How to Lead Through Chaos and Come Out Stronger: Career Pivots, Self-Trust & Motherhood with Maartje van Krieken

Chaos does not mean you are failing. Sometimes it means you are being challenged to lead differently.

In this episode of We Are Women Unapologetically, Jessica sits down with Maartje van Krieken, a Dutch executive, fractional CEO/COO/CSO, and founder of Chaos Games Consulting, to explore what it really takes to lead through chaos.

With more than 20 years driving complex, high-stakes initiatives around the world, Maartje has built a career in what she calls the gray space. She never fit neatly into a traditional corporate ladder, yet she consistently stepped into leadership when situations were messy, high pressure, and uncertain.

This conversation goes beyond business strategy. It is about resilience, identity, and self-trust.

Together, Jessica and Maartje discuss:

• Navigating career misalignment in male-dominated industries
• Building a path when you do not fit the box
• The reality of global moves and starting over repeatedly
• Pregnancy loss, depression, and surviving emotional chaos far from home
• Motherhood without becoming the poster child
• Learning to filter outside advice and trust your own instincts
• Helping organizations make decisions when everything feels unstable

If you are in a season where your career or life feels uncertain, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and get clear on what comes next.

🎁 Need your own clarity moment? Download Jessica’s free Clarity in 10 Reset .

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