all art to me and it inspires a lot!
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
Well it is true, I mean you can’t always predict what happened, but you always have a choice on how to deal with it. You decide for your own behaviour, reaction, and path.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Partner in crime, yes! My best friends for sure, my girlfriend, the closest people.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
Oh too many! I guess it’s some storytelling films that are coming. I’m going to make a short documentary, another exclusive portrait documentary, there are a lot corporate video’s on it’s way and well.. I can not choose. It’s just the whole thing I love to do.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
Hopefully on TV, but most of it is published online. You can find my own portfolio over here: http://www.vimeo.com/okaymedia or visit my website http://www.okaymedia.nl
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Passion means love to me, so I agree. Passion will never go away. Maybe you lose it for a while, but it is something you can rely on. It will always come back to you, at the moment is has to be.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
– Indra van ‘t Hooft – Producer film
– Nisse Eimers – Musician/Filmmaker
– Geena Dee – Musician
– Melvin Erne – Videographer
– Daan Moerkens – Music composer
How can you contact me?
My e-mail is info@okaymedia.nl (I’m also able to edit projects from other countries in my hometown, or to travel to make a whole production for you!), or visit my
website: http://www.okaymedia.nl, and to see more of my projects: http://www.vimeo.com/okaymedia
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 