Leadership Journeys [106] - Derren de Jong - "Freedom is the biggest driving factor behind everything I do"

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

Derren is a serial entrepreneur and currently the Managing Director of Kinescope, which is Enabling high quality video embedding and streaming at the lowest prices.

With a charming and relatable personality, Darren shares his inspiring path from a hobbyist copywriter to a thriving tech leader, shedding light on the driving forces behind his success. 

As he delves into the challenges faced during his transition from law studies to entrepreneurship, Darren imparts invaluable wisdom on identifying new opportunities, bringing people together, and fostering a culture of autonomy and flexibility. 

Discover the transformative power of prioritizing mental health, finding work-life balance, and embracing the freedom to shape your own path. 

Get ready to be motivated, gain actionable insights, and embark on your own journey of leadership and growth.

You can find Derren at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrendejong/?originalSubdomain=nl
• [email protected]

In the interview, Derren shares

• "Since 2013, I've embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, starting as a copywriter and venturing into various domains."
• "In addition to my tech company, I serve on the board of the expert committee responsible for allocating innovation subsidies in the northern Netherlands."
• "From copywriting to entrepreneurship, my journey began with a translation request that led to writing content for multiple clients and eventually growing my business."
• "Transitioning from studying law to entrepreneurship was a tough decision, but I realized my passion lay in autonomy and freedom rather than a corporate career."
• "Discovering my talent for bringing people together around common ideas and identifying new opportunities has been key to my success."
• "Through my experience, I've learned the importance of balancing individuality and teamwork, giving autonomy while ensuring introverted team members have space to contribute."
• "Freedom has been the driving force behind my varied endeavors, seeking flexibility and autonomy to shape my own path."
• "As I continue to explore new possibilities, my future remains uncertain, whether it's starting another venture, joining a co-founder role, or managing a larger company."
• "Prioritizing mental health and avoiding burnout is crucial, and my advice is to measure your activity, set clear expectations, and find a work-life balance that suits your well-being."