BLA BLA BLA BeSTUUR van BLCKBX! (2 uur samengevat in 3 minuten)

Summary

In this special Café Weltsmerts episode, Jan van Aken, Bob Smid, and Daniel Padoen discuss entrepreneurship, leadership challenges, and the evolution of business projects. Jan shares his journey after selling his company in 2021 and his involvement in a foundation funded by donations. Tensions arise with Flavio, leading Jan to step away and launch his new venture, Lighthouse TV, seeking support through crowdfunding. The episode delves into the complexities of responsibility, decision-making, and transitioning between projects, with a humorous yet reflective tone throughout.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jan reflects on a comment from his graduation, stating there is 'iron under the velvet,' symbolizing strength beneath a soft exterior.
• 😀 Jan sold his business in 2021 and now dedicates three days a week to a new venture.
• 😀 The money from donors is being directed to a BV (private limited company) for purchasing equipment and paying workers.
• 😀 Flavio had a dispute with Jan regarding a decision about the PV (private company), eventually excluding Jan from the group.
• 😀 Jan expressed frustration over Flavio's decision-making without considering Jan's responsibility in the process.
• 😀 Despite his exclusion from the PV, Jan continued working on various tasks related to the foundation and party receiving funds.
• 😀 Jan sought help from his team to handle the situation, explaining the dilemma and the need for support.
• 😀 Jan acknowledged that he had to make decisions about the future direction of the company and its leadership, as he monitored the situation.
• 😀 Jan was involved in rescuing shares and removing the Blackbox, but he chose to move away from it, signaling a shift in his approach.
• 😀 Jan introduced his new project, Lighthouse TV, which is funded through crowdfunding and requires support from 12 entrepreneurial individuals.
• 😀 The conversation ends with Jan bidding farewell and expressing confidence in the future of his new venture, Lighthouse TV, while suggesting the potential for Erwin Thams to turn Blackbox around.

Q & A

What does Jan mean by the phrase 'There is iron under the velvet'?

Jan refers to the idea that although he may appear soft or approachable, there is a strong, determined, or resilient side beneath the surface. It's a metaphor for his approach to business and life.

What business did Jan sell in 2021?

Jan sold an administrative company in 2021, which he had been managing before stepping into a different phase of his career.

How does Jan manage his time after selling his business?

Jan now dedicates three days per week to the foundation (stichting), which is focused on managing donor funds and purchasing equipment.

What is the role of the foundation mentioned in the script?

The foundation receives donations, and the funds are used to buy equipment and pay for labor associated with its operations.

What conflict does Jan mention regarding Flavio?

Jan describes a situation where Flavio took certain actions without consulting him, such as removing him from the decision-making process and taking over responsibilities without prior agreement.

How did Jan feel about Flavio's actions in the foundation?

Jan felt surprised and concerned by Flavio's decisions, especially regarding the management and leadership of the foundation, which he considered his responsibility.

What is Jan’s current situation with Blackbox?

Jan is no longer part of Blackbox due to a change in the board. He feels that the new leadership does not align with his values or vision.

What is Lighthouse TV?

Lighthouse TV is a new project that Jan is now pursuing. It is a crowdfunded initiative, and he is looking for 12 inspiring entrepreneurs to help drive it forward.

What does Jan mean by '12 disciples' in the context of Lighthouse TV?

Jan is referring to a group of 12 entrepreneurs who would act as key contributors or leaders to help guide and build the Lighthouse TV project, much like disciples following a leader.

What does Jan think of the current state of Blackbox?

Jan believes that Blackbox is in a weak state under the new board and that its future is uncertain, especially as he has removed himself from the organization.