About

Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands on January 6th, 1980, I am the daughter of first-generation Moroccan immigrants.

After graduating in Business Administration at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, I chose to work at the Royal Dutch Navy as a military officer where I have learned that your leadership is defined and exists by the grace of those you lead.

After taking off my uniform I worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, and I received the award Young Government Official of the Year 2007 for outstanding performance in public service. 

In 2010 I was sworn in as Member of the Dutch Parliament. After almost 6 years, I resigned and joined the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton where I gained valuable insights into American politics and the 2016 presidential election. Both my years as Dutch MP as well as one year learning about politics in the United States of America, have elevated my understanding of power and how power systems work.

My passion for Dialogue is born during my time in politics. At TEDx Amsterdam Women I shared my story and I led a successful crowd funding campaign. For years now, I have coached 600+ people and given countless trainings for Mindvalley, the School of Life and other corporations. I love being a social entrepreneur and serving people directly as a coach for individuals and trainer for teams in (Self) Dialogue.

Also I am intently motivated to back up my statements about (Self) Dialogue scientifically, by contributing to the field of sociology and psychology with my PhD research on (Self) Dialogue.

If you connect to spirituality, my name Wassila (وسيلة) was not given to me by my parents but by my mother's childless friend Aicha, who happened to be with my mother when the first labour pains started. Wassila is derived from Islam and is an Arabic word to refer to “the means” to connect with the divine. For me the divine, Allah, is one life and all that is.

Islam means surrender in peace to Allah, also known as the one and only God. It is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion centred primarily around the Qur’an, the direct word of God. As inclusive as it is, Islam confirms the teachings of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets.

As sometimes a teacher and always a student, I keep learning about and from the messenger of Islam prophet Muhammed ﷺ. His message and especially his way of life, inspire me and elevate my understanding of life and therefore bring me closer to mastery of life.

There are many heartfelt reasons for me believing in Islam's timeless message of love, mercy, peace, freedom, justice and unity. It is my source for understanding (Self) Dialogue.