Originally from the Netherlands and now a proud UAE resident since 2016, Kirsten Westholter is a passionate advocate for gender equality, cultural understanding, and meaningful change. With a background in change management consulting and as the founder of KW Transformations, she dedicates her work to creating spaces where innovation, inclusion, and transformation flourish. Her journey has been shaped by resilience, independence, and a commitment to embracing differences and fostering connections that make a real difference.
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
Before embarking on my business journey, my life was shaped by a series of personal challenges and experiences that taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
I was born in the Netherlands as an only child to a Dutch father and an American mother. My childhood years weren’t always happy. My father, 15 years older than my mother, had a heart condition that left him unable to work, and my mother had polio as a toddler, which affected her both physically and mentally. It took years for me to fully understand the depth of her struggles, but they profoundly influenced my upbringing.
The age gap between my parents and my father’s desire for me to achieve more than he had created tension in our home. He grew up during World War II in a blue-collar family and had always dreamed of higher education but never had the opportunity. His aspirations for me were clear, but it wasn’t until later that I realized how much this pressure shaped my early life.
At 17, I left home, ready for something more. I moved to Amsterdam to pursue my studies, which accelerated my independence. Living on my own at such a young age taught me to adapt quickly, navigate challenges, and carve my own path. These experiences laid the foundation for my belief in perseverance, cultural understanding, and doing things on my own terms.
While my pre-business life was far from conventional, the challenges I faced strengthened my resilience and fueled my desire to create positive change.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
At the heart of my work is the drive to empower, inspire, and establish connection. Through KW Transformations, I help organizations and individuals embrace change and cultivate inclusive environments, enabling people to thrive in workplaces where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are prioritized.
I also focus on continuous improvement and process management, refining operations and fostering a culture of growth for sustainable success. My journey as a poet allows me to connect with people on a personal level, and with my upcoming book, I hope to share reflections that resonate across cultures, exploring universal themes and inspiring self-discovery.
Additionally, I’ve partnered on a new collaboration project designed to unite people from diverse walks of life, fostering empathy, understanding, and community-building to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Throughout my career, I’ve gained insights across a wide range of sectors and cultures, working in the Netherlands, Germany, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. My work focuses on change management, business process improvement, and leadership development.
As the founder of KW Transformations, I bring tailored solutions to each client, helping organizations navigate complex changes and foster inclusive, innovative workplaces. I’m proud of the meaningful results I’ve achieved through collaboration, inspiring environments where both individuals and businesses can thrive.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. Who is your biggest supporter?
For me, a support system is about having a small, trusted tribe—a handful of people who uplift me and whom I support just as fiercely. These are individuals who understand my journey, celebrate my successes, and stand by me during challenges. It’s a mutual foundation of strength, trust, and encouragement.
As a woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world, and what opportunities are you seeking?
I envision a world where gender parity is a reality. I hope to see workplaces that universally celebrate diverse perspectives, ensuring that women and other underrepresented groups not only have seats at the table but are also empowered to lead and drive impactful change.
Opportunities that interest me the most are those that allow me to bridge divides and drive sustainable change. I’m drawn to initiatives fostering dialogue between cultures and collaborations that share this vision of a more equitable, connected world.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
I believe true leadership is about creating opportunities for others and paving the way for the next generation of female leaders. As women, we have a responsibility to challenge norms, show up authentically, and drive change for all women, ensuring they have the support and space to thrive.
I’m inspired by the resilience, creativity, and dedication that female leaders and male allies bring to their roles. Together, we can transform leadership itself into a more inclusive and impactful force.
Here is where to connect:
- LinkedIn
- Rising From the Ashes – Gumroad
- Instagram: @kirsten_dubaiphoenix.
- 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘯.𝘢𝘦: https://www.amazon.ae/dp/9948731034/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V3OOKHEXFDY7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zvz0j_C5C5UDEUkbDz7vSA.wOKw5YnjVscKGVMNjc3vInq4lSq7ghTyMMXRdpTimSM&dib_tag=se&keywords=9789948731030&qid=1733391584&sprefix=9789948731030%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-1
- 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘯.𝘤𝘰𝘮: https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Heart-Kirsten-Westholter/dp/9948731034/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1102745B0TN6H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6soD7ehdo6_UWipvAB_sxBwcK3nVrtFTtTrrwXuE1w50wzD3EzO3fSH7fW3iUx4mZYhLkasOLz104aCfo8CrYw.YeIbbL2krW0rij9h2Xqic6Ef8fFsqJhuKmS2mTjx1JY&dib_tag=se&keywords=kirsten+westholter&qid=1733984142&sprefix=kirsten+westholter%2Caps%2C336&sr=8-1
- 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴 & 𝘕𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whispers-of-the-heart-kirsten-westholter/1146635887?ean=9789948731030
