Tell us about yourself?
I’m Patrick and I like to change the world for the better. I am constantly looking for ways to learn and educate other organizations to do things differently and better.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
They think it is all fun and if you work hard enough, you will be succesfull. Luck is an often underestimated part of the success of a startup.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Think about your long term goal and keep checking if everyone around you is still aligned with this goal.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
I can keep on going, marathon after marathon and do not give up until I have reached my goal. I will not easily give up. Then again, if someone has good arguments I will happily change my point of view.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Time managent. Each day I start off with my to do list, put three things on it and make sure I complete those 3 tasks.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
I’m not sure what you main by influences? Probably people are concepts that influenced us? By far the most important persons were Richard Branson (Screw it, let’s do it) and Ricardo Semler (with his unique view of organizing).
Where do you see your business in five years?
We will successfully compete in the new world economy, with regards to people, planet and profit. We will incorporate cathedral thinking, so that we can operate our business for the coming 150 years. We will improve tomorrow each day.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
Getting the right people and getting them aligned with our big hairy audacious goal: positively influecing over 1 billion people on the world.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
Our unique way of organizing. No bosses, no vacation days, people who hire other people, self-management to the max!
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
We use stories to tell on social media about our challenges, our wins and more importantly what went wrong. By being transparent we can reach lots of people.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Keep on going until you almost reach your goal. You will never reach it, so be sure to enjoy the way. Dare to do things differently, on your own terms. And improve tomorrow and start today.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Love and joy! After all, when you are on your dying bed, you will not talk about your successes, your money, or your status. You will reminisce about the love and joy you have felt in your life. If you can somehow incorporate your business in this equation, you have succeeded in life.
