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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
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ICF ACC Coaching accreditation - in progress.
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Professional Coaching-For VUCA World - Coach2Reach, March 2025
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Certified Wellness & Empowerment Coach (CWEC) - Coach2Reach, March 2025
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Certified Emotional Intelligence in Leadership (CEIL) - Coach2Reach, March 2025
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Certified Associate & Executive Coach (CAEC) - Coach2Reach, March 2025
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Leadership Coaching in the global enterprise experience. Wellington University Professional - August 2024
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Marie Forleo B- School - March 2024
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Opportunity Marketplace Micro-certification - Cornerstone OnDemand, Aug 2023
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Agile practices for Tech leaders – Skillsoft, January 2024
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Trauma-Informed Coach - The Centre for Healing, Aug 2023
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LXP Learning & Skilling Essentials Micro-certification -
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Cornerstone OnDemand, Aug 2023
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Leader as Coach – Thinking Partners, Jul 2023
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Shadows of Medellín: High-stakes leadership in action - InsideRisk, Apr 2022
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Mistress Jaiya's Erotic Blueprints - 2022
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Mama Gena's School of womanly Arts - GPS - 2022 Cohort
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Legitimate Leadership – Alex Forbes Academy, May 2021
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Teacher Of English To Speakers Of Other Languages (TEFL) i-to-i TEFL, Apr 2020
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Neuroscience for Parents - Udemy, Jan 2019
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Relationship Building - Degreed, Jan 2018
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UX Design for Humanity – Udemy, Jul 2017
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Gamification: Motivation psychology and the art of engagement – Udemy, Sep 2017
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Customer Success Manager 101 - Udemy, Nov 2017
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Fundamentals of Project Management - University of Virginia Darden School of Business, 2016
Contributions
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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![]() A "Soundbite" contribution to the YOU magazine in South Africa. a very large and popular publication | ![]() | ![]() First event as Chairman of the Junior Board |
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