Who I Am

I’m Frank Ortmanns — trainer, facilitator and coach. More than my professional roles, it’s been the life between the milestones that has shaped me most. The messiness and pivots that dont’t make it onto a résumé. We don’t grow by meeting these moments with more resistance, but with integrity, clarity, and care. I’ve learned this not just through my work, but through lived experience. This perspective shapes everything I do. I help people and organizations create the space they need to navigate uncertainty, seek clarity, and move forward with confidence — even when things feel messy or unclear.

My background spans over 15 years in the cultural field, where I used technology to craft complex narratives on subjects like migration and climate change, transforming them into perspective-shifting storytelling for broader audiences. Later, I moved into the retail environment, focusing on technology, creativity, team development and communication. Through it all, communication has been the thread — helping people see more clearly, connect meaningfully, and act with intention.

Today, I bring that experience into my coaching and facilitation work — especially with people at intersections of work and life. I help them hold steady, look clearly, and reconnect to what matters. Clarity doesn’t come from fighting the mess, it comes from learning how to meet it.

How I Work

My coaching is grounded in the ICF’s core competencies and Erickson’s solution-focused approach. I work with individuals and teams to navigate complexity by clarifying what matters and translating that clarity into sustainable action.

I’m practical, honest, and committed to depth without drama. I don’t offer formulas. I offer space for awareness, structure for action, and partnership for meaningful progress.

Who I Work With

I work with individuals at pivotal points in their lives — whether personal, professional, or both. Many of my clients are professionals across creative industries, customer engagement, and facilitation — people whose work depends on clarity, connection, and the ability to show up with focus and intent. I support people navigating life transitions, re-evaluating direction, or making meaningful decisions in uncertain times. We work from where you are and where you want to be.

Collaborations

In addition to my coaching work, I collaborate with organizations and training institutions through workshops, and freelance engagements. This includes supporting corporate teams with on customer experience and performance, leadership development, and team alignment, as well as contributing to training programs as a facilitator.

Makan is based in Amsterdam. In addition to online sessions, it’s also possible to schedule in-person appointments. For availability and options, feel free to reach out via the contact form or email listed below.