What if everyone had a manager like Marjolein van den Bos?

7 years ago I met a woman that would later be ‘my first manager’ in a big bank. Eversince, my perspective on life started changing and I wish this for everyone that is working in a corporate/office environment. 

Why? 

Marjolein van den Bos showed me what it was like to be authentic in an environment where this is least expected.  

She looks like a Shaman in the office, she laughs like a corporate Buddha and spreads wisdom in her out-of-office message saying "I am busy doing other things I like." This, while ticking off more than enough boxes for our projects to succeed. 

Her mirror triggered me, it was intimidating. 

Until than I excelled at fitting in. After graduating with distinction, I was ready to become the best employee they ever had... "Bring it on.", I thought. 

Only Marjolein wasn't at all interested in me being 'the best employee', she was focused on me becoming an authentic humanbeing. 

And when my in-authencity (egoic behavior) started collapsing and my body started telling me I had been overachieving for years... I called in sick - not understanding what was happening. I told Marjolein I needed some time for myself. 

Marjolein congratulated me. She was the only person in that time that didn't pitty me but knew what was going on: I was becoming my authentic self. 

We are used to seeing work as a means to an end, a way to pay the rent, to have a 'career', validate ourselves... 

But oh mannnn what would it be like if you had a manager like Marjolein van den Bos 👏. (Office) Life than becomes Alive, Magical, Adventurous, more Loving and Interesting... 

Yesterday we briefly called just to check in with each other. 

Once she was my "Mirroring Manager",  today we are two human beings holding hands on our journeys in life.