About

Why I Focus on Middle Leadership

With a background in Communications and NeuroLeadership Coaching, and over 12 years of experience working closely with managers and teams, I developed a strong interest in the human side of performance. I have seen how middle managers carry immense responsibility — and how often they are expected to lead without being fully equipped to do so.

My strength lies in building relationships based on trust, openness, and honest reflection. I combine practical business insight with neuroscience-based leadership development to help managers grow into people-first leaders who strengthen collaboration and alignment.

In my work, I continuously challenge myself with one question:
How can I help leaders create environments where both performance and people thrive?

My work focuses on helping middle managers:

  • Understand how people truly operate under stress and uncertainty
  • Develop people-first leadership habits
  • Build trust and collaboration across functions
  • Lead with influence rather than authority

My approach integrates neuroscience, behavioral science, and practical organizational experience to create leadership development that is grounded, applicable, and measurable.

This is not theory-heavy training.
It is behavior-focused development designed to create visible shifts in how managers operate.

Ana-Maria Thijssen
Ana-Maria Thijssen

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