What do I love most about my work? What I love most about my work is the space it gives me to think deeply, freely, and with a critical edge. Writing isn’t just a craft; it’s like oxygen, essential, and life-giving. In this act of creation, I experience a rare kind of freedom, sharpening both my mind and voice. My training in the novel form has refined this instinct, giving me a confidence that feels almost physical. I can be awakened in the middle of the night and still step into a philosophical debate and hold my ground. What excites me most is the exploration of moral dilemmas, the complexity of human judgment, and the subtlety of moral prudence. I’m especially drawn to ideas that aren’t widely known, to thinkers who operate beneath the surface of the mainstream and usual suspects. There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing those hidden layers into language. In many ways, my work is a continuous act of uncovering. It’s thinking as a form of creation, and creation as a form of truth-seeking.
Picture credits: Flip Schultz
What do I dislike most about my work? What I dislike most about my work is that it sometimes has forced me into a confrontation with injustice. By nature, I’m attuned to fairness, and I cannot ignore when something is wrong. As someone who’s highly sensitive and perceptive, I notice the ways in which people are diminished or excluded. In the Netherlands, I’ve witnessed and experienced forms of racism and inequality that are impossible to overlook, and that have taken away from my existence. There’s a pattern of pushing people down when they are not part of the ‘right’ group. For 41 years, I’ve felt the weight of that personally. At times, it has felt as though I was reduced to being a E-class citizen, not because of my abilities, but because of who I am. I’ve also seen how easily ‘certain’ people escape accountability, even in serious matters. For more than two decades, I invested my energy, creativity, and intelligence into elevating others. In doing so, I often made myself smaller. That is something I can no longer sustain, and will no longer accept. I’ve reached a point where being fed up has turned into clarity, and clarity into change.
When and where have I been happiest in my work? I’ve been happiest in my work when two different worlds come together. One is the world of deep, meaningful conversation, like the ones I hosted during the years I ran my bed without a breakfast, thus shared home hospitality concept. In those moments, when people from different backgrounds truly listen to each other and begin to understand one another, I experience a profound sense of joy. It isn’t about surface-level dialogue, but about uncovering intentions, values, and hidden motivations. Those are the moments where connection becomes real. The other place where I find happiness is in complete solitude. When I withdraw from the world and immerse myself in reading, listening, learning, and creating, I enter a state that feels almost sacred. I can spend hours like this, completely absorbed. Writing, especially while shaping Memos from the Edge, brings me into a state of precision and flow that is the most fulfilling in my life. Creation, for me, isn’t optional but essential. In both connection and solitude, I find different expressions of the same truth. That’s where my happiness lives.
What is my greatest professional achievement? My greatest professional achievement isn’t a title, award, or public recognition. That’s all fleeing. It’s the fact that I’ve continued, despite everything. Despite health challenges, despite systemic barriers, and despite racism and sexism, I’ve built my path. As a small business owner, I’ve done everything myself, without relying on external support. In life, I’ve navigated administration, created my systems, and even taken care of the most practical aspects. There’s a massive strength in that independence. I did not inherit a structure; I built one! And I did so while carrying more than what people will ever be able to comprehend. My achievement lies in resilience, persistence, and the refusal to be diminished. It’s the ability to stand alone and still move forward. That, to me, is success in its purest form.
Which living people in my profession do I admire most? I no longer place people on a pedestal. Over time, I’ve come to see that admiration is fleeing. People are human, regardless of their achievements. What I do admire, however, is a certain kind of courage. I’m drawn to those who create their non-existing path, especially writers who have chosen independence over traditional structures. There’s something powerful about refusing the established gatekeeping systems and building a direct relationship with an audience. That kind of authorship reflects ownership, vision, and resilience. I resonate with those who have proven that success does not require permission. It shows that there are alternative and more honest ways of creating impact. At this stage in my life, I’m no longer waiting to be recognized by people who gatekeep and discriminate every single damn day and will never recognize the beautiful, smart, and great person and author I am. I’m moving, building, and allowing the work to find its audience. That shift, in itself, is a form of admiration translated into action. I did, however, get an offer from an English agent for Memos from the Edge, and I decided not to take it for so many reasons. The most important one being the lack of transparency in every single aspect of the business.
What is my idea of happiness? My idea of happiness begins with warmth. It’s the sun, light, and feeling of being physically and emotionally held by my environment. I’ve come to understand that my body needs this, that without it, something essential fades. Happiness is living close to the sea, where movement and stillness exist side by side. It’s also found in meaningful connection, in conversations with people who are open, thoughtful, and sincere. At the same time, happiness requires solitude. Being alone, with my dog Pommie, is one of the purest forms of joy I know. Pommie represents a kind of unconditional presence that cannot be replaced. Beyond that, happiness is also freedom. It’s the process of stepping out of environments that were limiting, painful, and unjust. It’s leaving behind what should never have been endured! There’s strength in outgrowing what defined you. Happiness, for me, is both a place and a state of being. It’s something I’m actively choosing, every day.
What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is that humanity will move further into darkness, driven by extremism, radicalism, and distorted ideologies, including inversion of reality. I’m particularly concerned about the safety and future of Jewish communities, who have historically carried the weight of such forces. When belief systems become tools of division rather than connection, the consequences can be devastating. This is also the baseline of my philosophy humanecy and it’s part of Memos from the Edge. I see patterns that echo through history, and that awareness is difficult to ignore. On a personal level, it’s also about the people I’m leaving behind. There are individuals I care about who remain in environments that are fragile and toxic. That sense of distance doesn’t remove the concern, but intensifies it. Fear, in this context, is grounded in reality, observation, and responsibility. It’s the awareness that what happens on a larger scale always touches individual lives, including of the people I love.
Which trait do I most dislike in myself? At this stage in my life, I don’t carry dislike toward myself at all, not even about things like my weight. I’ve reached a level of integration where I see my strengths and my shadows as part of the same whole. That doesn’t mean everything is easy, but it does mean that I no longer reject parts of who I am. The one thing I do struggle with is the gap between my inner reality and how I’m perceived externally. There’s a discrepancy between who I am and what is seen or understood by others. This isn’t only personal but also shaped by the environment in which I have lived for far too long. Being rooted in a context where racism thrives, has influenced how I’m interpreted. That disconnect is horrifying and I’m done with it. It creates a sense of misalignment between truth and perception. Still, I recognize that this is not something that defines me! It’s something I’m moving beyond.
If I could change one thing about myself, what would it be? If I could change one thing about myself, it’s something I’m already in the process of transforming. I’m creating a life beyond my wildest dreams that aligns more fully with who I am. Where my environment supports my vitality rather than drains it. My move to Cyprus is part of that shift. It’s about choosing a foundation that nurtures me on every level. I’m stepping into a deeper form of self-sovereignty. This includes simple, essential matters, such as sunlight, nourishing food, movement, and meaningful surroundings. It isn’t about accumulation or status, because I don’t care about those things. It’s about alignment. I want to live in a way that feels natural, grounded, and energizing. Change, in this sense, isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about removing what never belonged and allowing what is already there to fully emerge.
What is my most defining characteristic? My most defining characteristic is my analytical ability. I process information quickly and intuitively, often sensing what is happening beneath the surface before it is articulated. This is closely connected to my sensitivity and my capacity for empathy. I can enter a space and understand its dynamics almost immediately. This ability has shaped my thinking, work, and philosophy. It’s the foundation of what I call humanecy, a way of looking at the world that integrates analysis with moral awareness. This perspective is also embedded in Memos from the Edge. It also requires balance, because seeing too much can be both a strength and a challenge. Carl Jung’s work has helped me to understand much more about myself being an empath. Ultimately, it’s the lens through which I engage with the world.
Where would I most like to live? Where I would most like to live is Paphos, Cyprus. It represents more than a location. It’s a turning point where I can align my environment with my needs and my vision for the future. The presence of the sun, the proximity of the sea, and the cultural depth all contribute to a sense of belonging. It feels like a place where I can expand, rather than contract. Living there isn’t an escape, but a conscious choice. Paphos offers both simplicity and richness; exactly what I need.
What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possession isn’t an object, but my dog Pommie. He is not something I own, but a presence that defines my entire life! Pommie represents unconditional connection, a bond that exists beyond words. Everything else is secondary. I am not driven by material things, even though I value having a temple as a home. It’s a reflection of who I am, but it’s not what I hold onto most. Pommie is. He is my joy, grounding, and emotional center. That relationship is the most accomplished and treasured one in my life.
Who is my greatest supporter, sponsor, or partner in crime? I don’t have a support system in the way most people do. I truly stand alone, and I’ve done so for many years. Since 2018, I’ve built and sustained everything independently. There’s no family structure, no partner, and no consistent external support. Occasionally, there are teachers or influences, but the core remains within me. I’m my own supporter, my own sponsor, and my own partner in crime! This has required strength, discipline, and endurance. It has also created a deep sense of self-reliance. In the absence of external backing, I’ve learned to only trust myself.
What is the place in my city that inspires me most? In Amsterdam, the places that inspired me no longer hold that meaning. Museumplein used to be a psychological anchor, and the Concertgebouw was part of my sense of home. That connection has changed. I no longer feel aligned with those spaces. In Paphos, however, inspiration is everywhere. The archaeological sites, the harbor, the monasteries, and the natural landscapes all carry a sense of depth and continuity. There’s also the presence of Greek mythology, embodied in figures like Aphrodite. That symbolism resonates with me. It reflects a connection to something timeless. In Paphos, inspiration isn’t confined to one place but embedded in the entire environment.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city? I don’t have a favorite place in Amsterdam. That chapter has closed. In Paphos, the experience will be different. I will explore, discover, and engage with the local food culture. There’s a richness there that invites curiosity. Over time, my favorite place will become something I create myself. My Café Humanecy will be a space where nourishment and conversation come together. It will reflect my values, offering simplicity, quality, and connection. That’s where I’ll feel most at home.
Which books have influenced my life, and how? The books that influence me change over time, depending on where I am in life. There is no fixed list, because my perspective evolves. However, one book remains constant: A Course in Miracles. It has provided a foundation that continues to support me. It approaches themes like forgiveness and perception in a way that continues to resonate. While I also engage with religious texts like the Bible, I do so without strict adherence to doctrine. My belief in God exists beyond institutional frameworks. This perspective is also reflected in Memos from the Edge. Influence, for me, is not static. It’s a continuous dialogue between what I read and how I interpret it.
If I only had one day left, what music would I listen to? If I only had one day left, I would return to the music of Blank & Jones. Their sound has accompanied me through so many phases of my life, offering a sense of continuity and calm. There’s something timeless in their compositions; something that allows me to drift and reflect at the same time. And if that final day allowed for one last live experience, I would choose a concert by Yanni. His music carries a sense of grandeur and emotional depth that feels almost transcendent. There’s also something meaningful in his Greek influences. That connection to its history and emotional landscape, mirrors my own journey. In that moment, it would feel less like an ending and more like a return to something ancient and enduring… It would be a form of homecoming.
Which film would I recommend everyone to see at least once in their lifetime? The film I would recommend is Elizabethtown. It carries a balance between lightness and depth. The story unfolds like a literal and emotional journey, and there’s a softness in how it approaches loss and discovery. The road trip element adds movement and possibility. What makes it particularly memorable is its soundtrack, which amplifies the good of the United States.
Who is my favorite fictional hero or heroine? My favorite fictional character is not drawn from literature, but from television. Owen Hunt from Grey’s Anatomy is the character that has stayed with me over the years. It’s the only series I’ve followed consistently, paying attention to every detail and development. There’s something in his complexity that resonates with me. Plus, he’s definitely on my list of eye candy along Matt Damon, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Mike Vogel. At the same time, I’ve engaged with many other stories that have left a mark. The Newsroom or The Morning Show speak to my interest in truth and communication. In literature, Life of Pi by Yann
Martel surprised me recently. I had the opportunity to learn from him and his wife Alice Kuiper at the academy, but I never looked into his book until a few months ago. See, people who actually do get philosophy are capable of creating stunning works of art. I loved the main character. I also had to see the movie. Still, if I have to choose one, it remains Owen Hunt, thus television.
Who are my real-life heroes and heroines? I no longer define heroes in the traditional sense. As said before, I don’t place individuals on a pedestal anymore. However, I do recognize that there are people who are currently engaged in significant struggles on a global level; a fight for humanity. Those who operate within political and geopolitical arenas, trying to navigate impossible realities and make insanely difficult decisions, deserve acknowledgment. My respect for them is grounded in the weight of their responsibility. Beyond that, I prefer not to mention names. My perspective on admiration has shifted toward actions rather than identities. For example, a writer I once admired for her knowledge on creativity has turned into a writer who doesn’t interest me at all. So I stopped following her work a long time ago. Things change. People change. The work speaks for itself and can remain.
What role do stories play in my life and work? Stories are central to everything I do. They shape how I think, create, and engage with the world. As a writer, speaker, and creator, storytelling isn’t just a tool but the foundation. In my personal life, I’m equally immersed in stories, whether through books, series, or other forms of media. It’s the one constant that runs through every aspect of my existence. Stories allow me to understand different perspectives, and to express what cannot always be said directly. They are both a mirror and a bridge. My life and my work are inseparable from storytelling.
What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life” mean to me? These words reflect a truth I’ve lived. I’ve the ability to shape the narrative of my life by choosing where I place my focus. I can highlight the struggles, darkness, and challenges, as I’ve done in earlier work, for example in my memoirs called Exodus uit de vuurtoren, so Exodus from the lighthouse. But I can also choose to focus on strength, growth, and identity. Both are real, but the emphasis matters. I have built a life over more than two decades as an entrepreneur, sometimes without recognition or understanding from others. That doesn’t diminish its value. One of the challenges for people like me is the tendency to focus on what is missing or imperfect. I’m learning to shift that perspective. To recognize what is already there. To see the full picture. Being the storyteller of my life means taking ownership of that lens.
Which people or companies would I most like to work with? I’m particularly interested in connecting with Heads of Legal within organizations. There’s a need for deeper engagement with ethical complexity, and I can contribute to that through moresprudence. It’s about addressing the gray areas, shaping culture, and preventing issues before they escalate. In addition, I want to build a community in Paphos through my philosophical café, where people can come together to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue. I’m also open to collaborating with writers working on alternative artistic productions. Finally, I want to expand my role as a speaker, moving toward a more motivational and forward-looking approach. I’m looking for opportunities where I can inspire rather than react.
What project am I most excited to work on next? The project I’m most excited about is the rest of the launch of Memos from the Edge. It represents a culmination of thought, experience, and creative effort. Once I’m settled in my new environment, I’ll focus on bringing the book to my audiences more. At the same time, I’ve already begun shaping my next novel. The initial ideas are forming, and there’s a sense of anticipation in that process. It’s the beginning of a new creative cycle. Both projects reflect different stages of the same journey.
Where can people see me or my work? People can find me and my work on LinkedIn, Medium, and TikTok. My book, Memos from the Edge, is available digitally through platforms such as Amazon, Bol, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? To me, passion is not something that fades with time. Writing has been a constant presence throughout my life. It isn’t something I chose once but something that continues to choose me. It’s a force that remains active, regardless of circumstances. Passion, in this sense, isn’t dependent on external validation. It exists independently, as a core part of who I am. It doesn’t retire, because it is not a phase. It is the foundation!
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to share their story? Rather than naming specific individuals, I would suggest inviting those who embody authenticity and integrity.