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Where it all started...

Without knowing each other, Loic, Sean and Ruan travelled to Portugal during the pandemic. Being drawn by the freedom of working remotely and the breath taking nature of Portugal their mutual interests brought them together. With the intention to combine physical, mental, and intellectual activities to help others to find and optimal work/life/purpose balance they started working on an idea that empowers people to become the best versions of themselves.

Having quite some experience in working for cooperates, and a lot of own-life adventures to inspire others, the team was slightly muscular and inexperienced in the field of work they were aiming for.Recalling an inspiring personal development coach who Ruan met during his own development program as a banker, he approached Saskia.

Although she and her family were sailing the world at that moment, the request came at a perfect timing.

Saskia had just intended to add the adventurous layer to her professional career in order to inspire others and experience more adventure for het own.

The team worked on a balanced approach the encapsulate four main pillars; mental health, physical health, relationships and professional career. With a clear overview of these pillars they designed a program that uses exercises to bring awareness and tools to work on each separate field.

Merkana provides our participants with opportunities to recharge their body, mind, and soul with positive energy and reconnect with themselves. We started with a solid foundation, and have only improved our offerings. We are confident that our picturesque locations, first-class hosts, and committed community will inspire a life-changing experience.

Our Team

We work with a range of professionals and activity leaders to give the best expertise and experience  before and during the activities. 

Testimonials

“From Frisse Blikken I know Saskia as a professional coach, trainer and sparring partner, with strong observation skills, broad expertise and above all as very pleasant to work with. With the substantive expertise that she brings in from different angles, she makes a strong and valuable contribution to the design of our development programs as a collaboration partner. As a coach and trainer of the participants, she is able to build a professional and warm relationship in a short period of time, to stimulate and challenge the professionals and to ensure that the program remains in line with their work practice as closely as possible. I think it’s a pleasure to work with her!”

Madelon Gijzel

Madelon Gijzel

Senior Project Manager at Frisse Blikken

“Saskia is a committed and passionate team and organizational coach. She helped us to take a closer look at our internal processes and the needs of our employees. During the team days she was empathetic and sharp. This ensured that the content of the conversation was well conducted. If your organization is ready for such a process, we can wholeheartedly recommend Saskia.”

Benjamin Wesselink

Benjamin Wesselink

Director of Wesselink Bouw en Insulation BV

“Saskia has helped me tremendously over the past 2 years by knowing how to ask the right questions at the right time. During her coaching, she always knows how to look at situations from a different angle in a very practical, accessible and applicable way that benefits you immediately!”

Koen Vogels

Koen Vogels

Financial Risk Manager at Knab

“I appreciate Saskia that she makes you think, stimulates and challenges you based on trust. And she teaches you that anything is possible. Saskia experiments with different forms of coaching, some outside my comfort zone. She has a good sense of what I need at what time. This has given me new insights into myself and I can talk about it more easily.”

Lotte Jongstra

Lotte Jongstra

Advisor sustainability policy at ASN Bank

“I got to know Saskia as a committed coach. She helped me for a year and a half to look at my strengths and areas for development from a different angle. This leads to personal insights that help me move forward. She makes very professional use of different techniques and exercises, but always combined with her sharp eye and personal approach. I can definitely recommend working with Saskia.”

Bart Cuijpers

Bart Cuijpers

Risk Manager at de Volksbank

“In 2018 I participated in a two-year personal development program of Frisse Blikken. Intensive coaching by Saskia was part of that. Saskia has a lot of knowledge and experience with coaching. She ensures a good alternation between theory and practice and holds up a mirror to you. Saskia creates the right atmosphere in an authentic and casual way to open up and get the most out of the sessions. As a result, I got to know a whole new side of myself!”

Martin Pott

Martin Pott

Financial advisor at Pott Assurantiën

“I was lucky that Saskia was my coach for two years during my traineeship at De Volksbank. Saskia is a coach who ‘looks through you’. She has a good sense of things and keeps asking questions until the core is clear.”

Berend Dumas

Berend Dumas

Data Scientist at Data Science Lab

“As a coach and trainer, Saskia brings energy, challenge and new insights in the context of personal development and group training. Because she has a clear view of what your personal development needs are and has extensive knowledge of various coaching and training methods, she can help you or your group taking steps in a way that suits you / you. And in addition, she is simply an open, accessible and pleasant person.”

Joris van Erp

Joris van Erp

Sustainability Risk Manager at de Volksbank
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