Boldly Embrace Your Unique Identity
So many of us have dreams and aspirations for making a difference in the world in some way or another. To do something with lasting impact and that has value for people or issues that are bigger than ourselves. The struggle of getting started and taking action on an idea that isn’t yet fully developed is a shared experience; especially when we constantly confront our own expectations and limitations of self. On this week’s podcast feature with impact-full inspiration, Linda Vermaat, we are reminded once more to,
“Aim for really big dreams, because that’s the only way that you can actually make them happen”.
An energetic, curious and all-round optimist, this impact entrepreneur has multiple passions, skills and ambitions. Inspired early on by an internship at Friends of the Earth, Linda realized how enthusiasm and a strong belief or identity makes change possible. Spending the next four years as founder of the youth food movement, Slow Food Youth Network, she then set her sights on new ways to foster change. Quickly realizing the shortcomings of trying to truly make a difference as either a politician or working for an NGO, she was positively inspired by the drive and boldness of the entrepreneurial spirit. Through conducting interviews for her blog, Professional Rebel, Linda became inspired by the people behind social initiatives. Recognizing that “people who go above and beyond to challenge the status quo inspire” her, Linda has now made it her full time work to search for these individuals and give them opportunities to showcase their work at Startup Tour events.
Together with her husband, Linda has also started a video production company, TwentieFour, whereby they only create videos and content for events, entrepreneurs and companies doing something to make a difference in the world. In this role she is able to stay true to her beliefs and keep her own identity by helping and furthering innovative ideas for real problems and issues. Of special mention is their international documentary series, Fix the World and Make Money.
“Entrepreneurship is a really big catalyst for change,” she says energetically. She elaborates further by describing how entrepreneurs have a kind of mentality, flexibility and drive for change that makes them seem a little crazy due to a belief in themselves that makes them think they can do it better than any other product or service already out there. But it’s exactly this kind of attitude and mindset that makes me think of Mae Jemison’s quote,
“Timidity does not inspire bold acts”
One key idea of Linda’s is that the entrepreneurs with the most impact are the ones that are passionate about the problem they want to solve and are not merely in love with their product. This understanding of the problem they are trying to address allows them to pivot themselves accordingly.
“If you fall in love with the problem, you will keep reading about what the problem is and how to fix [it] so you can also understand much better what you can do and how you can adjust your product or service to really make a change.”
She also emphasizes that getting started is as simple as joining an organisation or volunteering on a project that you are passionate about. This is the foundation from where your network will grow and how future connections will be established. People remember the heart and effort that you put in long after you work together with them. In the process you build on your skills and more importantly, the belief in yourself to push through challenges all the way to successful opportunities.
“Dare to think crazy things…because if you say them often enough to yourself…then you’re going to believe in it”
It’s also important to do something that you already enjoy and are able to grow into further, but this does not mean limiting yourself or focusing on only one passion. Linda definitely proves it is possible to do many interesting things simultaneously as she has been able to transfer her childhood love of performing onstage into being a host and moderator of events.
“Do what you get your energy from and do that really well. Then take other people onto the team so that they can help you so then your company or project can make more impact and grow.”
It’s also necessary to speak to as many people as possible to test out your product or brand, so pitch away, put yourself out there and use what actually makes you different to stand out. Linda in fact shares her own experiences on her Instagram page as an ambitious impact entrepreneur, coupled with the demands of motherhood, to be an example to other women who love to work, travel and pursue their personal dreams. So, if you are in need of a boost of confidence and want to get an idea of the myriad of ways you can put your soft and hard skills to use to make a difference, let Linda Vermaat inspire you to embrace your unique strengths — go boldly!
Tune in to Season Two’s second impact-full episode with Linda and dare to think crazy things.
FemGems features rising female entrepreneurs from all over the world. Listen here. Read more there. Get our MuseLetter!
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P.S. Oh, and if you’d love daily motivation to keep you pumped and on track, you will find it on the FemGems Instagram channel.
