What began as my first project for an international client progressed into a journey that crossed borders, industries, and languages.

 

At the age of 29, after more than a decade of working in HR in the Netherlands, I experienced burnout. It did not feel like a gift at the time, but it became one. Healing required me to look inward, undertake training, and discover where motivation, positivity, and inspiration truly come from.

Without that turning point, my company, Human in Progress, would never have existed. I remember waking up one morning simply knowing the name. I did not have a business plan, but there was that inner knowing. Human in Progress is rooted in the belief that we are here to continue learning, changing, and progressing throughout our lives. In 2009, that belief became the foundation of my entrepreneurial path and the company I still lead today.

Little did I know that just a year later in 2010, after a memorable roadtrip I made with my dad to the US, I would transform my offerings by delivering HR services in English instead of Dutch. This travel experience also opened my eyes to the global potential of my work and motivated me to connect with people worldwide.

During that same journey, I began writing articles in English as well, and sharing my own inspirational quotes: short reflections on life and that have since become a recurring part of my work and personal philosophy.

 

My name is Marieke Agatha Stoop. I have dedicated my career to supporting entrepreneurs and professionals to lead with passion and build compliant organisations through practical employment, Works Council and EU frameworks.

 

Over the past 17 years, I have had the privilege of designing tailored HR governance solutions for a diverse range of clients, from ambitious startups to established mid-size businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

I have also trained countless entrepreneurs, executives, Works Councils and HR professionals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead with confidence and create impactful change within their organisations.

My first book How To Market Yourself Online was launched in 2015, as a result of writing powerful LinkedIn profiles and resumes for CEOs, directors, managers and young professionals.

Human Resources does not have to be complicated. That is why I created a series of free HR ebooks filled with practical strategies designed specifically for HR professionals, CEOs, and Works Councils. These guides cut through the noise and give you the tools you need to make an immediate impact.

With years of experience, I have authored books, hundreds of inspirational quotes and articles covering Entrepreneur & Leadership, Health & Mindset and Wealth & Investment strategies.

It is needless to say that writing and sharing knowledge is my passion.