Me & my why

"When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change."
Max Planck

I am Anna-Lena. My passion is to forge connections; I like to look at the bigger picture and the deeper meaning, build bridges between people with different perspectives to contribute to mutual understanding and facilitate cooperation for positive change. I believe that this is best possible when we are connected to ourselves first, so we can show up authentically, be who we are meant to be and then connect with others and see them in their uniqueness.

Originally from Germany, I live in Brussels, Belgium with my family and have been working in the EU context for more than a decade in European higher education and research policy and cooperation. My focus there is on helping to improve higher education systems and political framework conditions, and to foster transnational cooperation through futures thinking, foresight and advocacy.

Over the years I came to learn that real change starts with small systems, people, and that each of us individually has an enormous power to transform things from within, and first and foremost be the leader of our own change. This works not by pushing against ourselves and others or trying to control things. It rather means becoming who we are already deep inside, listening to our inner voice and "letting life talk to us" (Alan Seale). This way we can recognise the potential in ourselves and the situation even if external conditions may be very challenging.

Therefore, next to continuing my career in European cooperation, I am following my mission to inspire others, especially women, to transform things from within and support them in their professional and personal development through coaching.

My story behind my work as self-leadership coach for women

I created Co-Insight Coaching, because I believe that we all have the resources we need inside us, but we may need someone helping us to access them, to connect with our whole selves and integrate our different parts (head, heart and belly - rationality, intuition and emotions) to take better decisions and live life to the fullest, growing through the ups and downs.

I have personally experienced the power of coaching at different stages in my professional life. It helped me when I was confronted with exhaustion, overwhelm, self-doubt, anxiety and feeling stuck. It enabled me to change my perspective, ease with uncertainty, access my resources and step by step, little by little get out of the crisis. I would have never believed before what has become possible afterwards. Then a few years later, when I felt stuck again, coaching helped me to truly change my life from the inside out and re-connect with my purpose. Since then I am on my way continuing to learn and staying curious.

Today, I am supporting others on their journey. I work especially with women in the "rush hour" of life to help them find purpose and balance in what they do and the courage to bring their gifts to the world.

Why I do this?

💎 Because I myself deeply struggled at some point on my professional path but got support which changed my life.
💎 Because from the context in which I grew up, I know many women who could not do what they would have loved to do.
💎 Because, today, I see too many women are struggling with combining everything and fitting in…
💎 Because we need them too, with their talents, their wisdom and their way of doing things..
💎 Because we need to change things together and make it better for everyone and...
💎 Because today, we have the chance to do that, as things are breaking open…

If this resonates with you and you would like to know how I can support you, have a look at my coaching services and send me a message to anna@co-insight-coaching.com or book a free 20-minutes matching call with me.

I believe in you and your ability to grow!

Anna-Lena

My background

Higher education

Advanced Master in European Political and Administrative Studies, College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium (2009/2010)
Master in Communication Science, Political Science and Philosophy, University of Münster, Germany (2003-2009)
Study abroad certificate, Institute of Political Sciences (IEP/Science Po), Bordeaux, France (2005/2006)

Professional experience

Founder and Coach, Co-Insight Coaching, Brussels, part-time (since April 2023)
Deputy Director for Policy Coordination and Foresight, European University Association (EUA), Brussels, part-time (since March 2022)
Policy Coordinator, Secretary General's Office, EUA (2017-2022)
Policy Analyst & Project Manager, Unit for Governance, Funding and Public Policy Development, EUA (2015-2016)
Project Officer, Unit for Governance, Autonomy and Funding, EUA (2011-2014)
Trainee and then interim Policy Officer, Directorate General for Education and Culture, European Commission, Brussels (2010-2011)

Coaching qualifications