Transformation through Celebration

The founder of FEIER, Ben Feiertag, was born and raised in a family of a psychoanalyst (his father), a nurse scientist (his mother), a psychologist (his brother), and a social helper and trainer (his sister). So it seemed he would be destined to also go into the vocation of helping people through psychological intervention. But he chose another route, a detour you could say.

A Light Ignited in Europe

Being a real teenager, with seemingly not a care in the world, he decided having fun was the best thing to do, possibly for a lifetime. As it goes, life does ask you to be productive and helpful within society. At the age of 16, Ben took things much more seriously. He started doing European Youth Parliament programs in Brussels, the UK, and Strasbourg. Those experiences, connecting with international students from all over Europe, making new visions on the future of Europe, ignited a light within him. These experiences as a youth ambassador, even speaking in the European Parliament, shaped his future decisions.

The Detour but Always Looking for the Undercurrent

He decided to go into international law and finance. After studies at the Vrije Universiteit and the Sorbonne, Ben had a 7-year career at the Ministry of Finance, where being the spokesperson of two Dutch ministers of Finance was his biggest joy. The political dynamics, authority struggles, and media pressure fascinated him. Ben always (and still does) look into the undercurrent of groups and leaders in action. His career as spokesperson and his own leadership role as the Chief of Communication later at the Dutch Central Bank gave him ample possibility to work with leadership in action. Ben understands the struggles of leaders, the vision they want to achieve, and at the same time, they know they can’t do it alone. So how can we be the best we can be as leaders, in a system that supports and challenges us? A lesson here is that personal growth from the inside out is the only way to sustain it, without losing yourself and your purpose.

Ben's Deep Explorations Finding His Way Home

The detour slowly came to an end. After already having a taste of freedom during his 2011 motorcycle sabbatical (Ben drove from Chile to Mexico in 8 months on a Honda Transalp), Ben felt the need to go on his own inner journey from 2017 onwards. This journey brought him to several teachers: from Tibetan Buddhist teachers to the indigenous shamans working deep in the Amazon forest. From leadership and coaching trainings at INSEAD and Harvard Business School to fundamental breathwork ceremonies. As some friends call him, the serial hobbyist, Ben has seen and learned a lot from all his experiences. His process of going deeper into this knowledge has given him a lived-through presence to do the work he loves to do the most. Being a coach for executives and leaders, and supporting them through these sometimes tough processes of growth.

Not a One Man Show

The detour came to an end, like most of his family members, he has found his way home, doing what he loves the most, supporting people in their growth process. Ben is now a full-time executive coach and retreat leader, working globally. Ben has always enjoyed working with people, and therefore, FEIER is not a one-man show. Working with Jet as his operational right-hand, Katty as the musician for retreat work, and Gunther as his sparring partner, FEIER is a group of people who want to make a difference in the world, in being a force for good.
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The Bridge Between the Systemic and Spiritual World

In the end, the detour was maybe a building block to the work FEIER is doing now. After 20 years of financial politics and communication, FEIER’s work feels like being a bridge. A bridge between the system world, where leaders need to operate daily, and the psychological and spiritual depths that serve as fuel for our visions and growth into a more meaningful life.

Ben hopes that you will enjoy the website, explore the stories, and reach out if you feel it’s time to do the work.