1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?

One of the most challenging parts right now at Younique Concepts is the people over process idea. As we are scaling up with concepts and projects, the people do many more tasks than only their core tasks. This makes it harder to keep processes going for the continuity of the business in future. So my challenge lies in finding the right balance.

2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I recently moved back from NYS- where we had several hospitality businesses- to my home country Holland. Once settled back into life in Holland i took my time to find a good match with a great company. This became Younique Concepts where i now take the position as COO. My international history in hospitality serves Younique well because we have a serious ambition to change the land of hospitality in Holland but also abroad.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I get up at 6AM. Somewhat quickly wake up check some personal stuff. Get ready for the day. First i check all my email and answer all important mails. Then i go about my day, usually i visit many sites do some meetings. I always try to talk to at least several team members about work but also chit chat along to get a real feel of business but also the personal side. At the end of the day i make sure i do one more email check. Then some friend and family time. Before i go to bed i like to preview the day ahead to give my mind some idea of what is to come. That about sums it all up.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

A recent lesson i have learned is that especially in the world we live today it is important to work together more than ever and never forget that one's perception is their vision of truth. Only when that lines up, you can do great things.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Netflix culture deck. I really like the clarity, ambition and directness of it. I have always worked in such a way but love the way Netflix put it in words.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?

I believe in transparency, in everything we do. This creates an ambitious environment where people almost develop automatically. Because the culture is an open one it also lets people who are leaders to rise to the occasion which is fantastic to see.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?
Since my time at Younique Concepts one of those stories is that many staff members really appreciate how the culture has changed and everyone feels like they can say anything they want to add to the conversation and also feel heard when doing so. To me that is real growth.