My biggest New Business / New Transition happened back in 2003, when together with 2 fantastic business partners, I started writing a business plan for a new start-up company in my home country The Netherlands. About 3 years down the line and with 3 more partners added to our small group of founders, we were ready to transition our business plan into a real company.
We launched our business, with me in the role of the company’s first Managing Director, in June 2006. And today, moving fast forward to 2016, our start-up has become a very succesful media group, and we have actually just announced our intend to sell it to media tycoon John de Mol’s Talpa.
So speaking about new business & new transitions, I think I can safely say that I have been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. And it has been a truly life-changing experience for me! Of course, during this time I have learned a lot about being a leader, running a business, and I have built solid “business acumen”. I have also made a mistake or two, and I have learned from that too. But what it has taught me most, about myself: is what I want to do, who I want to be, and where I want to go with my career.
It took me about 1.5 years to figure out that the role of MD in my own company was a great opportunity, but that it wasn’t for me. It was actually pretty hard for me to admit that, even to myself, as it felt like turning down an amazing gift. But eventually, I simply had to acknowledge that this role, in this company, wasn’t playing to my strengths. Yes, I can do sales, and marketing, and finance, but that really isn’t where my heart lies.
So, 1.5 years into the role, in 2008 I decided that it was time for New Transition: I stepped down from the MD role (but kept a non-exec board role), and I returned back into my Human Resources roots, which I have been doing fulltime for the past 8 years now. But once an entrepeneur, always an entrepeneur, so I have also done some projects on the side, such as being an editor, coach, mentor, facilitator, advisor, committee member, etc. And I simply love everything I do!
But, it's also a bit much. So I have been thinking for the past few months... isn’t it about time for the next New Business or New Transition? I hope this edition of Insight, brought to you by the IIC&M, will inspire you as much as it is inspiring me!
Warmest regards,
Denny
Denny Portier-Terpstra
Editor
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Denny Portier-Terpstra
Editor of Insight brought to you by the IIC&M.
Denny is also an experienced coach and mentor, and an HR Professional.
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EDITOR'S
NOTE