Hi, my name is Marie Claire.
Executive Transition Coach and Leadership Consultant passionate about cultivating connected leaders and transforming organizations.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, my roots were colored with cultural variety from the very beginning. As the daughter of an adventurous, entrepreneurial father who built multiple businesses abroad and a strong, compassionate mother I was raised with insights into the inner workings of business and found ways to connect with all kinds of people across complex contexts. The environment in which I came to be - planted the seeds for my life philosophy: to create a world in which we listen, embrace perspectives, weave solutions, transform ourselves and connect with others to pave the way, through collaborative efforts, towards success. There isn’t one way to roam, and I have found there to be no greater joy than the process of discovery and learning.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

Having worked as a specialist, generalist, and in executive HR roles, I started my international career journey in the Oil and Gas industry at Shell. Thereafter, I worked in Fast Moving Consumer Goods at Coca-Cola and, later Arabic conglomerates. Throughout my career, I witnessed unconscious bias and behaviors in action. These became some of my driving forces to seek beyond the norms and foster open-minded environments and diversity within organizations, implementing talent interventions, and in turn, creating space for all talent to thrive.
Exposure to new cultures, traditions, and contexts showed me the importance and power of choice, diversity, integrity, adaptability, and connection. The core values that continually guide and empower me to reinvent myself, the future and the life I want.
After 30 years in business across Europe, Africa, The Middle East, and Asia, I chose to start my own company: Shift. Through my firm, I apply those same values to my executive clients, collaborating with them to make deep transformative changes within themselves and their organizations in the context of transitions. Additionally, I am trained as a behavioral master coach.
I currently reside in the French countryside together with my husband and split my time between the Netherlands and France. When I’m not busy building bridges and catalyzing meaningful conversations you’ll find me working in the garden, visiting the latest art exhibition, or reading a great book.

My life philosophy
I believe that we are called to embody the change we wish to witness in the world. True transformation starts within ourselves. We take responsibility for our actions, thoughts, and choices. By cultivating virtues such as kindness, compassion, and integrity, we become beacons of inspiration and catalysts for positive change.
At the core of this philosophy lies the power of connections. We value the diverse perspectives and experiences of others, seeking to understand and empathize. Through active listening, we forge deep connections, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity. We believe that by building bridges and nurturing relationships, we can create a harmonious and inclusive world.
We embrace the boundless possibilities that life offers. We approach challenges with an open mind and a resilient spirit, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning. Through our actions and choices, we strive to make a positive impact, inspiring others to do the same and collectively co-creating a world filled with compassion, understanding, and boundless potential.

We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.