In 'Pleasant doing business with…' in conversation with prominent entrepreneur Marieke de Boer. 2021 was an eventful year for the entrepreneur of Sustainable Sloepen. In less than a year, in addition to a full-time job (as Group Operational Excellence Manager), she set up the company with her friend Jörgen and they developed the first two models of sustainable sloops. TU Delft was involved in research, was nominated for the Top 100 Most Sustainable Young Leaders in the Netherlands and will add a marina to the company in January 2022. Text: Tamara GijrathWhat characterizes an entrepreneur?
“Entrepreneurs provide energy, see opportunities everywhere and have the gift of taking people along in this passion, energy and opportunities (a flow). You could describe it as a (positive) whirlwind.
The perfect business gift?
“An experience linked to your company. By spending time together, in a setting where your identity is tangible, you bring people together and strengthen the feeling for your product, brand, company and the entrepreneurs and relationships. Real connection, authenticity and trust are key words here.”
Digital. Friend or enemy?
“A sustainable sloop is new. Of course, many people know sloops with electric motors, but our concept goes much further. That is why we prefer personal contact. This way people experience our 3D printed boats. We also include them in the research we do together with TU Delft. Because how sustainable is the sloop really, and how can you use the sloop adjust including your own sustainability score. However, we certainly do not rule out digital, many of our contacts start digitally. The world is digitally at your feet and we want to make the most of these opportunities.”What do you do on an off-day?
“On an off-day I always come back to the word “perspective”. Together with my boyfriend we have traveled a lot in recent years. This has greatly broadened our perspective on the world. You can make good use of this, especially on an off-day. What would this be like in a different situation, how would they look at it in a certain area?”
How do you drink your coffee?
“I'm not a huge coffee drinker. However, a good cappuccino or caramel latte in the sun is the ideal start.”
Nice place for a good conversation?
“We like to go sailing with our guests to experience the sustainable sloop and all the beauty of Friesland. In short, a place that feels good and provides the peace and quiet to go into depth.”
Watch?
“Apple Watch.”
Automobile?
“Audi or a Landrover Defender.”
What is your favorite business suit?
“I believe that your outfit is the most beautiful if it strengthens your character. I wear all kinds of different brands, preferably from smaller boutiques.”
What do you always have with you?
“My iPhone, my HP elitebook laptop (partly made of Ocean plastic) and my necklace with 'perspective'.”
What is always on your desk?
“I am a visual person, so there are always Neuland Markers in all kinds of colors on my desk. This way I can immediately start working on ideas. There is also a 3D printed scale model of our own sustainable sloop, the Ds 680 MB.”
Which entrepreneur would you like to have lunch with?
“Difficult question, there are a number of them. The first names that come to mind are:
coach Kelly Weekers, Henk Jan Beltman from Tony Chocolonely and Michael Pilarczyk.”
What is your golden entrepreneurial tip?
” 'When you are in the jar, you cannot read the label', therefore: look at it from a distance, from different perspectives and check it with your intentions. Then you make the best choices.”
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