Real success, rooted in reality.

The thinking partner for professionals who want to flourish in real life while staying true to themselves.

 

I use deep listening, strategic questions, and grounded challenges to co‑create a reflective space where insights surface naturally.

Because these insights align with your context and core values, they generate self‑sustaining change that delivers lasting results long after the sessions end.

I’m Peter van Esse

Portrait of a smiling man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a blue shirt, outdoors in front of a greenhouse.

My core values are authenticity, growth and gratitude. I strive to live in a way that deeply embodies these values, pursuing knowledge, truth and wisdom while remaining open-minded, positive and responsible.

As a thinking partner, I approach challenges holistically, uncovering connections and patterns that reframe complexity and illuminate workable paths forward.

I consciously cultivate qualities like courage, honesty and adaptability to realise meaningful results.

Above all, I embrace the personal growth that each step of this journey brings.

  • Nathan Pumplin — CEO, Norfolk Healthy Produce

    “Peter is an excellent executive coach, and I highly recommend working with him.

    His mix of open, insightful questions and deep, accessible knowledge of leadership frameworks has been instrumental in my own development and success.

    He helps shed light on blind spots and create coherent meaning from my busy executive schedule.

    I come away from every meeting with Peter feeling prepared, confident and motivated to lead at my best.“

  • Chelly Hresko — Global Portfolio Lead on Disease Management of Row Crops, Bayer

    "I collaborated with Peter when he was vice-president at the 2Blades Foundation.

    I admit, I was skeptical he could be an effective executive coach because of the passion and strong opinions I saw when we collaborated on science.

    But he surprised me. He heard me and asked probing and sometimes difficult questions that made me think in new ways.

    He combined the questioning with unique suggestions and reading material to augment our conversations.

    I looked forward to our sessions and highly recommend Peter as a coach."

  • Josiah Mutuku — Group Leader, 2Blades

    "Peter’s mix of real-life experience truly distinguishes him, and I have found the experience of being coached by him extremely positive.

    Peter helped me identify, frame, and clarify key team development goals while also offering practical tools, techniques and suggestions to achieve them.

    For example, Peter helped me transition into thinking more deeply about blind spots that I might underinvest my focus on, and the value of maintaining focus to empower, develop and challenge my team, as I manage my time better.

    His systematic approach, and his open, insightful questions ensured that all my actions and decisions drive to success on both a professional and personal level."

  • Hannah Pickering — Project Manager, Norfolk County Council

    "Peter helped me gain a refreshing perspective following challenges in a new policy role which required heighted navigation of people, processes and politics!

    I really appreciated Peter’s analytical yet creative style, which provided me with an excellent balance of reflective support, theory and challenge.

    My leadership toolbox is a lot fuller after being coached by Peter and I have a much stronger sense of how to utilise the strengths of my authentic self.”

  • Giacomo Bastianelli — Executive and Entrepreneur in Life Sciences

    “I’ve known Peter since his time leading plant science research, and his transition into coaching has been nothing short of inspiring.

    His ability to challenge my belief system, ask thought-provoking questions, and provide fresh perspectives has been transformative.

    Peter’s input has not only enhanced my leadership but also helped me refine my professional framework.

    His guidance has been an invaluable asset to my entrepreneurial journey, shaping how I approach challenges and opportunities with clarity and confidence.”

  • Harun Murithi — Consultant Crop Health Specialist Disease & Pest Management

    “I have had the privilege of receiving pro bono career coaching from Peter, it turned out a transformative experience for me.

    When I saw his offer of pro bono mentorship sessions, I reached out for a chat, I thought it was a casual chat just to get some advice on the next steps in my career.

    It turned out not a chat but a series of thought-provoking meetings. Through these sessions Peter has brought a rare combination of empathy, clarity, and actionable insight that have changed my thought process.

    Peter is outstanding in his ability to ask the right questions, the kind that challenged my assumptions and encouraged genuine self-reflection.

    One session on defining my unique value proposition (UVP) has really been instrumental in helping focus on the values that I hold dearly in my profession.

    Despite offering these sessions on a pro bono basis, Peter’s enthusiasm and dedication is highly commendable. I appreciate his genuine provoking demenor and I look forward to next sessions.

    I highly recommend Peter to anyone seeking honest, insightful, and results-oriented mentoring and coaching.”

A wooden table with a black cup of caramel latte with latte art, two slices of cake on decorative plates, and two glasses of water.

How I work

I can meet in person, or make a digital appointment. We will always work in a setting that is inspiring and comfortable for you. I’m agile in my approach and can visit on site or agree to meet at your favourite coffee place or venue. Sessions are available in Dutch and English.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 a 𝙥𝙧𝙤 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙤 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝗻𝗼‑𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹:
Clarify the specific outcomes you want to achieve through a thinking partnership and give you a brief, experiential taste of my non‑directive, approach.

Considering a thinking partner but not sure what to expect?

Please check out the Thinking Partner Journal. Join me as I share composite stories that authentically reflect real sessions. They offer valuable insights and strategies you can apply in your own life and work. Get a genuine feel for my approach and the paradigm shifts that emerge when I explore pivotal moments together with professionals.

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