The program for Founders Forum was designed around founder-to-founder connections, where founders shared challenges and experiences with each other, followed by an intimate Q&A with Michiel Muller, moderated by one of our own, Auke van den Hout.
Due to the success of the session of the first batch, this time around we welcomed a second batch of founders to foster learning and growth among each other. We were excited to welcome a new moderator, Saskia van Walsum, and welcomed back Tim de Zeeuw.
Navigating the path to growth
Michiel’s insights sparked a lively discussion as he shared his inspiring journey with Tango and Picnic, along with invaluable lessons learned along the road to scaling success. With several anecdotes and wisdom drawn from his own experiences, Michiel dug into the importance of momentum and communication.
The “magic” of combining advertising and PR
Michiel also emphasized the transformative impact of combining advertising and PR. “The combination of advertisements and press articles is captivating and engages audiences”. Ads are recurring and help to create a constant brand presence in the minds of people. Yet, if you are mentioned in a news article, people are truly captivated.
Maintaining cohesion amid growth
As companies expand, maintaining cohesion and clarity about the strategy within the company is essential. Michiel also shared insights into navigating the complexities of leadership and communication in evolving organisational landscapes. Michiel concluded it's about “balancing firm leadership with a sense of urgency”
“Scaling is crucial but keeping your data in check is even more important,” Michiel emphasized, shedding light on the pivotal role of data-driven decision-making in sustaining growth trajectories. He underscored the importance of cultivating a team of passionate individuals aligned with the company’s vision and values. You need people who enjoy your companies' problems in the sense that they look forward to solving them for you.
As the Founders Forum ended, Michiel left everyone inspired and empowered to embark on their scaling journeys.