Breda, Netherlands (September 4, 2025)
In coming to the Netherlands, I find it’s important to get beyond Amsterdam, so when Radha Krishnaswamy invited Violet and me to join her in this side quest, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, Violet was not feeling well and hung back for this part of the journey.
Radha Krishnaswamy and Bill Carmody walking in a forest in Breda
The town of Breda is lovely and feels representative of what you might anticipate outside of a major city like Amsterdam. Radha and I had a nice long hike of just over 5 miles as we chatted and walked through the forest together.
One thing that I’m finding to be fairly constant with the powerful coaches that I spend quality time with during my world tour is this deep desire to share the gift of coaching with the world while simultaneously resisting the business building aspects of having a thriving coaching business. Radha and I explored this idea at some length together.
Despite having so much to offer, we’ve both noticed the resistance of coaches to “own their awesome.” That is, many tend to be humble at precisely the wrong moments where humility simply doesn’t serve.
Or, as Fats Domino used to say, “It ain’t bragging if you can do it.” Having each of us step into our power and unique abilities as coaches is truly what our clients need from us — especially when just getting to know who we are and how we can help our niche.
And, of course, gelato helps when having important conversations
Another thing Radha and I agree on is the role great food plays in these discussions. Radha is an excellent cook and I so enjoyed having a vegetarian home cooked Indian meal together. I was so happy to enjoy this food with her and her husband that I totally forgot to take any pictures of this feast. Seperate flavorful dishes of eggplant, cauliflower, rice, yogurt and fresh naan bread.
And I loved seeing Radha’s post on Linkedin. Specifically, her three important insights she shares in her post:
1) Give yourself permission to ask : The worst outcome is a 'no,' but the best could change your perspective forever.
2) Follow your intuition : That quiet nudge is often pointing you toward growth.
3) Make space for being, not just doing : The most meaningful connections aren’t about performance; they’re about presence.
All important insights and takeaways. Another wonderful day in the Netherlands and the best way I could imagine to wrap up my time here before heading to Paris and our next adventure.
And it never hurts to capture a beautiful sunset on your way back to your hotel:
Amsterdam at sunset on my lovely walk back to my hotel
