After a career in logistics, Femke Lucassen launched her own company, Focus Support, at the end of 2021. Her aim was to help organisations translate data into valuable insights and structure processes with Power BI. She wanted to find more balance between work and private life, but the steps as an entrepreneur were exciting and challenging. That’s why Femke decided to embark on a coaching programme with Brilliant Work, which gave her business and self-confidence an enormous boost.
The step towards Focus Support
‘I was looking for a way to combine my passion for data analysis and structure with a flexible lifestyle. When I came across a subsidised Power BI training on Facebook, I seized the opportunity straight away’, Femke says enthusiastically.
She now works two days a week as a data analyst, translating data into insights that truly make an impact for clients. “It’s a dynamic role where I can genuinely make a difference for clients,” she adds.
The search for structure and direction
Even so, Femke felt more was needed. “I found the acquisition part tough, and for a moment, I even doubted whether to go back to paid employment. After a workshop by Brilliant Work at VONK in Wijchen, Femke signed up for coaching with Brilliant Work. “I knew I didn’t have a precisely defined question, but I needed direction and guidance to strengthen my company,” she explains. “The fact that I could use a subsidy of €1,000 for the coaching programme made the step even easier. And the ability to work with multiple coaches was ideal. I knew that someone from the team of coaches would always have the expertise that matched my questions.”
“Now I can articulate what I do more clearly, and that brings so much peace of mind and self-confidence.”
Femke describes her programme at Brilliant Work as an educational and inspiring time, during which not only her company grew, but she did too. “My coach, Ivar, asked sharp questions and challenged me to clarify my own offering and business structure. I don’t want to do hard sales, and he helped me with that too: selling in a way that suits me and going to networking events without fear of inhibition. Now I can articulate what I do more clearly, and that brings so much peace of mind and self-confidence.”
That genuine support gave Femke the push to present her company and ideas with full confidence. “And then people around me started encouraging me: ‘What you do in Trello is valuable, others can really benefit from your structure solutions,'” she says, smiling. A new offering emerged, and the website was revamped; the circle was complete.
From sales to presentations
The coaching programme also provided Femke with practical insights that help her daily, such as Ivar’s tip to invoice upfront. “That might sound simple, but it was really a hurdle for me to implement it. It turns out to work perfectly, and that makes my cashflow much more stable.”
Since the programme, Femke is full of confidence and now even handles presentations, something her clients receive with great enthusiasm. “I never thought I’d enjoy standing in front of a group so much for a presentation about a Power BI report or explaining how Trello makes their work easier.”
Future Plans and Advice for Other Entrepreneurs
As for the future, Femke has a clear vision: “My focus is on work that’s balanced with my family life. Early next year, I’ll expand my offerings with video training and live training days focusing on Trello. I’ll also continue to automate wherever possible to maintain a stable cashflow.”
She advises other entrepreneurs considering a coaching programme to think carefully about their goals and challenges. “Consider what you want to achieve with a coaching programme, but also be open to new insights. Sometimes you only discover what you truly need along the way. A good connection with your coach really makes all the difference. Ivar helped me strengthen my company and my self-confidence, and I’d wish that for anyone looking to move forward.”
Do you also want to take concrete steps with your company? Then contact Brilliant Work and enquire about the possibilities. It’s often even possible to undertake a coaching programme with the help of subsidies.
