What's a skill that we should pay more attention to in the workplace?
We have to put way more effort into really listening to the people in our teams, talking about impediments, needs & ideas. We won't be able to create growth if we continue to act like leaders from the 90s.
What shift in mindset has allowed you to see things differently?
I think the most important shift is the realization that I am not just who I am. I am the result of the influences of my parents, my social environment and my experiences and I can actively work on this. Above all, however, I can make peace with things that previously burdened me and get back in the driver's seat.
What do you do to maintain balance in your life?
I really enjoy taking time for my family and friends. I always try to prioritize them because in the end they are the only ones who are really important. Everything else - despite all the love and passion for my work - is just a job!
What’s your favorite ritual or meeting in your team?
The retrospective is my favorite ritual, because it's the most powerful way to really create good relationships with your co-workers and environments of personal growth.
What do you wish you had known 10 years ago?
I wish I had known the power of self-reflection and acting outside of your comfort zone, because these are the places where you really learn & grow.
What’s an important belief / a guiding principle that informs the way you build and run your business?
Never stop learning, talking to people and reflecting on yourself. You will never be as good as you think you are ;-) There is always space for improvement.
We’re building the largest library of insights and wisdom by and for founders and entrepreneurs.
Once a month we'll send you the latest interviews straight to your inbox. No fluff, just value. For free.
Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
What's the biggest insight you learned in recent years?
It’s always a good idea to be connected to your product – even if you have to deal with high-level topics, always remember the things you offer.
What personal habit helped you accelerate your personal growth?
In one of the hardest times of my life so far, I started journaling for 1-2h on Sundays. Not digital, but with paper and pen. Always answering the same questions related to self, social life and work. This brutally honest and regular reflection once a week helped me identify problems early and iterate fast.
When times are tough, who or what is an anchor for you?
My co-founders are my anchor in work-related topics. Having an environment where failure is welcomed with a helping hand and where weakness is valued as openness, once you are down those people will drag you up.
What's a mistake that you're happy you've made?
When I was 16 (way before the internet) I founded a travel-partner agency to connect people from different backgrounds seeking travel companions. After a year, I had to close the agency due to a lack of customers and the confusion some callers had regarding the nature of the “service.” Despite this setback, I gained invaluable insights into sales, communication and people’s needs, solidifying my desire to run a business that helps people.