ValuesMind Newsletter - October

The holidays were good, wet and somehow felt a bit short.

Author

Jorrit Van der Laan
October 17, 2024

The Biggest Polluters in the Netherlands have gotten worse

Yes, you read it correctly. With all the legislation, CSRD, ESG and attention, the biggest polluters in the Dutch industry still managed to make it worse. In a previous report from the Dutch Emission Authority, it appeared that the industry had improved dramatically.

Designed by Freepik

As it turns out, it was because the amount of goods sold were lower than predicted, but the emission per product created has gotten worse still. Is it me, or are we still asleep as a country and its people, hurdling fast towards a wall that we are trying to ignore?

But wait, there is also good news.

Luckily, we experience a lot of companies that are working hard to decrease there negative footprint on the world and some are actually making a positive impact through a changed business model and operations.

Are you one of those companies or universities that we can put in the spotlight next time, please reach out!

#keepgoing

Young Professionals in 2024: Balancing Tech, Purpose, and Well-Being

As ValuesMind we continuously work with the bright minds of the future, aka the young professional. Based on these interactions we have noticed quite some changes in behaviour compared to how it was when we grew up (yes, before 2000 😉 ).

Today’s young professionals are navigating a fast-evolving work landscape, blending traditional values with modern demands. Armed with digital fluency, they adapt quickly to new technologies, including AI and automation, while excelling in remote and hybrid work environments. Platforms like Slack and Zoom are second nature, allowing for seamless collaboration from anywhere.

A key trend is their commitment to continuous learning, often pursuing online certifications and micro-degrees to stay competitive. Diversity and inclusion are also front and center, with young workers actively supporting inclusive workplaces and global cultural awareness.

Designed by Freepik

In 2024, work-life balance has become non-negotiable. Many professionals prioritise mental health, set clear boundaries, and value flexibility. There’s also a growing focus on sustainability, with young workers pushing companies toward eco-friendly practices and ethical business standards.

An entrepreneurial spirit is evident, with many pursuing side gigs and passion projects. And above all, they are purpose-driven, choosing roles that align with personal values and have a positive impact on society.

Personally we just love them for their vibrant and collaborative energy.

#stayyoungforever

Memoires of a struggle-up

In this episode we will give you some insights into our own ValuesMind startup. Or as we tend to call it sometimes, our “struggle-up“. 😉

Of course everyone knows the famous startups that made it, those that became big or were acquired by other investors. But that is only the small tip of the iceberg. The vast majority of entrepreneurs are those who work hard every day just to make it to the next one or go down somewhere along the line. And yes, all of them, including us, strongly believe that they will succeed against all odds. That their dream is the one the world is waiting for. And we truly need this mindset to break through barriers, seek different paths and invent solutions no other has thought of.

But back to ValuesMind. I believe we are currently in the good old “let’s make it perfect first“ phase. Thinking we are working towards an MVP, but actually not validating enough or just throwing out a concept first to learn and improve along the way. There is a strange catch-22 that we find ourselves in.

As we dive deeper and deeper into the content, our expertise grows, expanding our view and broadening our insights. This sounds great, but it also means we realise more and more how much things we could add, or should add and how much things we are missing still. This puts us in an action mode to do more, ending up with a lot of analysing and modelling but having little in the market. But wait, we wanted to better the world, help others make a positive impact and nudge companies right? Than why are we in our heads so much? 😉

Of course we know the answer, but escaping the catch-22 is not always that easy. Recognisable? Got ideas or want to spar with us?

PS: we are really working on cool stuff

#staycurious