Reading the Zoom: Documenting my 2021 startup journey

Hello Friends!

Have you ever wondered what the startup experience is like? Have you experienced it and are interested to see how others go about their (new) business?

Many years ago I listened to a podcast featuring Paul Towers, founder of Task Pigeon, talking about transparent startups, and the concept truly caught my attention. The principle is relatively simple, yet fascinating: Paul shared everything from what scared him as a founder, successes and failures, warts and all. He even put together monthly reports sharing his revenue, expenditures and user statistics.

I am also embarking on an exciting startup adventure this 2021, and I would like to bring you along for the journey. I would like to share the startup journey, from employee to freelance to... who knows. Worst case scenario, it will make for a great entry at a F*ckup Nights event near you. ??

Leaving 2020 behind

The silver lining is that 2020 was a year of discovery and exploration... of the virtual kind! My colleague Bruno and I worked on lots of exciting virtual gatherings, and supported many teams in adjusting to the new normal. Facilitation is my business and as a middle child people-pleaser type, making things easy for others comes naturally. Below are eight 2020 projects I am really proud of:

• Co-facilitating three virtual gatherings for Civitates
• Designing a Virtual Gala for the K?rber Foundation
• Training the REGIB members in online presentation
• Co-consulting for ILGA-Europe's Online Gathering 2020
• Co-facilitating and producing EPIM's Online Lab
• Producing the Oxford Internet Institute's Online Away Days
• Moderating DG DEVCO's TPSD training series
• Training staff at OMCT, Prospero & Partners and my old colleagues at IPPF EN in virtual facilitation

Practising gratitude

Some of you have made quite the difference in my launch, either by sharing your experience and advice, or simply convincing me that I can do it:

• Allisha Ali, career coach extraordinaire
• Marzena Gawenda, brilliant trainer and coach
• Bruno Selun, expert facilitator
• Cecilia Spoor, queen of association execs
• Sandra Lizioli, my mentor and guide

Thank you!

What's coming up in 2021?

Scale up my activities. Set up objectives. Develop a visual identity. Continue my freshly-launched podcast. Get my DTM certificate. Connect with like-minded facilitators, freelancers, virtual producers, trainers, moderators, emcees, events and association professionals. Have fun. Explore the next virtual challenge. Slay dragons.

What would you like me to share about my journey?

?What do you want me to know?