Cindy van de Kreke-Freens

Cindy van de Kreke-Freens

Location: Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates

Biography

Cindy is a seasoned executive coach, consultant, and leadership specialist with over 28 years of experience across hospitality, financial services, sports, and semi-government sectors. For the past 15 years, she has focused on executive and team coaching, relationship coaching, leadership development, personal and professional growth, organizational development, and change management consultancy. Additionally, for the last five years, she has been training aspiring coaches at the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), further expanding her impact in the coaching field.

Cindy believes that people have the ability to create better realities for themselves and those around them. Having moved frequently as a child due to her father’s naval career, she developed a strong interest in forming meaningful connections, building trust, and fostering relationships quickly—an essential skill that shaped her personal and professional journey. She brings this deep understanding to her coaching, cultivating an open, authentic, and results-driven environment. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, non-judgment, accountability, and partnership to drive sustainable impact for individuals and organizations alike.

A proud UAE citizen, Cindy has lived and worked in the MENA region for 18 years, developing a strong connection to its culture and business landscape. Outside of work, she is a dedicated partner, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She maintains an active lifestyle as a committed meditator, sports enthusiast, and avid reader. Passionate about exploration, she embraces travel as a means of continuous learning and discovery. Whether in coaching, consulting, or personal pursuits, Cindy remains dedicated to fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful transformation.

Niche Areas of Expertise

  • Career Development
  • Change Management
  • Organizational Development
  • Team Effectiveness
  • C-Suite
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Executive Presence

Industry Experience

  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

Languages

  • English
  • Dutch

Education

  • Stenden University - BA, Hotel Management
  • Heriot-Watt University - MS, Business Strategy, Leadership & Change

Certifications

  • ICF - PCC
  • Co-Active Training Institute
  • Leadership Circle Profile
  • Team Coaching International's Diagnostic Tools, Brain by Design, ORSC (CRR Global; took the five courses), Positive Intelligence (free programme during Covid), CTI Leadership (10 month programme), CTI Executive Coaching

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