Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maruja Retana. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Maruja, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Absolutely. Although at the time, it felt less like a career-defining moment and more like a near-death experience.

In my early days as an artist, I thought success was about perfection. Then, one night on stage, I learned the truth in the most unexpected way.

I was invited to perform at Carré, one of the most iconic venues in my home country The Netherlands. A dream come true.

Except I’m standing there, three minutes before call time, realizing that my heart is pounding SO hard I can actually see it moving in my chest, like a cartoon character. My breathing is shallow, my belly won’t relax, and I’m actively contemplating if there’s still time to sneak out the back door.

The lead-up had been pure chaos. I had pulled the band together at the last minute. My three amazing backup singers had never sung this song before. The piano player didn’t know it either and was just as nervous as I was. I had spent all my energy making sure everyone else was taken care of – coordinating, rehearsing, managing logistics – and barely stopped to think: Oh right… I have to actually perform this thing!

It felt like hosting a fancy dinner for the queen, with exotic dishes you never made before, still working on the appetizers when suddenly the door bell rings. She’s here. And you’re still in your sweats.

I wasn’t actually in sweats. I had my lucky glitter pants and a leather corset, so at least I looked like I belonged on stage. But I definitely wasn’t ready. So, I repeated my usual mantra: Make them say WOW. But this time, it wasn’t working.

And then, out of nowhere, a voice in my head whispered: Just tell the story.

That was a new one.

Normally, I was focused on impressing people. Singing in a way I KNEW would get a reaction. Doing the moves I KNEW they’d like. But actually telling the story? That meant getting vulnerable. And vulnerability felt like the absolute worst idea.

Still, before I had time to fully debate it, I was already walking on stage, smiling (grimacing?), as my pianist hit the first chord. And immediately messed up. I could hear him thinking: F*****CCKKKKKKK. But then, like the musical genius he is, he fixed it beautifully.

Somehow, that mistake threw me off in the best possible way.

It snapped me out of my own head and into the moment. Instead of performing, I just… told the story.

Was it flawless? No.
Could the audience hear my pounding cartoon heartbeat? Probably.
Did I feel like I nailed it? Absolutely not.
I walked off stage feeling like I wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out.

And then someone stopped me.
A girl with beautiful curls, mascara streaked down her cheeks, still wiping away tears. She grabbed my arm and said:
“That was incredible. I just broke up with my boyfriend… it was like you were singing my story. Thank you.”

And suddenly, it clicked.

This isn’t about being perfect. It isn’t about wow-ing people. It’s about connection. That one moment, that hug, that teary-eyed thank you… changed everything. It planted the seed for what would later become Vocal Psychology®: the realization that our voice isn’t just about hitting the right notes, it’s about truth. When we stop trying to impress and start expressing, that’s when we truly resonate.

And that’s when people listen.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The short version: I help people break free from their inner critic and find their true voice—literally and figuratively.

The long version: I started out on track to become a psychologist, but music pulled me in another direction. In 2011, I signed with Sony Music Publishing as an artist and songwriter, and suddenly, I found myself in studios and on stages, collaborating with incredible artists and brands. But while I was chasing my dream, I also saw something troubling: talented, brilliant people held back by self-doubt, fear of judgment, and perfectionism.

That’s when I realized: our inner critic (that little voice whispering ‘you’re not good enough’, ‘you’re going to fail’, ‘people will judge you’) is one of the biggest obstacles to creative freedom, confidence, and success. And ignoring it? That doesn’t work. It’ll just get meaner and louder until you have no choice but to listen.

So I merged my background in psychology, voice coaching, and performance coaching to create Inner Critic Intervention and Vocal Psychology®, two transformational methods that help people rewrite the mental scripts holding them back and unlock their most powerful, authentic voice.

What I do:
– Inner Critic Intervention: I teach people how to recognize, reframe, and take power back from their inner critic, so they can finally step into their confidence—whether on stage, in business, or in life.
– Vocal Psychology® Coaching: I help artists, entrepreneurs, and speakers break through mental and vocal blocks, so they can express themselves with full confidence and impact.
– Workshops & Keynotes: I speak on topics like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the psychology of vocal expression—helping people not just find their voice, but own their story.
– Vocal Production & Studio Coaching: I help artists bring out their best performances—not just technically, but emotionally—because the way you feel directly affects the way you sound.

What sets me apart?
Most voice coaches focus on technique. Most mindset coaches focus on confidence. I do both.
My approach isn’t *just* about making people sound impressive. It’s also about helping them feel free, express themselves fully, and stop playing small – whether they’re singing, speaking, or stepping into a leadership role.

What I’m most proud of?
The breakthroughs. The moments when someone who’s been playing small, silencing themselves, or second-guessing their every move finally takes up space and owns their voice – on stage, in their career, or in their personal life. The messages I get from clients saying:
“I finally feel free to express myself.”
That’s what makes me proud. That’s why I do this.

What I want people to know about my work?
Your voice is more than sound. It’s an expression of who you are. And if fear, self-doubt, or your inner critic have been keeping you stuck – whether in music, business, or life – you don’t have to fight it alone.
Through Inner Critic Intervention and Vocal Psychology®, I help people break free from the mental barriers that hold them back, so they can speak, sing, and show up in the world with full confidence.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My whole career has been a series of unexpected evolutions.

I started out on as a psychologist in the Netherlands, but then life threw me a plot twist: I got the chance to become an artist and singer-songwriter. So, I jumped. I signed with Sony Music Publishing, performed, wrote songs, and lived the dream.

On the side, I started vocal coaching. At first, just to make a little extra money. But the more I coached, the more I became obsessed with the psychological side of voice. That’s when I developed Vocal Psychology®, blending psychology, performance coaching, and voice training into one method.

Then, another shift happened. I kept getting asked to speak on mental wellness. Also, creative entrepreneurs – speakers, songwriters, and business owners – started approaching me for help. That’s when I realized: the inner critic, self-doubt, and performance anxiety aren’t just struggles for singers. They show up everywhere in life, personally and professionally.

So, I took the underlying framework I had been using in Vocal Psychology® – ‘mental mediation’, a method for creating inner harmony instead of inner conflict – and expanded it into Inner Critic Intervention: a program designed for creative entrepreneurs, speakers, songwriters and anyone who needs to show up powerfully and authentically in their work.

Looking back, none of these shifts were sharp pivots, just natural next steps. I kept following the need, listening to what resonated with people, and building something that could help more people.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

‘The Power of Moments’ by Chip and Dan Heath has been a game-changer for me. The book’s core idea – people don’t remember days, they remember moments – shapes pretty much everything I do, from keynotes to client interactions and even party planning (love a good party!)

I’m allergic to anything boring or regular, so I *always* ask myself: How do I create a moment that sticks? Whether it’s guiding a client through a breakthrough, crafting an unforgettable stage experience, or making someone feel truly seen, I like to design moments that leave a lasting impact. At the end of the day, that impact is not just about what people hear or see, it’s about what they feel and remember.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marujaretana.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marujaretana/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marujaretana/

Image Credits

Zachariah Dalton (Main picture & laptop picture)
Mike Zielinski (Coaching picture)
Rutger Geerling (Black & white picture on stage)
Joey Holthaus (Black & white picture backstage)