When I was 25, I got the opportunity to join the management team of a fast-growing tech-company. I was responsible for People & Marketing. In 5 years, we scaled from 100 to 200 people and opened 3 international offices. Our team consisted almost exclusively of engineers and IT professionals. Not an easy audience to find. And keep (interested). So if you're in the middle of that wonderful chaos right now... I get it. Been there, bought the t-shirt.

Long story short: I married a West-Flemish engineer (if you can't beat them, join them) and moved to Moorslede in the spring of 2017. However hard it was to leave that company at the time, today I'm infinitely grateful I did. It cost me a ton of time, money and energy, but it's been amazing. The first 9 months (oh, the symbolism) I guided several scale-ups to a more strategic people approach as an employee. But, as always, I wanted to sail my own course. Have more impact.

Founding and building Leviosa has been the wildest ride. If I could go back to my 25-year-old self, I'd tell her to take the time to build strong fundamentals. To look at strategy and organisation design before even thinking about policies on recruitment, salaries, training. To stop putting out fires.

That's what I want for you too. It's why I started my business. To help you build your team first time right. Achieve goals that make you a little uncomfortable. You can scale and still be free. Have brain space. A life. Success shouldn't feel like some sort of cage.

Little Tinca directing the course while owning white socks and a bottle.