About Me
Hi, I’m John - Founder of Essence and Your Guide to Leading with Authenticity and Inner Balance
My journey started as a search for authenticity and meaning in a world that often felt disconnected from these values. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in practices that bring people closer to their true selves—exploring movement, sound, nervous system attunement, and deep inner work to help individuals connect deeply and live with purpose. My path has led me from studying robotics, to working in strategy consulting, to exploring cultural change in organizations, to focussing on inner development - e.g. when working for the School of Life. The last years I have been spending lots of time facilitating retreats and gathering experience in many modalities of personal transformation.
I created Essence to share what I’ve learned and to support leaders in finding their unique expression of authentic leadership.
My hope is to build a global community of conscious leaders and change-makers that contribute to a world of authenticity and inner balance.
How I live my Essence is:
Through composing own songs, playing beach and indoor-volleyball, travelling the world with my backpack, spending quality time with my partner/family/friends, enjoying my morning routine, currently learning more Portuguese, going to colorful events - like concerts, comedy shows and performances, learning in retreat and training contexts, expressing myself through writing children's books, and enjoying eating cookies ;)
The Mission of Essence
Inspiring People to Live Their Essence
With Essence my longing is to contribute to a world, where people live with authenticity, inner balance and purpose.
Therefore, I especially enjoy supporting leaders and change-makers to carry this seed of authenticity into the world, their organizations and their homes. It fills me with joy and gratitude to imagine that many groups of people will be touched by the authenticity of these leaders and therefore might feel more connected to their hearts and Essence as well.
I invite you to take this journey with me.
Let's explore what your version of authentic leadership looks and feels like!
What Makes Essence Different:
1.) A Holistic Approach
I integrate embodiment practices, mindfulness, and neuroscience to create sustainable transformation. This means leaders don’t just learn new skills—they rewire their responses to stress, cultivate resilience, and develop a leadership style that is both intuitive and impactful.
2.) Trauma-Informed & Systemic Coaching
Unlike conventional leadership coaching, I recognize that deep-rooted patterns shape behavior. By integrating nervous system regulation, shadow work, and nonviolent communication, I help leaders address not just surface-level skills but the core emotional and psychological factors that influence their decision-making.
3.) Authenticity-Driven Transformation
My work isn’t about teaching external strategies; it’s about helping leaders embody their true selves. By focusing on self-awareness, emotional mastery, and authentic communication, I support change-makers in leading with confidence, trust, and presence—without the burnout or facade of traditional leadership models.
Why I Believe in This Work:
I’ve seen what happens when people reconnect with their deepest Essence - when they let go of what’s holding them back and step into a life of authenticity. It’s deeply life-changing, and it’s why I do what I do. I believe everyone deserves to live in their full self-expression and truth, and that’s why I’m committed to guiding you on this journey."
Invitation :
If you’re ready to lead from your Essence and step into your true self-expression, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Take the first step, and let’s explore your journey together.
If you want to get a feel for what my Essence sounds like,
check out my new singer-songwriter album "Essence" on Spotify!
