On Linkedin, it says…. already started at Yookr 4 years ago.
A leap of faith. It is hidden in my life. The challenge, the drive, the new, letting something that is not there yet come into being. But above all, curiosity about people and things. 25 years ago already, I started doing business. With a company that packaged fish food, but also as a ‘little man’ who had no knowledge of the industry at all. And yet by being myself, I achieved a lot in that period to finally be allowed and able to sell the company after 21 years. With no regrets and full of praise for the person who took over from me.
I have experienced all facets of entrepreneurship: the euphoria of a new customer, a new product, the new packaging or machine not yet available on the market. But also the downside: major disappointments that I could not cope with. So I often kept these hidden. And then there was the deep mourning for the loss of my Yolanda.
Getting to know people and myself
When I look on LinkedIn, I often marvel at how many people I have had the opportunity to get to know during this period. Something I am grateful for. People with whom I still dare to ask for a favour or simply knowledge. It is also something I trust myself with: I share, I help, I am creative… if you manage to touch me, I will help you.
I also got to learn a lot about myself. For example, being proud of myself. I have not always been so, because I had to move on. I simply walked past the mirror. Let alone having my picture taken. Because I had to go further and further, further and further. All this happened not so long ago.
Entrepreneurship is learning
The pride radiates from it now! Even on what I have done in the past. And yes, that photo too that is going very well these days. And I know why.
Being an entrepreneur is about learning a lot about your product or service. But even more important is learning about yourself. Can I listen? Do I dare to ask questions? Do I dare to learn? Do I dare to make mistakes…? This makes it that, despite the many challenges, I am confident about the future.
Confidence in the future
The last few months have been hugely challenging for everyone. We will feel the consequences for a long time to come. What touches me personally are the disproportionate reactions: is this the new normal? No, it should never be. I set out to do something for the world. The climate, our soil on which food for billions of people grows, needs more than our attention. The world has everything we need to offer. Food, medicine, sunshine and water. Our farmers and gardeners are very close to this. Let’s pay attention to them. Tell their story to our children. I have faith in our future.
A leap of faith with Yookr four years ago.
The creation of something new.
Confidence.
Heartbeats…
John van Helden