About MAKAN

WHO I AM.

I’m Frank Ortmanns— trainer, facilitator, and coach. For nearly two decades, I’ve lived and worked across three continents—South America, Asia, and Europe. The idea of “home” has always felt like a question, not an answer. I know what it’s like to navigate the unfamiliar, to bridge languages and to carry multiple cultural identities at once and it shapes everything I do.

I bring cultural sensitivity as muscle memory, speak three languages fluently  and understand what it takes to create belonging while holding difference. This lens helps me support others as they move through transitions—whether personal, professional, or both.

For more than 20 years I have worked on the fringes of technology, communication and learning. My background spans 15 years in the cultural sector, using technology to tell complex, human-centered stories about migration, climate and change. Later, in the retail world, I turned my focus to communication, creativity and development. Across every chapter, one thread remained: helping people see clearly, connect deeply, and act with intention.

WHY I COACH.

I coach because pace matters and urgency often is a trap. Sustainable decisions—those that honor your energy, values, and capacity—are the only ones that make sense. Real transformation starts with alignment—between what you value and how you move. That’s where momentum begins.

When done right, coaching becomes a catalyst:

  • For companies: it means better retention, more engagement and teams that don’t just adapt to change, but lead through it.

  • For professionals: it means focused energy, sharper choices and the ability to lead with presence.

  • For individuals: it means turning uncertainty into traction—and aligning your effort with your deepest priorities.

HOW I WORK.

My practice is grounded in the ICF’s core competencies and Erickson’s solution-focused methodology. But beyond frameworks, my approach is practical, honest, and anchored in real progress.

I don’t offer formulas. I offer space—for reflection. Structure—for direction. And partnership—for momentum that lasts.

WHO I WORK WITH

I work with people navigating pivotal thresholds. My clients often come from creative industries, customer engagement, or facilitation—roles where clarity and connection aren’t optional.

I support expats redefining identity, professionals recalibrating their trajectory, and teams seeking cohesion in complex environments. Whether you’re rebuilding, realigning, or just ready for a reset—we’ll work from where you are toward what’s next.

WHY MAKAN

The name MAKAN blends two Japanese concepts: Ma — the space between things, the pause that allows meaning to emerge — and Kanso — simplicity without sacrifice. Together, they reflect what I’ve come to value most: space to breathe, clarity without clutter and alignment between who we are and how we live.

This isn’t just a name, it’s the foundation of this practice born from my own journey through misalignment, recovery, and the choice to create something more honest, spacious, and human.

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.

Contact MAKAN

If you’re curious about working together — whether through coaching, a collaboration, or a freelance engagement — I’d love to hear from you.

Use the form below to get in touch if you’d like to:

  • Explore coaching options (online or in-person in Amsterdam).

  • Discuss a potential collaboration (lectures, workshops, training, or facilitation).

  • Ask a question or start a conversation.

I’ll get back to you within 2-3 working days.

Let’s see what clarity we can create together.