Listen Consulting: A new beginning

Written by Susan Braakman

November 16, 2025

On April 15th, 2025, I launched Listen Mediaton, a business formed by my drive for listening, connection, and helping people move forward.

Listen Mediation is dedicated to my father, and on his birthday I launched the business.

I felt that I took the right step with starting Listen Mediation. But something inside me said that this wasn’t it completely. After lots of conversations with myself, others and a bit more with myself, I realised I want more than fighting fires. More than facilitating conversations.

I want people to listen to each other better. Everyone. Neighbours, teachers, students, kids, parents, governments, healthcare institutions, politics and world leaders. And I want to spread the word around this, plant the seed and create awareness, and with that, urge people to shift from responding to listening.

I firmly believe that when people listen with attention and intention, there will be less conflicts. This can only be established when people talk to each other in an open way, without judgments, and with the aim to listen, understand, and see the other.

Just like my dad used to do.

He’s no longer here, but his influence runs through everything I do. When I was little, he would always take the time to talk, and, more importantly, to listen to my endless stories. He was patient, grounded, kind, and never quick to judge. His sense of humor brought warmth and lightness, even in difficult times.

That way of being; calm, open, and deeply human, is something I aim to carry with me, both in my work and my life.

So, what is Listen Consulting?

Listen Consulting gives all people, including leaders and business owners the opportunity to know more about the most underrated leadershipskill: Listening.

I developed an e-learning program for leaders who like to learn in their own time, tailored teamworkshops and 1:1 coaching.

Besides, I share my story in keynotes, podcasts, articles and I will be writing a book.

I am trained as a mediator, and after seeing first-hand how this work can truly help people reconnect and move forward, I felt ready. After lots of thinking (I live in my head quite a bit!), I took the leap. Together with my colleague Gina, who brought the brand to life in such a magical way; Listen Mediation, and now Listen Consulting, became reality. I’m also grateful to my employer, Seuss+, for encouraging exploration and allowing space to pursue other opportunities besides they daily job.

What matters most to me?
We hear (in my opinion) too often that people don’t feel heard. We see it in the news, people choose for violence in stead of listening. World leaders hardly listen, they speak and transmit their opinions (not all of them, I don’t want to generalise). We live in a time with a lot of outside pressure, like the socials, the news, employers, the system. And this system is not made to have time for each other, it’s made to offer solutions. And usually, people don’t want solutions, they just want to be heard.

If you’ve never worked with me before
You will get to know me as someone who will ask sharp questions, communicates clearly, with a touch of humour where appropriate. I want to accomplish my mission and share my story everywhere. In my e-learnings, podcasts, webinars and my very own book.

And here’s to my dad — who, by simply being himself, continues to inspire me every step of the way.

Curious to learn more or work together?

Visit www.listenconsulting.nl to explore my services or book a session.

“He taught me to listen, and that became my life’s work.

(A tribute to my father, and the start of Listen Mediation and Listen Consulting)

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