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Every time I meet with Catarina Jessica, I feel heard, understood and also given the space to be myself, in my truest form, especially in vulnerability. 

It's always so enlightening to have someone decipher so many conflicting ideas in one's heart and mind, and simplify the confusion, enabling me to have a clear sense of direction and confidence. She's been my go-to for everything and anything! 
My only wish is having met her sooner in my life! ❤

Felix Godlo - South Africa

Senior Business Developer and Survivor South Africa contestant

About Me.

Author, Coach & Learning Strategist

Catarina Jessica Matthysen is a writer, speaker, coach, and learning strategist with a passion for uncovering the hidden layers of human experience—whether through education, psychology, or personal exploration. With over two decades of experience in corporate learning and development, she has built a career at the intersection of business, behavioural science, and storytelling. A former product manager and customer success leader, she has worked with global enterprises, helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential through strategic learning and coaching.

Beyond the corporate world, Catarina is a keen observer of human nature, driven by an insatiable curiosity about identity, relationships, and personal transformation. Her writing delves into the complexities of self-discovery, sensuality, and the intricate dance between knowledge and freedom. She explores what it means to step beyond societal expectations and reclaim one’s true self.

Her own journey—from navigating imposter syndrome and perfectionism to embracing creativity and autonomy—mirrors the themes of her work. A lifelong learner, she holds a degree in Psychology and Anthropology (Cum Laude) and multiple certifications in coaching, leadership, and trauma-informed practice. When she’s not writing or coaching, you’ll find her immersed in poetry, dancing, or exploring the world through a lens of curiosity.

Through her work, she invites readers to embrace their contradictions, challenge their own narratives, and step into the fullness of their own power—one courageous choice at a time.

Education

2010-2015

BA Degree
UNISA

A background in psychology and anthropology equips me with deep insight into human behaviour, identity, and cultural conditioning—key to guiding transformative personal growth. My expertise in communication science enhances her ability to connect, listen, and articulate complex emotions, while education and religious studies provide a holistic, ethical, and inclusive approach to coaching. This unique blend allows me to help clients break limiting patterns, build self-awareness, and navigate change with clarity and confidence

Certifications

2017-2025

  • ICF ACC Coaching accreditation - in progress. 

  • Professional Coaching-For VUCA World - Coach2Reach, March 2025

  • Certified Wellness & Empowerment Coach (CWEC) - Coach2Reach, March 2025

  • Certified Emotional Intelligence in Leadership (CEIL) - Coach2Reach, March 2025

  • Certified Associate & Executive Coach (CAEC) - Coach2Reach, March 2025

  • Leadership Coaching in the global enterprise experience. Wellington University Professional - August 2024

  • Marie Forleo B- School - March 2024

  • Opportunity Marketplace Micro-certification - Cornerstone OnDemand, Aug 2023

  • Agile practices for Tech leaders – Skillsoft, January 2024

  • Trauma-Informed Coach - The Centre for Healing, Aug 2023

  •  LXP Learning & Skilling Essentials Micro-certification -

  • Cornerstone OnDemand, Aug 2023

  • Leader as Coach – Thinking Partners, Jul 2023

  • Shadows of Medellín: High-stakes leadership in action - InsideRisk, Apr 2022

  • Mistress Jaiya's Erotic Blueprints - 2022

  • Mama Gena's School of womanly Arts - GPS - 2022 Cohort

  • Legitimate Leadership – Alex Forbes Academy, May 2021

  • Teacher Of English To Speakers Of Other Languages (TEFL) i-to-i TEFL, Apr 2020

  • Neuroscience for Parents - Udemy, Jan 2019

  • Relationship Building - Degreed, Jan 2018

  • UX Design for Humanity – Udemy, Jul 2017

  • Gamification: Motivation psychology and the art of engagement – Udemy, Sep 2017

  • Customer Success Manager 101 - Udemy, Nov 2017

  • Fundamentals of Project Management - University of Virginia Darden School of Business, 2016

Contributions

Future CEOs – Your Employees Aren’t Facebooking, They’re LearningCliff Central Radio
00:00 / 01:04

LeaderEx is Africa's largest gathering of business leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs.

I was invited to speak on the subject of Lifelong learning in 2018. 

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SKills Exodus
FinWeek
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You lifestyle on Persona Finance Tips

A "Soundbite" contribution to the YOU magazine in South Africa. a very large and popular publication

The launch of Tech Talks
MC for Tech Talk Event

First event as Chairman of the Junior Board

Speaker at Customer360 expo
Young talent Forum - Maps Maponyane
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