Coaching Van

Simone Marwede's coaching van

Simone Marwede, a Sylt native, graduate psychologist and inspiration provider, creates space for new perspectives with her coaching van.

Simone Mawede Coaching Van — © Holm Löffler

Text: Julia Petersen

Simone Marwede is a native of Sylt, a certified psychologist, and a source of inspiration. Having grown up in Keitum, with the island as her lifeline, she has found her own path and balance between Sylt and Brittany in France. Two years ago, an idea was born there: a coaching space that is different. More personal, more confidential, more intimate. And with the necessary freedom that no building can offer. With direct contact to nature, and with the accompanying expansiveness that is sometimes needed. Invaluable for taking that one step forward and overcoming the limitations of the mind. That is what Simone Marwede is there for. With her keen intuition for people and their individual challenges.

This is how this unique concept around her coaching van developed. In France, during off-site meetings with friends, a conversation sparked a feeling and ultimately an idea that took root on Sylt. "'I've never told anyone this before,' a friend said to me during a spontaneous session in my van," Simone recalls. "That moment in that setting felt different from my usual indoor coaching sessions. Somehow more intimate, even more relaxed." In that moment in France, she experienced what this space could be: a small, confidential sanctuary. Today, this van is primarily located on Sylt. Lovingly furnished, with blankets, fresh flowers, warmth, and an atmosphere that immediately opens doors.

“This moment in this setting felt different than my usual indoor coaching. Somehow more intimate, even more relaxed.”

Listen, ask questions, think further

“That’s just how I’ve always been,” Simone recalls. Even as a child, she would chat with bathers on the private Friesenwall, listening to them and showing genuine interest. After completing her degree and therapeutic training, it quickly became clear to her: she didn’t just want to work therapeutically, but above all, to think in terms of solutions. For over 20 years, she has supported people with her experience from business, coaching, and working with executives and teams. And time and again, the questions are similar: Why does something feel stuck? Where is the real obstacle? What needs to change?

The issues people bring with them are diverse. "One person has achieved everything professionally and yet feels empty. Another is a good provider but finally wants to be a good father. Often it's about honesty. About what you haven't admitted to yourself for a long time. The messages are becoming more honest, I've observed that," says Simone.

A space for clarity

The coaching van, an extension of their permanent location on Friedrichstrasse in Westerland, is a special place for this. Close, but not too close. Secluded, but not isolated. A conscious break from everyday life. Surrounded by Sylt's natural beauty, the wide horizon, and the clear island air that opens both heart and mind. "Some discover it by chance: 'I saw your van, could we meet there sometime?' Others book sessions specifically or come through companies that want to provide support for their teams." Whether a single session or a longer process, what matters is not the duration, but what is allowed to emerge and grow.

Between Sylt and the world

Simone's path to success was purposeful in her own way, but without pressure; it was entirely natural. After graduating from high school on Sylt, she completed a commercial apprenticeship, followed by her first job in Hamburg, including a stint in HR at Airbus. But it quickly became clear: it was people who truly interested her. Why we are the way we are. What motivates us. This led her to Bremen after an eight-month study trip, to mentors who shaped her craft, and ultimately to many years of working with people in a wide variety of contexts. Self-employment was always a natural progression, a given.

What do you want to be awake for?

Today, Simone asks questions that are sometimes uncomfortable, but honest. Especially in a world that often feels fast-paced and unpredictable, she doesn't seek quick answers, but clarity: "What do you want to be alert to? For everything that's happening globally? Or for what's right in front of you? I constantly refocus on my 'Circle of Influence.' The sphere where we can truly make a difference. For the person closest to us. For the person directly in front of us." But of course, she also has difficult days, painful phases in her life. Moments when the state of the world weighs heavily on her. When it's not easy to remain optimistic. Then she allows herself to feel exactly that and simultaneously makes a conscious decision: less news, more presence. More focus on what makes sense. On what she can influence. Her family, with whom she commutes between Brittany and Sylt, her life, their direct interactions.

Simone describes her work as a magnifying glass for resources. The focus isn't on the problem, but on what's already there and can be strengthened. She also calls it a "contract for joy"—a conscious decision to turn to what sustains us. And perhaps that's precisely the power of this small van on Sylt: a place where you can briefly step in and out again to move forward with greater clarity.

You can find more information about Simone, her work and the coaching van here.

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