Maecenas – A Metaphor For Coaching?

Patricia interviews Kees de Vries, PCC; he shares the following thoughts: when I was asked at the age of 16 what I wanted to be in later life, I answered Maecenas, the well-connected, generous and enlightened patron of the arts. Maecenas represents all that I dream to be doing in my life, which is: giving people the space and possibilities to explore, to develop and to exploit as much of their talents and gifts as they have to offer the world, and me holding them and holding them in that space, and be present. To me, this is what coaching is about.

Maecenas stands for money, opportunity and patronage put on the development of others. This also applies to me. My money and opportunities have always been in my continuous development and learning.

This eager moving ahead brought me to Supervision. Supervision is about deepening knowledge by exploring together and co-learning. It stipulates that everything is created in the moment, and in relationship. Supervision demands the art of holding, and presence with the other. Like Maecenas.

Kees de Vries is a professional coach who provides coaching, supervision and development services. Since 1989 he is self-employed, and nationally and internationally active from his home in Amsterdam. His work theme is coaching people in finding their way to durable happiness in life and work. Clients describe his coaching as intuitive and energizing. One said: Kees’ his presence facilitates the future.

Kees holds an MSc in Work and Organization Psychology. He is a Registered WandO Psychologist. He is Professional Certified Coach accredited by the International Coach Federation. As an Executive and Personal Coach, he was educated by The Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara. At the moment he takes a course in Coaching Supervision given by the Coaching Supervision Academy in London – certification due in June 2013.