our team

What is my legacy

 

I have an ambition to contribute to a new history in which women become more visible as role models. Take a look at my interview to topvrowen.nl being part of "What is your legacy" project. 

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Q: What did you want to become when you were young? What was your motive for this?

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A: At first, I wanted to be a ballerina. Then an athlete. Then a detective. Then a mathematician. Then a lawyer. Then an entrepreneur. Now I want to change the world and then… You figured, I wanted it all. 

 

Q: Who is your role model? And why?

 

A: I don’t believe in role models. You can’t precisely copy the success of others, because they had different variables in their lives. My success is my version of success based on what I learned from others and how I adapted those lessons. At each stage of life’s journey, I have looked up to someone for motivation to live life better. At an early age, it was Alice in Wonderland, Jeanne d’Arc, my neighbour who was my teacher of art. Later, it was John Lennon, Sherlock Holmes and my mother; now it’s Neelie Kroes, Richard Branson, Celeste Barber. If I look at them closely, they may not be perfect, but there is something good about them that makes me respect and admire them. Surprisingly, many people I look up to are not public figures but unsung heroes whose lives shone a bright light for me!

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Q: What has brought you to where you are now?

 

A: I love to laugh. Some people say I am that person in their lives who, no matter the circumstances, can put a smile on their face. And my energy levels. In fact, I consider my energy levels to be one of my ‘secrets’ to success. Anyone who knows me will comment that I am filled with energy almost all of the time. Oh, and the famous statement, ‘Do what you love, and you won’t have to work a day in your life’? I disagree. Work is work, and there will always be hassles, even if you are passionate about what you do. I accept that but try not to let the bad days overshadow the good. 

 

Q: What are the life lessons you want to pass on? How did you come to these life lessons?

 

If life’s a party, sometimes you have to be the designated driver. Having tried countless new initiatives, whether it’s starting new businesses, taking an MBA, speed reading, piano playing, losing weight – when success seemed elusive, I learned that nothing comes easy and that behind every victory are hours of plain hard work. But I also figured that rubber could be stretched only up to its elastic limit, so I learned to understand my limitations and move on. 

 

A: What are you a role model in? And why?

 

Do you know this productivity technique called the Rule of 3, which focuses on achieving three meaningful outcomes every day, week, etc? Probably a very good one. But I was too busy to read the rule beyond the title and figured my own way of applying it. I have three best kids in the world (boy, girl and another boy). I have three great jobs: my own business (very full-time) and board memberships in two other tech companies (very cool ideas in AI and Blockchain). I have three challenging hobbies, including those where I participate in competitions. I have three diplomas, in law, finance and my recently completed MBA (when I was already juggling having three kids, three jobs and three hobbies). If you want to take my rule of three as a role model, be my guest. And when someone asks you, ‘How do you do it?’, tell them: ‘I don’t. I am just making it work.’

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