I had quite an a-typical journey. 

A journey that was characterized by challenges, difficulties, opportunities, good and lesser choices, setbacks and successes. It is a long road with a lot of curves and blind spots. A constant discovery of myself. 

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After I graduated from highschool as an assistant accountant going to college was not possible for me. I worked several jobs but something kept nagging. This wasn't it. 

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A few years later I read a book which would drastically change my life. I decided to go back to school enrolled for a bachelor in communicaton management at the EGON College in Ghent. 

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During those 3 years I took on the role as chairperson of the student council and commited to form a bridge between the educational and administrative staff on one side and the students on the other side. This would be the first time I found myself in an official hub-position. A role that is tailor-made for me and one I would find myself in time and again in the coming years.

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A series of temporary assignments follow my graduation until I finally took a chance and applied with Ghent University. That turns out to be a good choice as, after a first temporary position, I was able to move to the office of development cooperation. 

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There I discover and develop a multitude of talents and skills that I never suspected I possessed. As an international coordinator (ICOS) for a large VLIR-IUS project with Can Tho University in Vietnam I found myself in another hub-position, but this time one of considerable size. As the coordinator between all Flemish universities and the University in Vietnam I was the central contact person for all administrative, financial, logistical and operational aspects of the project. It was a very challenging, very diverse job that I absolutely loved and that I was very good at.

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A few years later I participated in exams to obtain a permanent position with the university and was offered a job as a department secretary. The ICOS position was only available with yearly contracts which led to the very difficult decision to change in to my new role which I have been occupying since. In this position I once again operate as a hub between professors, administration, students and researchers. 

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During those same years I continued to develop my inherent talents and skills as a member of various international communities. Time and again, here too, I would find myself in a hub-position. Sometimes by design, but often as a result of a natural dynamic. I developped a mentor program for new members, established editorial and communication teams, rekindled a dormant department and reformed another, operated as mentor, coach, counselor and mediator and took on various leadership positions over the span of 16+ years.

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And yet, something kept bothering me. 

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The question remained: "Would I really not be able to obtain a Master degree?"

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In 2016 I decided to get an answer to that question and enroll for the program of master in communication sciences. I combine my studies with my fulltime job and effectively become a studying professional, graduating after 5 years. 

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No sooner was that question answered as I started to get a new craving. 

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As someone who likes to take control, who has her own style and way of doing things (which had been proven to be quite successful) I wanted to take on a new challenge. 

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After 3 years of considering, discussing, checking and assessing the options I decide to share my experience and knowledge with others by means of establishing a side business. 

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Not just because I wanted to help others but also because I get a real kick from being part of someone else's succcess story. 

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This then led to the estblishment of KiConsult on one hand. A freelance consultancy business where I assist small businesses with the organisation and approach of their administration and communication needs. For this service I rely on 25+ years of experience in an international context enhance with an expertise in communication management. 

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And KiZend on the other hand. A mentoring service for anyone needing assistance in the domains of studying, carreer and selfcare. For this service I rely on 25+ years practical experience and 16+ years as a mentor and leader to various international groups of people. 

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Central to all of this is the concept "Making Choices". 

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That's where it all starts. Below you can read how I came to this concept and what my motivation is. 

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