VCV
december 2011
issue 251
for Nyenrodeans all around the world
magazine
A ticket
from the lottery
Getting to grips with
the real estate market
Helping
makes you wealthy
Azadeh Pourzand
Wealth is something trivial
wealth
Improve the world… Be the change you want, the phrase goes. Fredrik Knoeff (20070322), Jeroen Timmers (20030101), Nynke Doorenbos (20025504) and Nick van Dam (20050991) were. Each from their own background, in their own way, but with the same ideal. Looking after one another and the world.
Fredrik Knoeff (20070322) Unexpected wealth ‘A good job, own house, good car and the latest laptop were part and parcel of my life up to a year ago. A job as lawyer and then operational director of the office made it stressful but
comfortable. That was guaranteed by a good monthly wage slip. Everything your heart desires. But is that it? After my (part-time) program at Nyenrode in 2010 (PtMSc-11) I decided to change the direction of my life. On the one hand I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience
and on the other be of significance for those who are less fortunate. In other words, I was looking for immaterial enrichment and a way to make sense of it all. VSO Nederland found a partner for me in Tanzania (Dodoma) where I now work with an income I could not get by on for a week in the Netherlands. Only the
‘A good job, own house, good car and the latest laptop were part and parcel of my life up to a year ago.’ laptop reached Tanzania. I sold the house and car. I gave away the television and haven’t missed it since. Until the Fall of 2012 I am supporting a local NGO who works in combating poverty: prevention of HIV and Aids (Sharing Worlds Tanzania). An important part of its work is helping vulnerable 28 | VCV magazine 251
children who have lost one or more parents to HIV and Aids. In my work I emphasize self-sufficiency and sustainability by stimulating entre preneurship among vulnerable groups. It soon became clear that wasn’t going to be easy when I was designing training for developing mission, vision and core values. How do you explain this to people who struggle with writing and maths? In an economy in which the average consumption per person is les than a Euro per day you need maximum creativity and flexibility. A Dutch woman on welfare is like a Goddess here, but that’s not the most remarkable thing here as people get by somehow. I do get sad though when I see the level of the education. A hopeless mix of unmotivated teachers who don’t even make the effort to visit their classrooms and a teaching method that suppresses the development of insight and the ability to think independently. The result is that producing a double-sided copied folder at the local copy shop is tricky for many. Unexpectedly I came to the conclusion that I am rich. Not because I still have a bank account, but because thanks to my training I am able to make maximum use of my brain, be creative and have the chance to develop myself. And not just for myself. Also for around 15,000 vulnerable kids in Dodoma.’
Jeroen Timmers (20030101) The answer: giving ‘I recently returned from a trip around the world I started because my relationship had petered out and I saw my learning curve at work declining (strategy consultant). The world trip turned into a personal voyage of discovery. I returned home with two insights. I believe that every individual and every organization has a choice: you either conform to the system and within that system do your best, or you change the world according to your own ideals. And: if you get rid of all the unnecessary things and return to the essence, what remains? My answer is simple: giving. It seems that everyone is latently frustrated with how we do things at the moment. The focus on money, with all the associated consequences. Look at the financial crisis, for example, from which we’re still suffering. At the same time, the same companies are role models for many people. Nowadays, companies determine what we like and how we behave for large proportions of the population. There are initiatives to escape from this ‘prison’. On an individual level, influenced by social media, for example. There is a growing group of people willing to exchange knowledge and services in music, software and other products. Based on these insights I have decided to start changing the world with the initiative ‘Giving is All we Have’ from one that is focused
on money to one that assigns priority to the ‘gift’. Starting with companies, for if there is somewhere something has to change it’s there. Change there would have an exponen tial effect on society. There’s also the realiza tion that ‘we’ are our own company. And that means the change has to start with us. When I got back from my trip I decided to give away my ticket for the pop festival Lowlands. I had bought it for EUR 300 but realized it’s the ultimate exponent of how we do things. So I made a blog post and called NRC Next. What happened next was the
‘We are our companies.’ ultimate proof that the strength of gifts works and I got lots of reactions. I give presentations and training sessions on how business operations will look in the 21st century, and which changes we will have to introduce in our Western model of thought accordingly. I am currently writing a book on the way society and the economy will look in the 21st century. This will be published globally in 2012. I’m also talking to lots of companies and am asking them to give via ‘Giving is All we Have’. In short – I have a clear mission: globally mobilizing the strength of the ‘Gift’ and I could do with all the help people are willing to give!’ VCV magazine 251
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Nynke Doorenbos (20025504) MS for MS The project Mission Summit (MS) encompassed a single idea, twee objectives, nine friends and EUR 50,000 for MS Research. Climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is a dream for many, including Nynke Doorenbos. And she wanted to do so before her 40th birthday. When she started looking for fellow travelers she soon found nine who were equally enthusiastic. They included many fellow alumni from the EMBA-6 program, including Niels van Buren (20080505). Eighteen months ago Niels heard that he has MS (Multiple Sclerosis). He didn’t want his disease to stop him from climbing Kilimanjaro, though. There’s a good reason why Kilimanjaro means impossible journey. And so a second objective developed for the journey: collecting money for MS Research. MS Research focuses on research, education and care of MS patients. ‘During the EMBA we experienced how much you can achieve when you work together,’ Nynke explains. ‘By approaching people personally the best events were put together and we received more sponsorship than expected. Friends, family, classmates acquaintances and colleagues gave generous donations. There were even big band and gala dinner events during which more than EUR 3500 in goods and vouchers were auctioned off. We found a marketing agency that covered
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the communications including a beautiful suitable logo and a professional photographer took pictures for our website, which was designed by a website agency. And a notary and tax advisor provided services. Everything was free of charge! The abundance of activities, sums, vouchers, unexpected donations, good wishes and free work overwhelmed and touched us deeply.’
‘The impossible journey turned into the unforgettable journey.’ ‘After all the preparations the day of truth finally arrived on 3 October. An impossible journey became an unforgettable journey. Our first lesson (and saving mantra on the last climb) was: “step by step, day by day”. We started our final climb towards the summit at midnight. It was 15 degrees below zero and everything was freezing up – including our drinking water. Of course, that (and chocolate) is the most important thing on the whole journey… And god
it was tough! Entirely disoriented we followed our guide and could see… nothing. An endless, very steep walk in pitch-black surroundings.’ ‘Then, after six hours of climbing, the sun rose. We looked up and saw the edge of the crater. That’s when we knew we were going to make it! We all experienced a burst of adrenaline. And finally, at 10 in the morning we saw the peak for which we had been training so hard and had occupied us for twelve months. After six days of seriously hard work all nine of us made it to the Uhuru peak (which means freedom) at 5895 meters. The sun was shining, we had a panoramic view over a fantastic moon landscape and glacier, high above the clouds. There wasn’t a dry cheek in sight. We felt so rich together: no words can describe it adequately.’ The last event was the Nyenrode Summit Class on 10 November. A special day at Nyenrode with theme ‘impossible tasks’. Professor Fred Lachotzki (19660054), Professor Dr. Henry Robben and Dr. Dennis Vink (19980148) were inspiring in their help. The participants in MS: Amarja Niehof (20080516), Bas Vogelsangs (20080525), Brigitte Vogelsangs, Evelien Zandvliet, Harm Jan Buunk, Flor Betancourth (20080501), Merette Niehof, Niels van Buren and Nynke Doorenbos. You can still make a donation on account number 53.28.728 on the name of Stichting Mission Summit.
Nick van Dam (20050991) Education is the key ‘From the US, where I lived for thirteen years, I wrote my thesis for Nyenrode between 19992005. Title: The Business Impact of e-Learning. Since 2010 I have been a part-time associate at Nyenrode as key lecturer in ‘Change Management & Human Capital’ for the EMBA in Business & IT. In this module I address the role of ‘Social Media & Collaborative Technologies’ as part of a learning organization. In addition to Nyenrode I have two international roles at Deloitte. As Chief Learning Officer I am involved in developing and implementing our internal Talent Development strategy. I also advise international clients with respect to their Human Capital Management. Education is the key to a better future. When it comes down to it, good education not only benefits children but all of society: it leads to less poverty, fewer health problems and less violence. While doing my PhD I decided to use my expertise – and my global Deloitte network – and founded the non-profit organization ‘e-Learning for Kids’ with the aim of giving as many kids as possible free access to electronic education of the highest quality. There are around 325 e-lessons on the site in areas like mathematics, language, English as a second language, physics, computer skills, and health and personal care. All the programs are available in English and there are some in Spanish, French, Portuguese and Thai. New and other-language programs are being developed. The most popular lessons are about counting, prime numbers and typing skills. My personal favorite is the one about the moon’s cycle.
‘The impact has exceeded all expectations.’ e-Learning for Kids is the only non-profit that focuses on innovative digital education. The organization enjoys the efforts of lots of staff. In Hilversum there are two people working fulltime on project management and curriculum design. Over 100 volunteers in the Netherlands and the US make story boards. And a team of 25 full-timers in India does the programming.
The impact has exceeded all expectations. Since 2005 more than five million kids have worked with our e-lessons and there’s still huge growth potential. In 2011 I expect to reach 2.5 million children in 190 countries. In countries where there is no or limited access to the internet we make sure the e-lessons are installed on computers. Our aim is to complete a full curriculum within the next five years that covers all primary school topics and more. But everything stands or falls with getting enough resources. We are looking for companies that have CSR objectives and are willing to make a financial contribution. Getting hold of funds is not easy. I would be delighted to hear from Nyenrodeans if they have ideas for helping us to get extra money. e-Learning for Kids does not have a marketing organization. It would be great if alumni living abroad would introduce e-Learning for Kids at schools or orphanages. I am more than aware than I have been extremely lucky in my life. I have had the opportunity to complete interesting studies
and as a result can do varied work in which I can use all my talents. Working with people in different countries remains fascinating and it is highly enriching to be able to teach the talented individuals at Nyenrode. Wealth is the possibility of giving back in this life. Developing team members, coaching and assisting (younger) people, publishing books, sharing work and life experiences at the EMBA and last but not least helping children with their education makes life rich and valuable.’
For more information: Fredrik Knoeff, f.knoeff@gmail.com Jeroen Timmers, jeroentimmers@hotmail.com www.givingisallwehave.com Nynke Doorenbos, nynke_doorenbos@hotmail.com www.mission-summit.nl Nick van Dam, nvandam@e-learningforkids.org www.e-learningforkids.org VCV magazine 251
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