Contact me
Learn about me & my mission
Why Amsterdam?
I could list tons of reasons why Amsterdam is THE place to place my center of life. From its entrepreneurial ecosystem and international community to its safety, values, and perfect European location — here are just a few of them.
Travels
Let It Burn! I Went to Burning Man and Here Is What Happened
This year was intensive so far. The other day, I had a terrible day. All of a sudden, it came to my mind to text my friend, Nicole. When we talked on the phone on that memorable day, all of a sudden she asked if I would… go to Burning Man with her. And so we went.
Let It Burn! I Went to Burning Man and Here Is What Happened Read More »
House Is Not Home: How My Travels Influenced My Thoughts About Life
House is not home. After years of travels and self-development experiments, I reflect on what home means to me, what motivates me, and why the digital-nomad life is not my path.
House Is Not Home: How My Travels Influenced My Thoughts About Life Read More »
Startup Culture in Bay Area vs Startup Culture in Amsterdam
After weeks in the Bay Area, I compare its startup culture with Amsterdam’s: networking, project execution, wealth, behavior, personal branding, and overall business dynamics — 10 differences that surprised me.
Startup Culture in Bay Area vs Startup Culture in Amsterdam Read More »
15 Years Later
I spent Christmas among family and friends quite as every time before. However, this time, I also had a few afterthoughts as there are some examples of common knowledge that stroke me really hard. You might hear some simple truths from your parents and teachers over and over again – or read about it from motivational books – but after all, you only learn how important they are when you see the consequences in real life.
So Close yet so Far: A Postcard From Kilimanjaro
Five years have passed since I hiked to the top of Kilimanjaro; it happened precisely on the morning of 16th September 2013. It surprises me how vivid this memory still remains. Especially the last day of the hike, a lonely path from the last camp of Barafu towards the peak, I remember as bright as if it happened yesterday – maybe because finishing a PhD feels EXACTLY like that day.
So Close yet so Far: A Postcard From Kilimanjaro Read More »
On the Womb
This evening, I was sitting at the Didirion Station in San Jose waiting for a bus to Los Angeles. It was a Monday evening, 11pm. I just finished a goodbye dinner in a good restaurant with my sister.
Uber
It seems to me that the whole Uber phenomenon is ephemeral as in a few years, cab drivers – especially here, in Sillicon Valley – will most probably be replaced by self-driving cars. However, it is interesting to observe this phenomenon from the psychological point of view.
The American Dream
A visit to California is an eye-opener. The Dutch job market could not be any more different from the American one. In the Netherlands, it is way easier to get funding when your project is eco-friendly, employee-friendly and has a societal impact. In Silicon Valley, the thinking is different — and after a week in Mountain View, I finally understand the idea behind the American dream.
The Power Animal
Los Angeles has such a rich religious culture. From scientologists, through the Unitarian Universalists, to shamanistic associations. Every time you start talking to a new person, you can end up with a private lecture on an unexpected, spiritual topic. This time, two folks I met at a cheap hostel on Hollywood Boulevard took me to a shamanic workshop — where I found my power animal.