Our Story
In 2020, a group of professionals came together with a shared vision aiming to create a consultancy that embodies the values of empathy, support and collaboration in fostering relationship-centred approaches.
We aimed to deliver a different kind of consulting experience that supports business goals while facilitating organisations in building meaningful workplace connections and making a positive impact in the world.
Right from the start, we built our office on the idea of being right there beside our clients. We’re all about providing guidance, sharing our know-how, and offering non-stop support at each step of the way. What’s important to us is focusing on building relationships and fostering psychological safety in everything we do. We’re convinced that by working together with empathy and understanding, we can hit some really meaningful milestones and help create a better future for everyone.
Today, Beside stands as a shining example of what we can achieve when we support each other, keeping the Beside framework in mind. Get in touch if you’re looking for a different kind of experience, one that focuses on psychological precision, relationship-oriented approaches, support, and a sense of community.
Vision
Our vision is to be a trusted partner and leader in the field of trauma-informed care consulting. We strive to promote inclusion and belonging across all industries and sectors by providing innovative solutions, thought leadership, and best practices.
Mission
Our mission is to help organizations create and maintain diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. We believe everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and resources, and we’re committed to working alongside our clients to create positive change.
Values
We are guided by the following core values in all of our work.
Our goal is to support organizations in creating more inclusive, fair, and safer workplaces where everyone can thrive. Including psychological safety is key to this, ensuring that everyone feels secure enough to be themselves, share ideas, and speak up without fear of judgment or repercussion.
Our Team
Esther van der Sande
Founder and CEO
For over 20 years, Esther van der Sande has helped organisations and individuals to address change and psychological challenges.
She is a consultant, trainer and trauma therapist who worked for more than a decade as a corporate executive before establishing various private businesses, such as Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Australia and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in the Netherlands.
Esther brings a more holistic approach to the mental well-being of employees within organisations. Her mission is to raise awareness of emotional diversity and to help organisations build an emotionally sensitive culture that nurtures psychological safety. This environment empowers employees, enabling them to feel secure and supported, ready to embrace change.
Cristina Majo
Program Advisor
Cristina Majo is a consultant and trainer with expertise in critical thinking, active listening and project management. She is a trauma specialist who has lived and worked with war-affected communities and disadvantaged youth. She has also provided staff care support to international humanitarian and governmental organisations in East Africa, Central Asia and Western Europe.
Cristina’s dedication to mental well-being extends to seamlessly integrating trauma-informed movement into organisational cultures. As a consultant, she promotes the awareness of emotional diversity, empowering employees to embrace change, build resilience and deliver optimal performance.