Former Clients
For confidentiality reasons former clients are only listed by initials and title. Should you wish a more detailed account of our work together I would be pleased to pass on your request.
I worked with Matz for four months during a critical turning point in my career, seeking clarity, boosted self-belief, and a refined emotional and intellectual perspective. His calm, attentive, and thoughtful approach created a safe environment that sharpened my sense of purpose and boosted my confidence. Matz's coaching style combines practical tips with professional insight rooted in a profound understanding of the arts and dance industry. If you're an arts professional navigating change, Matz is the coach you need!
F. C. – Dance Producer & Director
Thank you, Matz, for your wisdom and encouragement. An amazing life coach with effective solutions. Matz actively listens and guides me with an open mind, and curiosity. Supporting me beyond my dance career, professionally. I would highly recommend Matz to assist you with your artistry vs life goals. His coaching keeps my life goals on track.
T. D. Engagement and Wellbeing Coordinator and Creative Director
Working with Matz is simply intense in searching for your motivation. With calm and mutual respect, through dialogue, Matz managed to understand my needs and show me my potential. The journey with Matz has helped me a lot, and especially now that our journey is concluded, I feel a strong drive to act.
I worked with Matz in one-to-one sessions to improve leadership skills and public speaking. His experience and calm, reassuring approach always transforms a perceived weakness of mine into a potential strength. He offers a safe space of trust and reflection, with a keen ability to direct the attention towards the things that matter. The sessions with him were highly motivating, making me feel courageous and determined to achieve my goals.
G. T. Choreographer
In the sessions with Matz I’ve experienced that his way of coaching was calming and had a strong positive effect. As a professional I benefited from his coaching after the very first session! I felt the positive effects gradually day by day. I am immensely grateful for his smooth leadership, supervision and advice. Thanks so much for your kindness and your help in making me feel better with myself as a professional.
I. O. Ballet Master
Working closely with Matz during a crucial period of career transition, from dancer to choreographer, opened some key areas for valuable reflection. Being granted the ability to take a step back and identify career goals, maximise potential and structure pathways to achieve creative pursuits, has given me so much clarity moving forward.
L. P. Choreographer, Creative Director
Matz provides sure, honest, supportive yet non-partisan coaching that allowed me to feel truly safe enough to reflect, question and challenge my own professional, and personal journey in arts leadership. His ability to walk the talk through his own deep experience and insight of both the exhilaration and sometimes desolation of creative leadership, means you are being coached by someone who truly understands the intricate matrix of interpersonal and myriad management skills that are required to excel. This includes a willingness to discuss failure as well as success, a liberating cocktail of truth.
S. M. Artistic Director
Six months ago, I was a bit stuck, unenthusiastic about my job and unsure what might be next. Matz, through gentle but important provocations, helped me examine my strengths, weaknesses, values, interests and ‘if money were no object' goals. I’ve increased my accountability to myself, overcoming a few future-fears by taking action. Now, re-invigorated and ready for life's next chapters, my plans include ample space for family, travel and writing. Importantly, I'm even more focused and committed to prioritising work I am passionate about. So much so, that I'm seriously considering establishing a new social enterprise.
F. T. Mother, Director, Writer, Change-Maker
I have had the pleasure of working with Matz Skoog for the past six months. His approach is kind, thoughtful and inspiring. My confidence was at an all-time low and I needed direction and focus. Matz’s kind and approachable manner allowed me to dream bigger and higher and put a structure into my business that I hadn’t realised could be possible. Matz had set me on a path with a new enthused positivity and confidence that now allows me to implement structures into my daily life and business. I cannot recommend Matz highly enough.
B. P. Director and Teacher
Matz Skoog has the ability to help you realise your strengths and the value you bring to the industry. A strong supporter of next generational arts leaders and an extemporary mentor.
D. J. Choreographer, Guest Teacher, Rehearsal Director
Matz Skoog provided wise counsel in his capacity as an international arts sector leader, at a time in my career when I was questioning my direction. He is an astute listener, and his coaching style is one in which you are drawn eventually to making your own conclusions. He quietly succeeded in making me believe in my strengths and to find a term that summed up my current position in the arts, to allow me to move forward in an ever-changing landscape as a freelancer. I fully endorse Matz and his innate ability to draw out the truth by having courageous collaborative conversations.
M. G. Arts Entrepreneur
Matz brought such an authenticity to the mentor relationship, with a deep sense of care and openness, a real desire to nurture my development, and a willingness to do things differently. His return to core values and principles created the optimum reflective space for me as I sought professional clarity and possible career change. Matz is a straight up, good human, who approaches the world with curiosity and an eagerness to continue to learn. His breadth of knowledge from his experiences both on and off the stage, combined with his global connections, ensured conversations were fresh, stimulating and always. Matz Skoog is awesome. Thank you, Matz.
R. L. Human-centred leader. Out-of-the-box thinker. Community engagement specialist
Matz provides a calm space to discuss where you are and where you want to be, providing that vital time out to think about your own future both personally and professionally. Matz is an excellent listener and his calm and collected demeanour allows you to relax and really focus on you during the session, without distraction.
K. W. Financial Adviser
Matz provides great insight into professional development. His capacity to look at a situation from a different angle is really helpful in devising new approaches to professional goal achievement. His approach is pleasant and constructive and a conversation with him sends you onto many paths of reflection. I highly recommend.
G. L. Orchestral Conductor
Working with Matz is an investment in oneself. Through his clever but gentle questioning, he leads you to rediscover self-esteem and confidence and be open to the opportunities, possibilities and potential that one is actually capable of. The very things that get lost or trampled on through the ‘busyness’ of life are restored to a better place. He acknowledges and guides you forward to be the leader of your own life.
T. F. Ballet Mistress
Matz provides a comfortable space to discuss what is really holding you back. He is able to make you see the situation from a totally different angle and realise what are the actions you need to take to achieve what you really want. Sessions with Matz have provided me with confidence and courage to take control of my life and career. I feel extremely grateful I have met Matz. I did and would recommend him to anyone who just feels stuck and unsure what’s next and/or how to achieve that next goal.
I. G. Head of HR Operations
This last year has been challenging in many ways and I have struggled professionally with direction, self-doubt, anxiety, and a lost sense of confidence and courage, and my drive began to wane. I was close to rock bottom when I reached out to Matz Skoog for coaching. In the time that I have been working with Matz I have regained my courage, Matz has worked with me to remember where I have come from and what I have achieved. Through his coaching Matz helped me to gain my perspective and find my purpose, which was always there. I just needed the guidance and support to remember. I am truly grateful of Matz for his coaching and support.
G. W. Head of Department and Arts Advocate
Matz provided me with challenge and focus while leading me to identify my weaknesses but also celebrate and recognise my worth. The time spent has been invaluable in providing a framework on which I can build a sustainable and feasible future.
L. H. Ballet Teacher and Entrepreneur
My experience working with Matz has been truly valuable and transformative both professionally and in my personal development. Matz creates a calm and safe environment for discussion, helping you assess your current challenges and aspirations constructively, while always looking ahead to a bright future for you. Every session with him has progressively allowed me to find the courage I needed to embrace opportunities fearlessly and discover my own voice. Thank you Matz for helping me find purpose and pride in my work and encouraging me to become the captain of my own life!
N. T. Principal Dancer
Matz coaching offers an open private space enabling you to gain clarity about your talents, tools and possibilities. His generosity, attention and care towards the client creates an atmosphere of total trust and understanding during the sessions. I experienced the work with him as inspiring, creative and motivating, providing a structure on how to achieve my goals.
C. P. Tango dancer and licensed GYROTONIC® trainer
When I first contacted Matz, I had only expected the sessions to affect me on a practical work level. I had not expected it unpack some of my dilemmas, to such a personal level. Matz has a very calm and patient presence. I am forever grateful for the tools he has given me to help me approach scenarios in a healthier and more productive way.
J. R. Actor
I approached Matz Skoog as I was looking for new strategic pathways in my leadership role. As a director and choreographer I felt I needed guidance in being able to focus on some of my goals that were not being met. Through his insightful and skilful coaching mixed with his wealth of experience Matz enabled me to focus with clarity and perspective and implement solutions to promote positive change.
J. S. Choreographer Artistic Director
I am truly grateful to Matz for guiding me through the embryonic stages of my company. In an unconventional industry where the creativity required does not always give rise to the cohesive, professional image I hoped to create, Matz questioned and probed my intentions. This allowed me to think bigger, laterally, outside the box and question my own motivations. The result: each step forward, an authentic, determined and well thought out strategy. It has not only saved me time, but I feel certain I have laid valuable and secure foundation stones for my new business, both immediately as well as for the larger dream to come. He constantly encouraged me to maximise my potential with the knowledge and abilities I have right now; challenging what was holding me back; providing insightful literature when appropriate; and was understanding and compassionate when required. Thank you Matz!
N. Y. Health Professional and Entrepreneur
From having a few conversations with Matz I have started a new journey into discovering ways of improving my life personally and professionally. Learning to look at situations, my ways of thinking or engaging with the world from a different perspective is a revelation for me. Matz is like a wise owl full of compassion, wisdom and advice.
O. P. Ballerina
Matz was invaluable in navigating a difficult period of creative change in my life. He has an acute understanding of the arts world, which enabled us to speak easily and in depth about my career. He helped me to find clarity of thought and a renewed sense of direction.
P. W. Composer and Pianist
My manager gave me the opportunity to work with Matz Skoog with the aim of improving some of my soft skills. Working with Matz has provided me with a new perspective of approaching problems, making thus a bigger impact by solving them better and working more efficiently with my colleagues. The sessions with Matz have added the purpose I lacked to my personal and professional life and have also greatly helped me stay focus on what I want to achieve. He is guiding me through this process, challenging me to reflect more and grow as a person. I highly recommend going through this process with his professional help.
B. L. HR Operations Manager
The past few months working with Matz has brought me more clarity than I’ve ever had in my adult life. We tackled the list of things I was battling with most and conquered the many more that I couldn’t see myself. He gave me the confidence to reach for what I want and be unapologetic in my path to doing so, all in a non-judgemental, warm and kind environment.
R. B. Ballerina & Entrepreneur
Feeling very positive and revitalised after a series of coaching sessions with Matz Skoog. He is a remarkably inspiring coach whose style stimulated in me a broad period of clear thinking and positive change of perspective, for career and personal aspirations alike. What I found most beneficial and constructive was his uncanny ability to combine his pure coaching skills with his wealth of experience, which enabled him to also offer well-timed mentoring counsel of invaluable strategic perspective.
D. A. Choreographer-Producer
When I first encountered Matz I was disillusioned, lacking in direction and self-confidence, unable to articulate what I wanted or how I was feeling at that time. Matz, with his very calm and genuine demeanour put me at ease, and from the first sessions I found myself able to open up and be honest about my feelings, and things I wanted us to work on. All our sessions were on the phone, we have never physically met, nonetheless it worked. Matz challenged my thoughts and gave me new perspectives, ones that made sense, that had never occurred to me before. Practical sound bites, that I could use, to change what I do, not change who I am. He helped me to note my achievements and as a result I now see my past as a colourful tapestry, some shades of grey, with the story still being written and told. In the very short time we worked together I have started to achieve major goals and look forward to what’s next. A comprehensive structured encounter, with results and tools to cope with life’s situations. Thanks a million Matz.
S. W. Office Administrator
I can’t tell you how different I feel today from how I felt before our first meeting!
Z. P. Photographer
Dear Matz, three things: I feel taller, I feel stronger in my core, I feel more direct in my actions. Thank you.
J. W. Artist
Working with Matz, albeit for a couple of sessions empowered me to deal with a complex leadership scenario. His coaching style was gentle but forensic enough to challenge me to immediately analyse the situation to find my own answers. I have already implemented solutions and I can see results! I liked his genuine and calm disposition and would work with him again. Thank you Matz.
M. N. Director
Matz has a very welcoming presence that allows you to be heard and he gives you the space to find your own answers. His coaching is focused and helps you identify what you really want out of a situation so that you can move forward.
D. P. Health Coach
I contacted Matz because I had a million ideas and found myself in a career transition. He’s brilliant at getting you to focus and find the answers while making you believe you’ve already triumphed.
L.B. Dance entrepreneur
Thank you Matz for your thoughtful and supportive coaching conversations over the past few months. I have found your skilful listening and innovative approach to enabling me to see ways forward refreshing and challenging - in a helpful way! I find myself returning to key phrases and approaches discussed in our sessions frequently in the intervening weeks. Overall I feel I am able to recognise and manage my work life balance increasingly better by being kinder and more generous to myself as well as others! Thank you.
K. M. PhD.
In just two sessions you helped me identify some fundamental areas to work on immediately: That being a black woman in my position is a strength and not a limiting belief. I should understand and unearth this as a power and not a fear. I have achieved a lot and I am not just a leader but also a woman of significance.
M. N. Director
I felt relieved to have been able to discuss the company's development with a very experienced person who was an impartial listener rather than one with judgmental criticism.
K. PM. Artistic Director
Matz was very calm and listened well. He asked open questions and helped me explore the issues in real detail. The session really allowed me to address an issue with a level of objectivity that’s not easy to gain with colleagues and friends.
J.H. Orchestra Manager
Matz makes room for me to speak and makes me feel very comfortable, he brings a positive energy and I don't feel judged or scrutinised. He’s choice of location for the meeting was great and peaceful, I felt at ease straight away.
M. M. R. Choreographer
From each of my coaching sessions with Matz I have been able to walk away with a clear idea of what it is I want to be working on to better myself (particularly in my career). From the following sessions I have been able to put my goals into practice and I have been aware of the progress I am making.
B. H. Dancer
Working with Matz has been a surprisingly gratifying experience. As an individual who is often sceptical of seeking assistance, I was very pleasantly surprised by the progress we made. This is much down to Matz. His calm demeanour and ability to listen without interruption make him very easy to speak to.
S. N. Principal Dancer
Matz's coaching empowered me and helped me determine actions that enabled me to reach my goals. He is amiable and genuine and I greatly enjoyed working with him.
H. M. Concert Pianist
Matz, over the couple of sessions I’ve had with him, has enabled me to be more focused in achieving my short term and long-term goals. His approach has real depth and is empowering. His sensitive and carefully targeted questions opened up a discussion about the issues that have been causing me to delay in achieving my current goals. As well as promoting a deep self-analysis, he offered many insightful suggestions and helped me plan how I should be moving forward. I highly recommend Matz to anyone who is interested in empowering themselves and their career.
A. M. Saxophonist, Composer and Lecturer
When you have coached others and spent time working in the training & support arena it can be a bit daunting to be ‘sitting on the other side’, being the person who is having to open up, feeling a bit vulnerable and being cautious as to what to expect. Matz totally put me at ease and I had to smile when he asked me questions that in the past I have asked others. What amazed me was the insights that Matz was able to bring forward - things that I hadn’t picked up yet they were ‘hidden’ in the language that I used. I would recommend Matz if you know that something is holding you back, stopping you from being the best version of yourself that you can be.
J. B. CEO and Founding Director