What is the best thing that I love about my work?
As a travel writer, I love that I spend my time seeking beauty in people and place, and trying to weave that into my work. I get to engage deeply with the world, and constantly learn new things. Being on assignment is the best feeling ever!
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is living in accordance with your truest desires and values. Exploring, learning, creating, falling in love over and over again…For me, happiness is rooted in simple things.
What is my greatest fear?
I fear a life without passion and purpose. I’m afraid of giving up on my dreams or running out of inspiration.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Laziness, which I think comes from fear.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
There are so many! I look up to writers and story tellers that go way off the beaten track and are passionate about country and craft. Photographer Steve McCurry is a legend. I look up to outdoor writers Aaron Teasdale and Tim Neville.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I can sometimes be a slave to the moment, and allow my attention to go wherever it takes me. This can be good, but it means that I normally have at least ten different word documents open on my desktop at the same time.
On what occasion would I lie?
Ideally, only to protect myself or another from harm.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
It can be time-consuming to get a story commissioned. It can be hard to sit on ideas you’re really excited about!
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I felt elated on assignment in Morocco. I was researching the cultural wisdoms of Moroccan Berbers. It was a deeply enriching time, and every step I moved with purpose and excitement. I am also my happiest any time I’m just in the flow of writing!
If I could, what would I change about myself?
My overthinking nature and self-critical tendencies. Ultimately, I know these things aren’t ‘me’, but they detract from my ability to be myself.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Selling any piece of work which I have backed 100% with passion is a huge achievement for me, and I couldn’t feel luckier when I do. The assignment in Morocco for example, has a special place in my heart.
Where would I most like to live?
I would like to live surrounded by nature, with good friends and strong community. And a garden! I have always loved the mountains and wild countryside, the wilder the better!
What is my most treasured possession?
My curiosity
What is my most marked characteristic?
Softness
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The north of Sydney, where I grew up. The country is strong here. I love the nature and national parks— a big source of inspiration for me.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Getting takeaway from around Newtown and eating in Camperdown park. Also, Badde Manors for late night cake and coffee.
What books influenced my life and how?
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri cracked me open. The beauty and richness of the language became a portal to a new world for me. Walden by Henry Thoreau was also a big influence in shaping my values surrounding what it means to live a good life.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I would probably just crank Led Zeppelin IV. That album was one of my first loves, it’s powerful and it’s soft, but soulful all the way through. Also, their live album, How the West Was Won. And after, maybe some 70’s disco funk?
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I don’t have a good answer for this one. But I’m strongly drawn to female figures and goddesses in classical mythology/folklore. Aphrodite, Medusa, Artemis, Lilith…The combination of female fierceness and beauty is one hell of an energy.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
I look up to female authors and poets who communicate the beautiful and strange realm of the spirit. Anaïs Nin and Clarice Lispector are two of my favourites. Lastly, my mum has always been a pillar of strength.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Dazed and Confused. Really, I don’t know if it’s a must-see, but it’s one of my long-standing favourites. It’s not really a story, just a sort of groovy experience. Maybe Belle de Jour, by Luis Buñuel.
What role plays art in my life and work?
For me, art is a cycle. The art, music, stories I consume filter into my life, the way I think, how I interact with others and what I create. Art is the lifeblood of personal and creative growth!
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
These words serve as a gentle and powerful reminder that our lives are ours to live. It also means that we have to be active in what we choose, and resist the current of the default. The ‘easiest’ or ‘safest’ options may not be the stories we truly want to live out.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Me
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?
I would love to work with BBC Travel this year. National Geographic has been a dream!
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
Since Covid and the cancellation of travel writing, I have been focusing my attention inwards and am working on some poetry. So I’m looking forward to exploring that, it’s definitely out of my comfort zone. But that’s what makes it fun!
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
I have a few upcoming pieces in small local publications. When restrictions lift, hopefully I’ll be performing some spoken word around Sydney.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
For me this is a reminder to trust in myself that I will always be passionate and curious because it my nature…it is human nature.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
One of my best friends Dakota (Morus Quin). A brilliant artist, painter and all-round creative!
How can you contact me?
My Instagram is @elisabeth.gemma
My website is www.elizabeth-whitehead.com
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 