Jos Geerken

• An International CFO and Investor with experience in managing teams in finance, startups and projects. I’m used to board meeting dynamics and making decisions

• Currently based in the Netherlands, but I truly enjoyed my time abroad. As a student in Paris, in Italy for 3 years and my during my Big4 career in more than 25 different countries for projects and international clients, ranging from Argentina, Chile to China, France, Italy, USA, Kazakhstan and the Nordics. The people, cultures and different languages gave me exposure to new experiences, awareness flexibility and effective communication skills.

• Open-minded, people-orientated, and pragmatic, trying to keep business and life simple by careful listening and using some Dutch directness and a sense of humor.

These days, my life is a combination of a bustling family life and a dynamic career. I love to work, but as a husband and father to two young kids, our family adventures are at the heart of my spare time. We have some nice family traditions on different days of the week(end). In my personal spare time, I like the nature around us. I like cycling through the flat Dutch landscapes, hiking, running. If weather does not allow, I enjoy going to the gym, reading a book or simply enjoying a weekend with friends, neighbours and family. These experiences create a strong bond with the people around me that helps me relax from the daily hustle.

My hero is not a singular figure but a combination of the remarkable individuals I've encountered throughout my life and career. I like people who spread positivism
and hope. People like Nelson Mandela is definitely one of my heroes because of the depth of his positivity and faith in humanity. After long imprisonment, Mandela advocated for reconciliation and forgiveness rather than seeking revenge. One of his most famous quotes is: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." So keep learning.

"Embrace Change, Drive Excellence" has been my guiding principle. In the dynamic world of finance, investing, retail, startups and consultancy, adaptability is key, and pursuing excellence ensures that we not only meet but exceed expectations. This motto encapsulates my approach to both professional challenges and personal growth.

I would advise my younger self to embrace uncertainty and change with open arms. Every challenge, setback, or unexpected turn is an opportunity for growth and learning. Trust the journey, stay resilient, and never underestimate the power of taking initiative, networking, and building meaningful relationships.

Being a mentor allows me to pay forward the invaluable guidance I received throughout my own life and professional career so far. Without the help of my family and (business) friends I would not have been successful. I feel humble in assisting others in navigating the complexities of the business world, sharing insights gained from my diverse experiences, like living abroad, combining career and family and pass my knowledge to the next generation of leaders.

Absolutely, I have been fortunate to have had mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping my professional journey. Their wisdom, guidance, and willingness to share in mutual trust their experiences were instrumental in my growth. It's a testament to the importance of mentorship, and it fuels my commitment to being a mentor myself