Newfield Europe – Amsterdam Training

The Newfield coaching Network, founded by Julio Olalla, is one of the world’s most respected coaching organisations. I recently returned from two days of foundation training with Newfield Europe in Amsterdam and was impressed.

Their coaching takes into account language, emotions and the body – so is more holistic than much coaching. As an example I enjoyed getting clarity about what exactly is meant by trust – sometimes an emotion, sometimes a moral judgement, sometimes a mind-body evaluation of sincerity, reliability and competence. As well as looking at the linguistic distinctions around this we also experienced trust through bodily exercises lead by Curtis Watkins, a student of my teacher Richard Strozzi Heckler. I enjoyed his work over the course and how it was combined with more traditional “teaching”. The other course leaders Dan Newby and Aboodi Shabi struck me as both highly professional and very caring, and my fellow participants were also a pleasure to be with, bringing a wealth of knowledge from various nations and areas of expertise (business, UN, dance, coaching, etc).

I also had a couple of days to explore the laid back canal culture charm of Amsterdam –thanks to locals Erik and Laura for hosting me and organising the conference respectively. I saw Van Gough’s the Sunflowers up close, got a foot massage from a nice Chinese lady (no nothing else), was embarrassed by the stoned Brits, met-up with Integral Europe leader Ewan Townhead and visited local aikido Sensei Wilko Vriesman, who’s subtle style of aikido was wonderfully different from other Aikikai schools I’ve come across. Great place.