Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne Rademaker, Owner of Rademaker Consulting, located in Utrecht, Netherlands.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business provides advice on how to join the circular economy transition or what actions to undertake to accelerate the transition. My customers are businesses (large or small) or public institutions (such as governments/education institutions).
Tell us about yourself
My biggest motivation is my son - to leave him a better world. My ambition is to further develop a Global Circular Economy. Therefore, I work with tremendous passion on shaping the world of tomorrow. As a former big four consultant, I have worked with many international organizations to drive circular transitions. My projects are focused on providing practical solutions to unlock the opportunities created by a Circular Economy. I'm working in close collaboration with businesses, governments, academia, and technical experts to accomplish this systemic change. To involve the next generation of leaders, I lecture as a guest at various universities.
I really love experimenting with circular products or services, and I love involving others in this journey. Hence I co-founded the non-profit foundation Live on Nothing to tackle global challenges locally.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Writing a book that combines knowledge obtained in the last years. This book is a starting point and a guide for any business decision-maker who wants to contribute their skills toward the CE transition. It dives into the concept of a CE and its underlying principles. It encourages the reader to recognize the opportunity in front of them and their own professional role in the transition. Even though it is acknowledged that everyone has a role to play, this book focuses on ambitious actions from decision-makers. It includes eight easy-to-understand areas that can be used by every individual, regardless of their specific country, sector, or department.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
To continue even though there is no need for a product or service today. Like H. Ford said: "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses." - Years ago, no one was really looking for solutions/tools/products/services related to a Circular Economy. Today it's a hot topic and is increasing in popularity rapidly due to climate change, related legislation, and other disruptive changes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just keep going - don't lose sight of what you are striving for.
- Involve as many people as possible.
- Share your knowledge, and share successes and failures. Learn from each other. Not everything is perfect from the beginning.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rademakerconsulting.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RademakerAnne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-rademaker/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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