What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I’m a writer, artist, psychologist and an entrepreneur. All of my work originates from passion and I love it when my work takes me in a completely different world where I create magic!
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is being by myself or being in an environment where there’s so much love that it uplifts me. An environment of complete transparency, fairness and love!
What is my greatest fear?
Turning into a very bold person as I grew up, I don’t really fear anything. I’m ready for everything life has to offer me. I just know what my goals are and I’m after them.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Being too emotional I sometimes let others say or do things to me without reacting or responding back. These days I’ve discovered a formula that’s there behind every conversation. It helps me look at my anger from the outside and find out what the other person wants from me exactly. It’s like I’m reaching a higher level of understanding.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
Foremost I admire my Ceramic professor from college (Ms. Shirley Bhatnagar). Her ways of dealing with students and working on projects are amazing!
I also admire the work of A.S Neil, a Scottish educator who started a school called Summerhill that ran on the philosophy of freedom and self governance.
What is my greatest extravagance?
As a child I never believed it to be but my greatest extravagance today are my books. I love them. They’re my treasures. I recently found an amazing app called ‘Anybooks’, it contains all the awesome books one can imagine.
On what occasion would I lie?
The biggest reason of an organization’s downfall are manipulation and lies. Companies loose their very talented professionals because of it. I always go with the fundamentals of complete transparency apart from times when I’m cracking a joke but I make sure nobody gets hurt in the process.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
It’s not as much a dislike for me but more for my family that when I’m lost in my work I wouldn’t want to be disturbed, it’s more like meditation. At that time I’m in the mode of complete concentration.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
It was two years back while working for a company I received a project that offered me to work with colors/paints for the first time professionally in my life. That was when I realized my strong bond with paints. It was like I knew them forever. I just knew how to achieve a particular shade on mixing what colors and I love to do that and play with them.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
There are things about ourselves that we find funny as we grow up. I think it’s a process. I wouldn’t realize it right now but I might find somethings funny when I look back at this story after 5 years. Change is inevitable and I don’t think I need to put in any efforts for that.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Well, I believe that my greatest achievement is ‘The Mavericks’, my teen brand where I’ve put efforts to do things for teenagers to save them from abuse and help them in mental and sexual health along with providing them with vocational skills.
Where would I most like to live?
I would like to live in a place where my mind is at complete peace.
What is my most treasured possession?
They’re my natural gifts that allows me to flow; my love for paints, sketching/sculpting human faces, writing, etc.
Also, my family especially my husband who had been the driving factor behind all my dreams.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I’m very very emotional. I would never let anybody around me be sad, upset or unhappy. I would do anything to make things right especially in my environment or with my closed ones.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
It’s the corner of my bedroom where I sit and write.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Anyplace with dim light and soft music.
What books influenced my life and how?
The book that majorly impacted my life was ‘Neill Neill Orange Peel’ by A.S Neill, the educator who had a very innovative outlook on teaching. He opened a private school called SUMMERHILL and believed in freedom which allows students to pursue their own interests, talents and passions. The UK government almost succeeded in shutting it down because it didn’t force their students to memorize useless facts.
There’s also a movie based on his school of Summerhill available on YouTube.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
It’s Mr. Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan. The music is very close to my heart because it was the caller tune of my teacher who really influenced me in working towards my dream.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
At the back of my diary I used to write the quote “With great power, comes great responsibility”- by Ben Parker from the movie ‘Spiderman’. I love fictional movies but I’m more passioate about these quotes in every inspirational movie that touch the heart.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
I’ve worked with differently abled people in an organization in Kerala and underprivileged women in another one in Haryana. I really believe that these people are true heroes/heroines in life. I don’t know how these people have so much love and purity in their heart. So far they’ve been my greatest inspiration to really do things for them.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
There are many that inspired me but the one I really remember is ‘August Rush’, which I would recommend everyone to see at least once in a lifetime.
What role plays art in my life and work?
I believe the connection runs very deep. From my house to my environment, the colors I choose to wear, my stories and my work, the food I cook, books I read, movies I watch and the people I talk to… It’s all art!
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
We all have a different view of what we go through in our lives, I specifically remember each and every detail of what I think about mine, I’ve written it like a thousand times and I’m writing parts of it again today though this story. I never like to fake it, it has to be true for it to be the reminder of our dreams.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
It’ll always be my Friends.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?
If I get an opportunity I would love to work with Andre Desjardins, the artist and sculptor. I really admire his work of Anthropological sculptures in ceramics.
Also, Anurag basu and Nasir khann who have created amazing channel EPIC and very interesting episodes like ‘Stories by Rabindranath Tagore’ about inventions and contributions by India to the world.
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020?
I would love to meet Aamir khan( the bollywood writer, actor and director) who has done a lot for children through his movies like ‘Taare zami par'(‘Stars on Earth’) and ‘3 idiots’ and in making people aware of many social problems through his episode series of ‘Satyamev Jayate'( ‘Truth alone triumphs’).
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
Apart from my ongoing project of ‘Mavericks’ , I wish to revive ‘Krezi’, that was a livelihood project started to work with low income group women, 3 years back, who are looking to become independent and gain confidence in themselves.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
My work is always available online through social media apps like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and along with that I would be available at the many exhibits that would take place in and around NCR in India.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Even in sleep I think about the dream I had when I was just a kid in school and I know I will keep having such nights until one day I achieve what I’m aiming for.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
I would recommend you to invite Ms. Shirley Bhatnagar and Anamika Chaudhary as I would love to go through their stories!
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 