Hi, I am François
Certified High-Performance coach, speaker, writer, husband, adventurer, former commando-paratrooper, and tsunami survivor. (Eh, it took me 33 years to write this bio!)
Hi, I am François
Certified High-Performance coach, speaker, author, husband, adventurer, former commando-paratrooper, and tsunami survivor.
I support people to create their extraordinary life. And I love it!
I always had big dreams and an unshakable determination to achieve them while constantly craving action and pushing my limits. As a kid, I wanted to become an explorer and sail the world to discover and explore new lands (yep, just like Indiana Jones!). But unfortunately, they had no master’s degree for that. Instead, when I was 17, I decided to join the military. My goal was to be part of a special unit. Why? Because they are badasses! It was challenging, but I was committed. And seven years later, I became a platoon leader in the commando paratroopers (yeah, I did it!).
During my 9 years in the military I developed a thirst for challenges; I trained to always aim high, perform at my best, and make quick decisions with one motto: “never surrender”. I learned what it means to be a high performer and developed a strong sense of leadership, discipline, responsibility, and determination.
I was living a good life and doing well emotionally, physically, and financially, but deep inside, I could hear this voice telling me that there was more out there.
So I followed this burning desire to discover the world and set for a new challenge. I quit my job, sold my stuff and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and actualization, trying to find the answer to who am I? Why am I here for? What do I really want out of life?
Well, it wasn’t easy!
I kept looking for answers while pushing myself physically and mentally from the deep jungle of Papua to the highest peaks of the Himalayas and even the plains of Africa. I was trying to discover my passions and my purpose. And I put a lot of pressure on myself to find it… I was looking for the answer outside until the day I realized I had to dig inside.
In the meantime, I learned valuable skills and knowledge working abroad as a project manager, survival training instructor, first aid instructor, communication manager, general consultant, and volunteering in humanitarian projects in extremely remote areas and natural disaster areas.
My life changed forever after a near-death experience in a double natural disaster that destroyed the city of Palu (Sulawesi, Indonesia) in 2018. I was still alive amongst thousands of people who violently perished. It was a traumatic experience but the start of a new life. That day, I promised myself: “To live every single day of my life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same.”
The world needs people who want to make a difference, who are ready to do what it takes to bring their life to the next level and increase the value of their impact. We need more good leaders. People who understand that it is not about them, those who did the work and who are ready to be the light for others. People who decide to show up as their best selves and inspire others to do the same.
I am still living a nomadic lifestyle and traveling the world with my wife. As a high-performance coach, I am on a mission to help others reach their full potential, live their very best life, and bring their unique gift out to the world.
Through coaching, speaking and writing, I want to transform the lives of 40.000 people (10 times the amount of victims of the double natural disaster I survived). I hope you will be one of them.
“I got a second chance in life, not everybody will. I’m here to support you to not waste your first.”
More about me:
- I had dreadlocks before I joined the military (I was emotional the day I cut them).
- I am a nomad, I feel home everywhere (especially in tropical paradise).
- I made wooden jewelry for my wife (even our engagement ring!).
- I am a pretty good cook (and my wife is grateful for it!).
- I studied piano for 7 years in a music academy (I hated it for the first 5!)
- I created a survival training for kids when I was living in Costa Rica.
- I played drum and recorded an album with my band when I was younger.
- I hunted crocodiles with a tribe in Papua New Guinea (not for the faint-hearted).
- I was a scout leaders for years.
- I do all kind of extreme sports but I get sick in attraction park (go figure…).
- I sucked in language classes during High School. Now on top of French, I speak English, Spanish, Indonesian, and I understand a bit of Frisian, Dutch and Nepali.
- I am impatient but I am working on it (I just wished it went faster!).
- I started building a house with my own hands in Nepal, but left because of covid and the monsoon destroyed all my hard work.
- I love kids but I will probably never have my own due to unexplained infertility (and that hurts everyday).
- I am not a social media guy (I barely know how to use Instagram, let alone TikTok).
- We didn’t have a TV at home when I was a kid, I spent most of my time playing in the woods.
- If I could be a movie character I would be Indiana Jones.
- I married an amazing woman; Rianna Hijlkema.
(PS: Now you know about me! I can’t wait to learn to know more about you!)
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