A third space, where differences become strength
When teams get stuck in tension or conflict, they often choose one of two paths: avoidance or forcing. They take detours. They avoid each other. Or they push through until there’s a ‘winner.’ Both paths lead to weaker teams.
A ‘third space’ is the place between these extremes. Here, no one needs to win or lose. Here, tension isn’t dismissed, it’s explored. Not as a problem, but as a signal that something meaningful is unfolding.
Teams and leaders who access this third space develop a kind of superpower: they navigate tough conversations without breaking. They uncover solutions no one could have imagined alone. They grow stronger through challenges, rather than being worn down by them.
A Third Space creates this space for you and with you. A place where different perspectives, motivations, and approaches can be explored openly and honestly. Where tension transforms into creativity. Where teams and leaders discover that their differences can become their greatest strength.
The result?
Teams that don’t shy away from complexity, but grow through it.
Teams that emerge stronger from every crisis.
Teams that inspire others by how they work together.
Contact us
Carianne
Vermaak
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
- Alice Walker
As a (NOBCO certified) coach and trainer, Carianne is most of all curious. This was already the case when she started her studies at the Amsterdam Theater Academy. How do we organise this chaos together? On the rehearsal floor, but also in the world? How do we enjoy working together and how do we continue to learn and grow in what we have to do with each other?
She continued her studies at the Scandinavian KaosPilots, School for Enterprising Leadership and then worked internationally on numerous innovation projects, in the corporate, cultural and education sector.
She lived in Tel Aviv for ten years, but is now happy with a base in Amsterdam. She works freelance as a (team) coach and trainer at, among others, Leadership Institute de Baak.
The learning environments that Carianne creates are characterized by relevance, co-creation and playfulness. Customers appreciate her gentle openness, combined with her humor and sharp observations.
Carianne can still be found regularly in the theater, but she also enjoys walking in quiet woods with her daughter and dog.
Anke Tusveld
“You must be able to maintain the tension that someone else's truth evokes”
-Dr Ramani Durvasula
Anke is an experienced (team)coach and certified ICF coach (PCC). Always driven by the belief that we have so much more potential than we think. This was already the case during her studies ´Industrial Design Engineering´ at TU Delft, as well as later in her role as consultant/facilitator of innovation and strategy processes.
15 Years ago, her love for human potential led her to specialize as a trainer/coach at De Baak in the field of leadership, influence and team development. In 2018 she published the book 'Fit in or Stand out - use your Talent when it matters'.
Her guidance of individuals and various (management) teams is characterized by a combination of depth and relaxedness. Clients indicate that she creates security so that everyone can be themselves and dare to explore in all their vulnerability, which leads to confidence to deal with difficult issues.
She also enjoys the beach in Noordwijk, learns to kitesurf with her sons and looks back happily on her recent adventure while living/working in China, Japan and America and the associated curiosity at the difference in culture.
Tamara Hofman
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious."
- Albert Einstein
Tamara has over a decade of experience in supporting leaders in their development. She is a senior facilitator and certified ICF coach (PCC). She has a diverse background, which allows her to work with many different levels and in a broad variety of industries.
When she moved with her family to Asia, she decided to shift her focus on what has always been her passion, people and their development. She has worked with both start-ups and multinationals and with NGO's like Unicef and WHO. Always with leaders who are going through either personal or organisational change.
After over 10 years living and working in Asia, she has returned to the Netherlands, where she continues developing leaders. After years of exploring Power & Love, she has now added this perspective to her work.
Tamara has a natural curiosity which allows her to open conversations about difficult and sometimes tough topics in a light way, making it more accessible. Customers like joining her in search for insights, drives and potential.
Tamara is often out walking with her three dogs and she enjoys good conversations about life with her friends.
Our Team
Why was 'a third space' created?
In our work as (team) coaches, the two drives: power and love continuously float to the surface. How you relate as a person to both drives influences all your relationships. The work of Adam Kahane (author of the book Power and Love) gave us the impetus for a joint study with interesting results and even more research questions.
Tamara Hofman
"My first experience with 'power' was in Malaysia where I worked as a junior engineer on the building site of the twin towers.
There, I was confronted with extreme power dynamics and ever since I am fascinated by these dynamics, trying to understand why this happens and how it is experienced.
After years of working with leaders and just by living my life, I have encountered the inspirational and creative side of power. Especially when it is used from a place of connection."
Carianne Vermaak
"As an introvert, I often felt powerless during the first years that I lived and worked in Israel. How would I ever get included? Why doesn't anyone listen to each other? Could it all be a bit more quiet? It made me very unhappy to have to adapt to the huge cultural difference.
I had to learn to look, think and connect 'more spaciously’. And by doing so, I was also able to hold my own discomfort more easily. In the end there was less judgement, more humor and above all more power to create something together."
Anke Tusveld
"Since I was young, I am drawn towards harmony. For a long time, I used to see friction as something that I had to avoid at all costs. I simply never learned how to handle this.
Since I started approaching friction or conflict differently 'as an interesting adventure that I can start to investigate' all kinds of surprises have come to light that were hidden 'behind'
the possible conflicts.
In addition, my collaboration with people who are naturally more driven by 'power' has improved because I understand them better."
