Thomas Motmans
A short glimpse into
what brought me here
My Journey
Chapter 1: Early Life and Learning New Cultures
Key Events & Transformations:
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Moved across Belgium, France, and Switzerland
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Learned new local languages with each move
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Developed resilience and social skills through overcoming exclusion
My Story:
From a young age, I was constantly adapting to new environments. Moving between Belgium, Switzerland, and France meant learning a new local language every time. These experiences sometimes brought challenges like exclusion or bullying, but they also built my resilience and sharpened my social skills. I learned how to integrate into new environments and navigate diverse social landscapes.
Chapter 2: Brazil, Chile, and Expanding Horizons
Key Events & Transformations:
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Moved to São Paulo, Brazil, for a university exchange program
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Immersed in underground culture and taught French in favelas
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Traveled through Chile without money or a phone, relying on human connection
My Story:
At 20, I moved to São Paulo, Brazil, as part of my mechanical engineering studies. This marked a pivotal chapter in my life. Immersing myself in the underground rave scene and living in Portuguese, I felt like I was stepping into an entirely new world. During this time, I also taught French to kids in a favela, which opened my mind to different realities and expanded my sense of independence and purpose.
In the same period, I spent a month traveling through Chile, hitchhiking without money or a phone. I relied entirely on the kindness of strangers for food and shelter. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about human connection, trust, and the power of letting go of control.
"I know what it’s like to achieve success yet feel a longing for more. I’ve faced the fear of leaving behind everything familiar to pursue a life of authenticity."
Thomas Motmans
Chapter 3: Into the Heart of Laos
Key Events & Transformations:
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Moved to Laos for a year, working on renewable energy projects
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Lived with locals, teaching English in exchange for food and shelter
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Gained a deep appreciation for simple living and cultural exchange
My Story:
After Brazil, I moved to Laos to work in renewable energy in a local NGO. I also adventured on my motorbike to remote villages, where I would ask the head of the village if I could stay the night in exchange for teaching English. This was a humbling experience that connected me deeply with the local way of life. I learned that joy often comes from the simplest interactions, and the power of giving and receiving without expectation.
Chapter 4: Colombia and Social Impact
Key Events & Transformations:
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Lived in Medellin, Colombia, working on rural electrification projects
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Created environmental sustainability projects in schools
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Strengthened my ability to inspire change through grassroots initiatives
My Story:
In Medellin, Colombia, I continued working in renewable energy, this time to bring electricity to rural areas. I also launched a project focused on teaching recycling and environmental sustainability in schools, with the goal of empowering children to educate their families. Living and working in Spanish, I saw firsthand how grassroots efforts could ignite real change in communities, and I felt deeply fulfilled by the impact of these initiatives.
Chapter 5: Leading Global Climate Finance Projects
Key Events & Transformations:
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Rose to a senior position at a Swiss NGO, specializing in climate finance
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Led projects in Rwanda, the Caribbean, Nigeria, and India
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Collaborated with the United Nations Environment and spoke at global conferences
My Story:
I returned to Europe and took on a senior position with a Swiss NGO specializing in climate finance. Leading projects around the world in countries and regions like the Caribbean, Rwanda, Nigeria, South Africa and India, I worked closely with organizations like the United Nations Environment to create sustainable solutions in renewable energy. I negotiated with government officials, CEOs, and interacted with rural farmers, striving to create meaningful change. Public speaking at events like COP and for organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation allowed me to share my expertise with global leaders.
"Now, I'm passionate about guiding others to go beyond the masks, embrace their true selves, and create a life that feels deeply fulfilling."
Thomas Motmans
Chapter 6: Kaleido and Personal Growth Through Conscious Events
Key Events & Transformations:
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Co-created Kaleido, a multi-day festival bridging science, arts, and spirituality
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Deepened my personal growth through conscious events like Burning Man
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Explored new forms of self-expression through dance and movement arts
My Story:
Alongside my corporate work, I co-created Kaleido, a festival that brought together scientists, artists, and spiritual leaders for deep cross-pollination across disciplines. The retreat-style gatherings helped participants explore the intersections of science, art, and spirituality. Around this time, I began attending conscious events like Burning Man, diving deeper into dance and movement arts. These experiences helped me discover new layers of authentic self-expression and personal growth.
Chapter 7: The Leap – India, Dance, and Yoga
Key Events & Transformations:
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Left my job, home, and material possessions to pursue a new path
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Completed a three-month dance and movement training in India
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Pilgrimaged through the Himalayas in Nepal, meditated with Buddhist monks, and completed a three-month traditional Hatha yoga training in India
My Story:
At 29, I undertook a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago and later that year took a major leap by leaving everything behind—my job, my home, and my material possessions—to embark on a new journey of self-discovery. I moved to India to participate in a three-month contemporary dance training, where I reconnected with my body and movement. Afterward, I spent two months hiking in the Himalayas, immersed into the vastness of the peaks and plains, breathing in the stillness and the monks’ chants.
Returning to India, I immersed myself in a rigorous three-month Hatha yoga training, involving daily asanas and meditation. This was the beginning of my spiritual practice that I since then maintain on a disciplined daily basis. During this time, I engaged in deep inner work, supported by mentors and immersive transformational trainings some of which spannned several months, profoundly shifting my perspective on life and sense of purpose.
Chapter 8: Creating Transformational Spaces
Key Events & Transformations:
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Continued a nomadic lifestyle across Bali, New Zealand, and Costa Rica
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Stepped into transformational mentorship and facilitation
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Integrated a decade of exploration into a holistic, embodied approach
My Story:
After a decade of inner exploration—from embodiment and spiritual practice to cross-cultural learning—I felt called to hold space for others. I continued a nomadic lifestyle, moving through intentional spaces aligned with inner work and creative expansion, allowing the journey to keep shaping me.
It was in this spaciousness that my work emerged: creating transformational spaces where people connect to deeper layers of their beings, expand beyond limitation, and bring their boldest visions to life. Whether through mentorship, group journeys, or immersive experiences, I walk alongside those who are ready to look inside and lead from a deeper place.
This work is driven by a deep desire to be in service of others to tap into their own power and potential.
In the meantime, my personal journey of transformation continues. My next stop late 2025 is in China, to train in a Shaolin temple for several months.
Meet Thomas.
I’ve walked the path of outer success, leading multi-million climate finance projects around the world, and felt a curiosity: is this it? Leaving behind a promising career and a comfortable Swiss life, I stepped into unknown territory for an exploration inwards.
This humbling and liberating journey opened my eyes to the vast possibilities in life, leaving me more fascinated each day by what could happen in this world if everyone aligned with their purpose and unlocked their potential.
Now, I guide leaders and visionaries who seek growth beyond conventional achievement. Those who feel something burning inside, and are longing for a way to express this into the world.
Thomas Motmans
Follow my journey
This page gave you a glimpse of my path so far. But the journey continues to unfold, and I’d love to share the reflections, insights, and moments that emerge along the way.
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