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.
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Here’s More, From Other Founders Around the World
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.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?
After graduating, I worked for an extremely well-paying automotive company. But I always had the feeling that there was more out there. So I quit and went into research with the aim of becoming a founder.
What should leaders understand about their own role and responsibility?
There are no overnight miracles, it's very hard work: both physically and emotionally. Requires resilience, grit, strategic approach and grind.