We blend business & spirituality in a down-to-earth way to revolutionize how we live & lead.
Founded in 2020, we facilitate safe spaces, online & offline, to be vulnerable, and brutally honest. We dare people to dream and free themselves from what is holding them back. With humour, because that brings relief, and relief creates space for healing.
We integrate Psychology, Behavioural Sciences Physiology, Neuroscience, Buddhism, Taoism, Ayurveda, Stoicism, and Indigenous wisdom into next-level programs & retreats that have empowered 100s of founders & leaders to BE ON. PURPOSE
Resulting in incredible shifts in health, relationships, work, or life circumstances.
Now that is a ripple effect
we intend to spread.
"Our Western, scientific approach seems to have its limitations. In our modern, complex world, we can no longer rely solely on making sense of it; we must also learn to sense it" (Adam Kahane).
By blending Western scientific knowledge with ancient wisdom, we can embrace a more holistic approach that makes our tacit, intuitive wisdom accessible.
CARLIJN NELISSEN.
FOUNDER, FACILITATOR, ORG. BEHAVIOURAL & PSYCHOLOGY
Human behaviour fascinates me, which led me to pursue two Master's degrees in Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Culture & Management. I'm deeply intrigued by what makes people and teams thrive and what causes them to become stuck or decline.
As Managing Partner of Innovation Booster Greece, and through my work with over 400 teams, leaders, and founders over the past decade, I've had the opportunity to observe and experiment with what brings people to life and drives business impact. This experience has also shaped my role as a leader. Knowing something in theory or coaching others is vastly different from applying it yourself daily because, in the end, it’s about confronting yourself.
I realized I was getting in my own way whenever I acted according to what I thought I was "supposed to do." In my quest to meet the expectations of others, I unconsciously spent my life proving and pleasing. My ego craved guarantees and validation while avoiding rejection. But it was never enough—for me. I ignored my gut feelings in key decisions, leaving me feeling stuck, frustrated, and drained. This harmed my work, health, and relationships.
I’ve since learned a calmer way of being powerful—not through control, tension, or unproductive drive, but through trust and genuine connection with myself, others, and nature. I’ve come to understand how to create the right conditions for my bold, wise, kind, and authentic self to emerge, rather than allowing a fear-based ego to take the wheel.
I continually question the way I live and work, cultivating the inner space to be unapologetically myself. Part of the year I live off-grid on a small homestead, learning how to live in harmony with natural ecosystems.
My role is to challenge how we view the world, particularly regarding the emerging future of regeneration, self-organization, human leadership, and seeing people as inherently good—just sometimes stuck in an ego pattern or an old story.
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MATT NELISSEN.
ORG. ARCHITECT, WORKSHOP FACILITATOR, BREATHWORK COACH
Engineer by degree, and a learner at heart. He has guided many large companies through long-term cultural transformations, always putting the people at the heart of change. In those 40 years he experienced more & more that "it's not about changing minds, it's about changing hearts". Fascinated by why some companies are buzzing of energy & innovation, and others are filled with apathy or even toxicity. In his view, making room for passion is key.
And it's not only our environment that can limit this passion, or freedom of expression, it's also within ourselves. When breathwork crossed my path 15 years ago, it brought me greater clarity, openness, and authenticity. I’ve witnessed the profound impact it has had on me and the people I’ve guided as a Certified Breathwork Coach over the past five years. More than anything, my daily practice has made me feel more alive and free to be myself. It's been a lifetime journey from not breathing when he was born, to allowing himself to breathe, to take up space, to follow his heart.
Sports have been a lifelong passion of mine—rowing, cycling, and martial arts, to name a few. I have a particular love for team rowing. The camaraderie of training together, pushing through pain, and the sheer joy of making the boat "run" are unparalleled. The thrill and pride of a perfect race, dedicating ourselves to a common goal, self-organized and without a designated leader or coach, led us to win European senior competitions together for over 40 years.
I often wondered why work couldn't be more like that. It was a revelation when I discovered companies that operated much like these kinds of sports teams.
Later in my career, I came to understand the importance of your way of being. Everything ultimately comes down to who you are and what you truly desire deep inside. It’s about what you believe, the dream in your heart, and the doubts that make you question whether it's possible or meant for you.
He guides founders, leaders and teams of meaningful business to discover their dream, and build the organizational architecture (incl. psych. safety & trust) to develop as a leader, make it happen as a team, and grow as a company.
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BOARD OF ADVISORS.
These 4 inspiring leaders are mentoring the On Purpose Studio Team. Formally quarterly, informally by challenging us with questions and invitations for reflection, and supporting us with their knowledge, expertise and network.
