Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast – The Podcast Closing the Funding Gap for Women in Tech.

How Anieke Lamers Closes the Inequality Gap by Backing Female Founders with Borski Fund | Show notes episode 124

“Do we really need to haze the next generation of female founders?

In sororities, hazing is a rite of passage. For female founders, it’s often unspoken. Many women who’ve made it to the top feel like they have to struggle alone. So those who come after them should too.

Anieke Lamers doesn’t buy that.

In Episode 124 of Women Disrupting Tech, Anieke Lamers challenges the view that female founders must struggle alone and explains how we can create an investment ecosystem that supports bold women early. As a founder-turned-Borski Fund partner, Anieke brings both urgency and unique insight.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Or scroll down for the lessons, magic moments, and reflections from our conversation.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

You know that some parts of the system weren’t built to be fair. And that other parts weren’t built for women at all. But Anieke shines a light on the quiet forces shaping funding decisions, and what we need to do to change them.

Impact-driven founders are burning out, and VCs need to notice.

Founders who care deeply often put the mission above their own well-being. Anieke saw it happen again and again. So she launched The VC Coach to help investors recognize the signs early and make more human decisions that protect both founders and their portfolios.

How trust is built on similarity and why you need to second-guess yourself as an investor

Anieke explains how investors often trust founders who feel familiar. If someone talks or behaves like you, you’re more likely to see them as competent. But that instinct reinforces bias and keeps overlooked founders out of the room.

We need structural changes, not just individual effort.

More female founders and more women in VC matter, but policy matters too. From better parental leave to education that teaches girls how to fail, Anieke makes the case for systemic support so women don’t have to choose between building a company or a family.

💬 Which of these lessons resonates most with you? Share them in the comments.

And if you want more lessons like this? Follow the podcast or subscribe to updates for a weekly dose of female founder inspiration.

Or scroll down for magical moments, practical takeaways, and my own observations.

Highlights and timestamps

Time	Highlight
02:40	Journey to Borski Fund
05:29	The Role of an Operating Partner
08:28	Challenges for Women in Leadership
11:26	The Founder-Investor Dynamic
14:36	Building Peekabond: A Personal Journey
17:26	The Emotional Attachment of Founders
20:24	Coaching for Mental Health in Startups
23:29	Changing Expectations in Pitching
26:18	The Importance of Diverse Teams
29:19	Borski Fund’s Mission and Impact
32:21	The Slow Progress of Female Founders
35:26	The Future of Gender Equality in VC
37:57	Bias in Investment Decisions
41:16	Selecting the Right VC
44:04	The Need for Policy Changes
47:01	Celebrating Female Founders
49:53	Success Metrics for Borski Fund
52:52	The Role of Men in VC
55:48	Final Thoughts and Connections

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

In this episode, three moments reveal what drives Anieke Lamers as both investor and person: empathy, self-awareness, and imagination make her approach unique and charming.

When women help women, everyone wins.

Long before joining Borski Fund, Anieke founded The Old Girls Network to connect women who wanted to lift each other up. It was her response to seeing senior women believe others had to climb the same hard road they did. Her story is a reminder that solidarity is not a luxury; it is a responsibility.

Her wake-up call as a VC turned founder.

As a junior analyst, Anieke used to ask founders tough questions, assuming she knew better. Only after becoming a founder herself did she realize how arrogant that was. Founders live and breathe their companies. No thirty-minute meeting can match that depth of insight.

The idea of business baby showers.

Anieke believes we should celebrate female entrepreneurship the same way we celebrate new life. Instead of baby clothes, gift founders a Notion subscription or a tool that helps them grow their business. Building a company is also a kind of birth, and it deserves the same support and joy.

These moments show the mix of empathy, self-awareness, and imagination Anieke brings to investing, explaining why she’s reshaping leadership in venture capital.

💬 What do you think of the idea of business baby showers? Share the post with someone you’d invite.

💡 Looking for the practical tips Anieke shared for female founders navigating fundraising and finding the right investors? That’s coming up next.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

As Anieke puts it: “As a female founder you have to be either mad or genius, and probably a bit of both, to start building.” And Anieke knows both sides of the table. She evaluated pitches, pitched investors as a founder, and now she is one. She shares three insights to help you get started on your fundraising journey.

Get a storytelling coach.

Data builds trust, but stories build memory. Your founder story is what sticks with investors long after your pitch deck fades from view. Just imagine what your story would sound like if you stopped pitching and started connecting.

Ask about the fund’s vintage year.

The fund’s age determines how long a VC has before they need an exit. If your vision takes time, a short remaining investing period means that you could be talking to the wrong partner. And don’t be afraid to ask. Investors will tell you.

Look for a values match, not just a financial fit.

The right investor believes in what you’re building, not just how fast you can grow it. Talk to other founders in their portfolio. Ask how they show up when things get hard.

These tips are practical, but they also speak to something deeper: knowing your worth, asking the right questions, and refusing to shrink your ambition to fit someone else’s timeline.

💬 Know a founder who should know about these? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.

Or scroll down to discover an inspiring quote and learn about my own takeaways.

Next, I’ll share the moments from this conversation that shifted how I think about founders, investors, and the system that connects them.

The Quote From The Episode

Many VCs seem to think that they are the real heroes of the story. Anieke Lamers has quite a different opinion about this.

Portrait of Anieke Lamers smiling outdoors next to a quote that reads, “If anything, VCs should be putting founders on a pedestal. Because they are ultimately the people building the companies and bringing in their money.” — Anieke Lamers on episode 124 of the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast.

“If anything, VCs should be putting founders on a pedestal. Because they are ultimately the people building the companies and bringing in their money.”

Anieke Lamers, Operating Partner at Borski Fund

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

What struck me in our conversation was the deep passion that Anieke has for improving the odds for female founders. And some of the factors that play a role are not even money-related. For instance, talking with Anieke made me see just how much pressure the system puts on both founders and investors.

Detachment can be a strength.

Passion drives founders, but it can also hold them back. When you’re too emotionally attached to your startup, it becomes harder to experiment or pivot. Anieke’s story, and her reflection on the WeTransfer founder’s detached mindset, showed me how experience helps create emotional distance—and how freeing that can be.

The VC timeline shapes how companies grow.

I used to think ten years was long-term, until Anieke explained how it actually pushes founders to chase short-term wins. In a system that celebrates unicorns, too many good companies die early. Maybe it’s time to let sustainable growth count as success too.

Investing isn’t as rational as it looks.

Most VC decisions are shaped by gut feeling and intuition, not just data. It made me wonder how many great ideas are missed simply because they don’t feel familiar enough.

These moments matter because they expose the invisible forces shaping who gets funded and who burns out. Seeing them clearly is the first step toward changing them.

Scroll down for my closing thoughts on what this episode means for the future of inclusive investing. And if you’re ready to discover what else Anieke and I cover, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

A Question for You 🤔

💬 Which part of Anieke’s story resonated most with you?
Was it the reality of founder burnout, the “business baby shower” idea, or her take on fund timelines and bias?

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep this conversation going and make inclusion the new normal in tech.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Next week, it is time for episode 125. And let me tell you, it is perhaps one of the best conversations that I’ve had. Magali Elhage and Matthijs Welle from Dutch unicorn Mews come on the podcast to share how they’re building a culture that ties belonging to success.

To give you an idea of what I mean, listen to this fragment about the new employee introduction. I don’t get emotional easily, but listening to this brought tears to my eyes.

Hear how Magali shares her experience at the new employee introduction of Mews.

So stay tuned for more Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Dirkjan

PS If you fear missing out, subscribe to updates or follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Listen to Episode 124 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Anieke Lamers

Anieke Lamers is a Dutch venture partner and coach who splits her time between Portugal and the Netherlands. She started her career in finance and venture capital before founding Peekabond, a startup that helped global families strengthen emotional bonds across distance. That experience changed how she saw both entrepreneurship and investing.

Today, Anieke works as an Operating Partner at Borski Fund, a Dutch fund investing in female founders of tech companies. Her role focuses on deal sourcing, strategic partnerships, and fundraising strategy, but her real mission runs deeper. She believes good investing is not just about returns, but about alignment—between head, heart, gut, and spirit.

Through her coaching practice, The VC Coach, Anieke helps investors make more conscious, human decisions and spot burnout early in their founders. Her purpose is simple but powerful: to inspire authentic connection. To connect people to themselves, to each other, and to the impact they can make when they lead with both empathy and conviction.

Connect with Anieke on LinkedIn, or learn more about Borski Fund below.

About Borski Fund

Borski Fund is a Dutch venture capital fund that invests in female-founded and gender-diverse tech companies. Its mission is to make the investment landscape more inclusive, proving that diversity is not just fairer but also smarter business.

The fund focuses on companies from seed to Series A, operating in health, circular economy, and what it calls future society. By backing underrepresented founders, Borski aims to reduce the gender funding gap and show that female entrepreneurship can drive both impact and profitability.

The fund is named after Johanna Borski, the first female investor in the Netherlands, who famously helped finance the Dutch central bank in the 19th century. Her legacy of bold, forward-thinking investment lives on in Borski’s approach today: investing in women who build the future.

To learn more about Borski and to discover if they’re a good fit, please check out their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

The fall is loaded with great events, and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

You can register for events on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

ImpactFest – 10th edition – 30 October 2025

The place to be for impact makers, period. Meet 1,500 impact makers from more than 35 countries during one of the 100+ sessions in the 10th edition of ImpactFest. You can learn more about being part of ImpactFest on their website.

Understanding Women’s Health – 3 December 2025

During this final 3mbrace Health event of 2025, you’re invited to better understand the importance of women’s health and the powerful role it plays in our personal, professional, and societal well-being. Men are expressly invited to join. And yes, I will be there too. More info and tickets can be found here.

What I Want To Leave You With

What struck me most in this conversation is how clearly Anieke connects empathy with action. She is not just talking about inclusion, she is building it through every founder she backs and every investor she coaches.

When we change how we listen, we change who gets heard.
When we change how we invest, we change who gets to build.

Borski Fund may still be needed today, but Anieke’s vision is for a world where it is not. Until then, the rest of us have work to do.

Listen to the full episode with Anieke Lamers on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. And if it shifted your thinking on inclusion, share it with someone.

23 October 2025

Podcast

Diversity in Tech, Female Founder, Funding, Impact, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Venture Capital, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

How Showing Her the Money Changes Venture Capital with Azin Radsan van Alebeek | Show notes episode 123

“I never really thought I could be doing this with my money, my investments.”

That is what her Dutch friend whispered into Azin’s ear after watching the movie ‘Show Her The Money’.

It’s a line that captures the heart of what this episode is about. Venture capital often feels like a closed world. Azin Radsan van Alebeek wants to open it up and show women how money can fuel change. In Episode 123 of Women Disrupting Tech, she shares her journey from boutique consultancy, to stay-at-home mom, to venture capitalist reshaping outcomes.

You can listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Or scroll down for the lessons, magic moments, and reflections from our conversation.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

This conversation is about using capital as a way to create change. And these three lessons all circle around one point: if capital fuels ideas, then we need to pay attention to which ideas get fuel.

Capital Can Be Used as a Tool for Change

Azin sees venture capital not just as a way to make returns, but as a lever to change behavior. Money has the power to align attention and focus. Used well, it can shift founders, investors, and even entire markets toward outcomes that matter.

Fueling a Broader Range of Ideas Builds a Better Future

Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. If we only fund a narrow group of founders, we only build part of their future. Funding women and other underrepresented groups is not just fair, it is necessary if we want innovation that reflects all of us.

The Size of the Vision Shapes the Outcome

Being able to think big is essential when raising capital. Too often, women are conditioned to present smaller, safer ideas, and that directly affects how investors respond. Expanding the scale of the vision can change the scale of the outcome.

These three lessons matter because they show venture capital does not have to stay the way it is. If we choose to fund more broadly, think bigger, and use money as a tool for change, we can build a future that works for more people.

The funding gap won’t close through numbers alone. It starts with conversations like this one. Share this episode with someone shaping the future of venture capital.

And if you want more lessons like this? Follow the podcast or subscribe to updates for a weekly dose of female founder inspiration.

Or scroll down for magical moments, practical takeaways, and my own observations.

Highlights and timestamps

Time	Highlight
03:30	Introduction and Background
06:23	The Importance of Gender Representation in Venture Capital
09:43	Azin’s Journey into Angel Investing
13:38	Cultural Perspectives and Personal Experiences
18:06	The Impact of Underrepresentation in Venture Capital
23:26	Statistics on Female Founders and Funding
27:16	Changing Perspectives on Gender Roles
29:14	Using Venture Capital for Change
31:14	Show Her The Money: Film and Book Overview
34:42	Inspiring Stories of Female Founders
39:00	The Role of Male Investors in Supporting Female Founders
43:05	Emmeline’s Focus on Women’s Health
44:49	Understanding Women’s Health Disparities
47:09	Investing in Female-Centric Solutions
48:50	The Ideal Founder Profile
51:26	Integrity in Investment Relationships
52:22	Comparing Support for Female Founders in Europe and the US
55:15	What Makes a Pitch Deck Stand Out?
59:13	Defining Venture-Ready Proposals
1:03:06	Encouraging Women to Think Bigger
1:05:03	Upskilling for Stay-at-Home Moms
1:12:55	The Future of Venture Capital for Women

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

There were many moments in our conversation that lit up for me. I wanted to share three moments that show what becomes possible when we start funding women’s businesses.

The Whisper at the Premiere

When I ask her about a moment where she knew that creating ‘Show Her The Money’ was the right thing, Azin shares the anecdote about the premiere. When the credits roll over the screen, her Dutch friend confesses: “I never really thought that I could be doing this with my money.”

Hopeful Signals

Picture of Azin Radsan van Alebeek with a quote from episode 123 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech titled ‘How Showing Her the Money Changes Venture Capital’.

Azin notes that more traditional male investors are stepping into this space and she calls them smart for doing so. It is a sign that mindsets are shifting, even from within the system.

Reframing Women’s Health

When she talks about pregnancy, Azin flips the perspective: women’s health does not just affect half the population. It affects 100 percent. That one reframe makes it clear why these markets are central, not niche.

These moments matter because they make it clear that change is already happening, and that inclusion is not just an aspiration but a practice.

So what was your magical moment from the episode? Put it in the comments. I’d love to hear.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

One of the things I value in these conversations is when advice goes beyond theory. Azin has been both an angel investor and a venture capitalist. Her advice is practical and direct, and it is the kind of guidance founders can apply right away.

Know Why You Need VC

Not every company needs venture funding. Ask yourself why VC dollars are the right path before you start pitching. Especially if your goal is steady, thoughtful growth, venture capital may not be the right fit.

Keep Your Deck Sharp and Concise

The purpose of a pitch deck is not to explain every detail. It should spark curiosity and secure a call. One page for the problem and one page for the solution is enough. Particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages.

Show How Investors Make Money

Investors want to back impact, but they also need to see returns. Make sure your deck clearly shows how they will make money from your business. It also shows empathy which is important when building a long-term relationship.

These takeaways matter because they come straight from someone who sees dozens of pitches. They remind founders that clarity, fit, and vision are what turn a meeting into an opportunity.

Know a founder who is fundraising? Tag them in the comments or share these tips with them directly!

Or scroll down to discover an inspiring quote and learn about my own takeaways.

The Quote From The Episode

This quote captures why Azin invests and why funding diversity is not just fair, but necessary for innovation.

“Capital fuels ideas. And if we’re not fueling a cross section of ideas, we’re building a future that does not allow all of us to be our best self.“

Azin Radsan van Alebeek, cofounder and managing partner at Emmeline Ventures

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

Even after 123 episodes, every conversation shifts something for me. Sometimes it is a new perspective, sometimes it is a reminder of something I had overlooked. With Azin, three reflections stood out because they made me rethink how I look at founders, investors, and even myself.

The Outsider Perspective

Azin grew up as one of the few kids of color at school. She told me that being an outsider made her open to other people’s views. “If you approach it with openmindedness, your world becomes so much larger.” I have felt like an outsider too, even as a white man. As a founder, maybe that is an advantage. Because you are used to being misunderstood and pushing against norms.

Motherhood as Strength

Her comments about the unique skills you gain as a mom made me pause. I realized I have often overlooked how those experiences translate into leadership and pitching. What is often called a gap might actually be a strength. And I hope Azin’s words inspire the women who are on the sidelines to look at it as an enriching part of their lives.

Storytelling as a Superpower

Azin has a story for everything, whether it is an analogy, an example, or a way to make a point stick. It made me realize that founders should write down their stories, so they can bring them out when it counts. Not just the origin stories but the everyday analogies can make your story more relatable (and they make for great social content too).

These reflections matter because they reminded me that inclusion is not abstract. It shows up in lived experiences, in unexpected strengths, and in the way we tell our stories.

So I’d love to hear what shifted your thinking. Share your learnings in the comments. Or scroll down for links to the episode and a preview of what’s coming up.

And if you’re ready to discover what else Azin and I cover, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

A Question for You 🤔

How might the startup world look different if more stay-at-home parents became founders?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

In episode 124, another investor takes the mic. Anieke Lamers, operating partner at Borski Fund, share how her experience as a founder makes her a better investor.

And she’s has some pretty interesting lessons to share of her own.

Anieke shares how her own founder experience changed her ways of working as an investor.

So stay tuned for more Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Dirkjan

PS If you fear missing out, subscribe to updates or follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Listen to Episode 123 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Azin Radsan van Alebeek

Azin Radsan van Alebeek is the co-founder and managing partner of Emmeline Ventures, an early-stage fund investing in female-led startups across tech-enabled, FemTech, FinTech, and sustainability sectors.

With over 30 years of executive and advisory experience in the US and Europe, she brings strategic insight and coaching skills to help entrepreneurs grow their companies and create lasting impact. Azin is dedicated to empowering women to be financially sovereign and regularly mentors on financial literacy, angel investing, and leadership.

You can connect with Azin on LinkedIn. And if you want to learn more about the movie ‘Show Her The Money’, check out this website.

About Emmeline Ventures

Emmeline Ventures is an early-stage venture fund that invests in female-founded and female-led companies with bold ideas in FemTech, sustainability, and tech-enabled solutions. The firm backs founders who are building businesses that improve lives, health, and opportunities for women, while delivering strong returns for investors. Emmeline’s mission is to expand who gets to play in the venture ecosystem by fueling companies that combine innovation with purpose.

You can check out their portfolio companies, including Alloy, Ema | AI for Women’s Health, and WealthMore on the Emmeline website. Or follow Emmeline Ventures on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

The fall is loaded with great events, and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

You can register for events on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

ImpactFest – 10th edition – 30 October 2025

The place to be for impact makers, period. Meet 1,500 impact makers from more than 35 countries during one of the 100+ sessions in the 10th edition of ImpactFest. You can learn more about being part of ImpactFest on their website.

Understanding Women’s Health – 3 December 2025

During this final 3mbrace Health event of 2025, you’re invited to better understand the importance of women’s health and the powerful role it plays in our personal, professional, and societal well-being. Men are expressly invited to join. And yes, I will be there too. More info and tickets can be found here.

What I Want To Leave You With

During the episode, I mention that I see venture capital as part of the problem. The incentives do not always align with what I feel should be the goals, and I see the funding gap as proof of that.

What struck me in this conversation is how Azin approaches it differently. She uses venture capital as a lever to change behavior and create wealth at the same time. She shows it can be part of the solution if money is aligned with the right vision.

If capital fuels ideas, then fueling a broader cross-section of ideas is how we build a future that lets all of us be our best selves.

And on a personal note, I want to thank Katty Hsu for inviting me to that first screening of Show Her the Money. Without that, this conversation might not have happened.

16 October 2025

Podcast

Diversity in Tech, Funding, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Venture Capital, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

Arosha Brouwer on Scaling Workplace Wellbeing with Impact and Integrity | Show notes episode 122

What if scaling a company does not mean adding features and employees?

When Arosha Brouwer and her co-founder saw that the product they were building at Quan needed to be end-to-end, they could have decided to build everything in-house.

But they knew that this would cost millions, and come with the risk of watering down what was already working.

So they decided on one final pivot. And in episode 122, Arosha Brouwer returns to Women Disrupting Tech to share how Quan found the right home through an acquisition by TrueTribe.

Scroll down to explore the lessons from this conversation, or listen to the episode using the links below.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Picture of Arosha Brouwer, co-founder of Quan and Chief Impact Officer at TrueTribe, with a quote from episode 122 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech, which features an interview with her.

When Arosha described the process of joining TrueTribe, one thing stood out to me: she never lost sight of the mission. Our conversation teaches three important lessons:

Focus to protect your mission and impact.

Quan could have ended like many startups, losing focus in pursuit of doing it all. But Arosha and her co-founder, Lucy, recognized early that their product solved a real pain point, yet wasn’t ready to become the all-in-one solution the market wanted. They knew that broadening the product too soon could dilute their focus and erode their core strength. As Arosha said, “If you’re not super focused, you could die in the process.”

Mission comes before ownership.

Most exit stories celebrate the wealth that was generated for founders and investors. Quan’s deal was not about selling out. Arosha deliberately chose not to cling to control. Her choice was never about equity but about sustaining impact. “It was never about ownership. It was always about impact.”

Privilege comes with responsibility.

Arosha and her co-founder Lucy found themselves ‘lucky’ to receive funding and get access to stages where women are often absent. That privilege came with weight. As Arosha put it: “We feel the responsibility to make our companies a success for the sisters that come after us.”

These lessons show that an exit through an acquisition can protect and even strengthen the values that a company was built on.

Ready to inspire your network? Share this post with a fellow founder who needs to hear this story of mission-driven growth.

And if you want more lessons like this? Follow the podcast or subscribe to updates for a weekly dose of female founder inspiration.

Or scroll down for magical moments, practical takeaways, and my own observations.

Highlights and timestamps

Time	Highlight
02:05	Arosha’s New Role and Impact Focus
05:00	True Tribe and Quan: A Partnership for Wellbeing
08:11	Predictive Analytics in Workplace Wellbeing
11:09	Acquisition Journey: Aligning Missions
13:53	The Importance of Integrity in Business
16:53	Navigating the Acquisition Process
19:46	The Decision to Pursue Acquisition
22:54	The Value of Focus in Business
25:51	Opportunities Post-Acquisition
28:42	The Pressure of Being a Female Founder
31:33	Letting Go: The Transition of Quan
34:41	Building a Legacy Through Impact
37:05	Lessons Learned from VC Funding
40:01	Healthy Investor Relations
42:49	The Role of Allies in Entrepreneurship
45:46	Advice for Aspiring Female Founders

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

Every conversation I’ve had with Arosha shows how she combines personal integrity with business drive with a sharp strategic focus on what really matters. Here are three moments that highlight how Arosha thinks and what she values most.

“As an impact founder, you don’t just sell your company.”

This quote is a reminder that a deal can either dilute or amplify your mission. The episode shows how this belief guided Arosha and Quan to find their future with TrueTribe.

The dentist analogy

Quan is like an X-ray. It only becomes valuable when a specialist explains it. That is why the fit with TrueTribe worked so well: their predictive software spots the problem, Quan diagnoses the cause, and together they offer a complete solution.

Putting ego aside

She wanted her story to show what is possible: that a woman of colour without a technical background can start from zero, build something real, and achieve an exit while keeping the mission intact. Doing that meant putting her ego aside so the mission could stand taller than personal credit.

These moments shift the meaning of success from personal wins to collective possibility and remind us that magic does not always come from big announcements. It comes from clarity, patience, and choices that protect what truly matters.

💡 What was your favorite moment in the episode? Share yours in the comments. Then scroll down for more takeaways and links to listen.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

Arosha’s advice is both sharp and usable. It comes from lived experience as a founder. Here are three takeaways to get you started right:

Know what investors are really after

Having investors on board comes with responsibilities, not only to them, but also to their investors. Arosha’s advice: be clear on whether your idea is truly built for billion-dollar scale. Otherwise, you risk forcing your company onto a path that does not fit.

Make sure one founder can tell the story.

Arosha did most of the storytelling on various international stages. Her co-founder, Lucy, equally capable, stayed predominately behind the scenes to focus on building. That balance worked because the mission was both communicated and delivered.

Be patient and do the groundwork.

Two years before the acquisition, Arosha and Lucy already saw that scaling would be a challenge. Instead of rushing, they slowed down to explore options carefully. They also did 300 conversations before shaping Quan, making sure they understood the problem space of workplace wellbeing deeply before committing to a solution.

These takeaways remind founders that growth is not only about speed or capital. It is about clarity, patience, and knowing when to protect what you already do well.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Know a founder who could benefit from these clarity, patience, and mission lessons? Tag them in the comments or share this episode directly. It could be the clarity they need!

Or scroll down to discover an inspiring quote and learn about my own takeaways.

The Quote From The Episode

“It was never about the ownership. It was always about the impact.”

Arosha Brouwer, Chief Impact Officer at TrueTribe and co-founder of Quan

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

This is the third episode where I interview Arosha. So you’d think we covered almost all aspects of her life as a founder. Yet, when I reflected back on this one, I noted these three notes to self:

The weight of responsibility

Until I heard Arosha say it, I never realized that women founders who receive funding often feel they carry the responsibility for those who come after them. That insight made me see how personal success is tied to collective progress.

The integrity in letting go

What struck me most was how she put her ego aside. She wanted her story to prove it is possible for a woman of colour without a technical background to build something from zero and reach an acquisition. For her, integrity meant protecting the mission, not her own stake.

“I continue as the conscience of TrueTribe.”

She said it with a laugh, but the meaning was serious. It changed the way I think about exits. They are not the end of a journey. They can be a way to carry your values forward into a larger structure.

These shifts show me that exits are not only about strategy. They are also about responsibility, humility, and the power of legacy.

👉 What were moments in the episode that changed your thinking? Let me know in the comments.

And if you’re ready to discover what else Arosha and I cover, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

A Question for You 🤔

When you think about an exit, what is the one value you would fight hardest to carry forward into the new structure?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Well, next week will be truly magical again. VC Investor Azin Radsan van Alebeek shares her journey from Stanford to stay-at-home mom to being a co-producer of the movie “Show Her The Money”.

Why she invested time and money in this movie as a VC? Here’s why:

Click to hear Azin share the moment she knew the movie was making the right impact.

So stay tuned for more Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Dirkjan

PS If you fear missing out, subscribe to updates or follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Listen to Episode 122 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Arosha Brouwer

Arosha Brouwer is a wellbeing evangelist and the co-founder of Quan, a B2B SaaS company that helps teams measure and manage their mental health and wellbeing. Before starting Quan, she worked in consulting and innovation across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

In 2022, Quan became one of the first female-led Dutch startups to enter Y Combinator. That milestone placed Arosha’s mission on the global stage. Over the years, Quan secured funding from a mix of US and European institutional backers, impact funds, and angel investors.

After Quan was acquired by TrueTribe, Arosha stepped into the role of Chief Impact Officer. She continues to guide the mission of workplace wellbeing, making sure Quan’s values remain part of how TrueTribe grows.

You can connect with Arosha on LinkedIn.

And don’t forget to listen to the earlier episodes to hear more about her founder journey before Quan was acquired.

About TrueTribe

TrueTribe is a Dutch HR tech company led by CEO Mayke Nagtegaal. Their mission is to make employee wellbeing a structural priority inside organizations. Instead of offering one-off perks, TrueTribe helps companies spot early signs of stress, absenteeism, and disengagement, and then take action based on real data.

With the acquisition of Quan, TrueTribe can now go a step further. Their platform not only highlights risks in wellbeing but also diagnoses the root causes and points to what leaders can do about them. You can learn more about TrueTribe on the website and by following the company on LinkedIn.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

October is loaded with great events, and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

You can register for events on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

FemHealth: women-friendly healthcare in 2040

Hear from the experts on female health what the future of Female Health in the Netherlands should look like.

Date: 7 October 2025
Location: Dauphine, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 18:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

What I Want To Leave You With

Arosha Brouwer’s story is a beautiful personal milestone for her. It is also the first full-circle exit we have had on this podcast. She showed that focus, integrity, and mission are not just words on a slide but forces that can guide real decisions in high-stakes moments. And by choosing impact over ownership, she created an example that will make it easier for others to follow.

Her story also shows how workplace wellbeing, when scaled with integrity, can reach further when the right partners come together.

Listen to episode 122 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube and hear Arosha Brouwer on Scaling Workplace Wellbeing with Impact and Integrity.

9 October 2025

Podcast

Diversity in Tech, Exited Founder, Female Founder, Funding, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

How Dayana Marin Valencia Bootstrapped Adasight to Global Growth | Show notes episode 121

Can you bootstrap your company and build a global team in the middle of the AI boom? Turns out, you can.

In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I speak with Dayana Marin Valencia, co-founder of AdaSight. She shares how she built a global company without VC funding, why she calls data a co-pilot for growth, and how mentorship and allyship shaped her journey.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Dayana’s journey shows what happens when you mix courage with clarity. She built AdaSight during the AI boom without outside funding, and that shaped how she thought about growth, data, and people. Three lessons stood out for me:

Data as co-pilot

They say that startups need to be data-driven. But that does not mean that the data decides for you. Instead, it will be a co-pilot to guide pivots, product-market fit, and scaling decisions.

Global from day one

Building a remote-first company was both intentional and network-driven, allowing Adasight to attract brilliant talent worldwide.

Mentorship evolves

The right mentor depends on your stage in life and career. Surround yourself with people who match your current challenges.

Ready to hear Dayana’s story? Listen on your favorite podcast app. Or scroll down for magical moments, practical takeaways, and my own observations.

Highlights and timestamps

Time	Highlight
02:10	From Colombia to Tech Entrepreneurship
05:08	The Birth of Adasight
08:13	Understanding Data’s Role in Startups
10:55	GrowthOps: Bridging Data and Marketing
13:52	The Remote Work Philosophy
17:01	Attracting and Managing Talent
21:13	Bootstrapping in the AI Boom
23:59	Case Studies: Early Client Successes
27:05	Knowledge Transfer and Team Building
29:58	The Future of Adasight
31:09	Women in AI: Role Models and Mentorship
38:00	Supporting Women in Tech
41:49	Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
43:40	Investors and Female-Led Companies
47:54	Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

Dayana sells data-driven solutions, yet her biggest leaps but her biggest leaps came from trusting her gut: moving abroad, starting AdaSight, and bootstrapping in the middle of the AI boom. Her story shows that building a company often requires both data to guide you and intuition to take the leap.

The origin of Adasight

Dayana and her husband used ChatGPT (then still in beta) to brainstorm names, combining the story of Ada Lovelace with insights from data. It’s a fun and very 2020s moment, with historical depth.

“In the end, we’re people working with people.”

At 16 minutes into our conversation, this simple line that softens the hard edges of data and reminds us that companies are built on relationships.

“Support translates to me like introductions. Make sure she is in the room where she was not invited in the first place.”

Dayana turns allyship from a vague idea into something concrete. Allies open doors, make introductions, and ensure women are in the conversations that matter.

👉 What was the moment that swept you off your feet? Share it in the comments.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

Dayana’s story shows how important it is to start measuring data early, even if it’s simple. Without those signals, pivots and scaling decisions become guesswork.

Design your company with intention, like making “remote-first” a principle if you want a global team.
Use constraints to your advantage: bootstrapping pushed Adasight to focus on early clients and refine its product.
Build a peer circle: other founders you can call for encouragement and perspective when you’re too deep in the weeds.

👉 Know someone who can benefit from these tips? Share the episode with them.

The Quote From The Episode

Picture of AdaSight CEO and co-founder Dayana Marin Valencia with a quote from episode 121 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech which features an interview with her.

“In the end, we’re people working with people.”

Dayana Marín Valencia, CEO and co-founder of AdaSight

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

This episode is a beautiful conversation that combines the precision of data with intuitive courage. But the conversation also shifted my perspective on the founder journey. Here are three ways it did:

Entrepreneurship as a purpose

I never considered entrepreneurship by itself a purpose. But for Dayana, entrepreneurship is indeed more than a career. It’s her way to build something meaningful and help others do the same.

The paradox of risk

Coming from risk management, you’re tempted to avoid risk. But Dayana points out that, as a founder, you sometimes need to be “blind” to the risks you’re taking in order to keep moving forward.

Mentorship isn’t fixed

We’re all looking for that ideal mentor. The person who can guide us through life. During our conversation, I discovered that different phases of life demand different mentors, and the people who supported you in one role may not be right for the next.

👉 What were moments in the episode that changed your thinking? Let me know in the comments.

And if you’re ready to discover what else Dayana and I cover, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

A Question for You 🤔

So, can you be too data-driven as a startup founder?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

In episode 122, this podcast closes the funding circle with Arosha Brouwer. She is the first founder who joined us before to share her company story, and to return to talk about her exit.

And that’s not all. As you’ll discover, funding comes with responsibility. And I don’t mean those towards investors. Here’s a hint of what’s ahead.

Hit play to listen to a clip from episode 122.

Want to be the first to hear the full episode? Subscribe and get it in your inbox before anyone else.

Until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Listen to Episode 121 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Dayana Marin Valencia

Dayana Marín Valencia is the co-founder of Adasight, where she helps ambitious tech companies turn data into a driver for growth. Originally from Colombia and now based in Amsterdam, she brings over a decade of experience in business growth and market expansion. Before starting Adasight, she led international marketing campaigns at Booking.com, managing multimillion-euro budgets across global markets. Today, alongside building her company, she mentors at Endeavor.org and advises at Portermetrics, supporting founders in scaling their products and go-to-market strategies.

You can connect with Dayana on LinkedIn.

About Adasight

Adasight is a growth partner for startups and scale-ups that want to unlock the full potential of their data. Founded during the AI boom, the company helps marketing and product teams eliminate data bottlenecks, set up reliable analytics, scale experimentation, and build AI-powered workflows. With a global team and clients including Personio, Proof, Rutter API, Candis, Prewave, and Sift, Adasight is known for combining technical expertise with a hands-on approach that helps companies grow with clarity and confidence.

You can learn more about Adasight on their website or by following Adasight on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

October is loaded with great events, and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

You can register for events on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

FemHealth: women-friendly healthcare in 2040

Hear from the experts on female health what the future of Female Health in the Netherlands should look like.

Date: 7 October 2025
Location: Dauphine, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 18:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

What I Want To Leave You With

Dayana’s journey shows what it means to build with conviction. She left Colombia to find the skills she needed, built Adasight with her husband during the AI boom, and turned constraints into strengths.

It’s a story about data, yes. But even more, it’s about purpose, resilience, and the people who help us along the way.

👉 Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

2 October 2025

Podcast

Artificial Intelligence, Diversity in Tech, Female Founder, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

How Curious Minds Build Better Companies in Tech with Henny Hoekstra | Show notes episode 120

In high school, Henny Hoekstra was told computer science “wasn’t necessary.” At twenty, she never imagined she would end up in tech. Yet curiosity carried her from growth hacker to co-owner of Pluvo, and turned those doubts into fuel for building better companies.

In episode 120 of Women Disrupting Tech, Henny is our guide as we discover how curiosity lets her live the life she’s supposed to live. It’s a story about courage, resilience and building teams that last.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

What makes someone shift from sales to co-ownership, from outsider to trusted leader? For Henny Hoekstra, the answer is curiosity. A curious mind helped her gain the trust of developers, navigate imposter syndrome, and lead Pluvo in a world where learning is survival.

Curiosity opens doors.

Henny’s path shows how asking questions and showing interest can carry you from entry-level to co-owner.

Women need to prove themselves more.

As a woman in tech, she often had to show she truly knew what she was talking about before gaining respect.

Learning fuels survival.

Ignoring employee development is not optional. Henny warns that without it, companies stagnate and may even fail.

When you are ready to learn from Henny’s journey, listen to Episode 120 of Women Disrupting Tech on your favorite podcast app. Or scroll down for magical moments, practical takeaways, and my own observations.

Meaningful moments and timestamps

time	highlight
02:00	Journey to Tech Leadership
07:29	Navigating a Male-Dominated Environment
12:42	Building a Diverse Team
13:41	Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
20:58	Transitioning to Co-Ownership
25:31	The Importance of Mental Health
31:19	Being a Role Model in Tech
34:46	Demystifying Tech for Women
39:53	Understanding Pluvo’s Mission
42:21	The Need for Learning and Development
45:51	Future Aspirations for Pluvo
50:03	Creating Inclusive Tech
57:07	Adopting a Growth Mindset

Magic Moments In The Episode

Henny studied in a male-dominated environment, lived in a house with only men and thought she was ready to enter the men’s world called tech. But while Henny was, the environment wasn’t. That insight shaped her path from growth hacker to co-owner of Pluvo, and taught her that curiosity and resilience build better relationships and stronger teams.

“I wasn’t prepared for their unpreparedness.”

Henny’s reflection on entering a male-dominated environment captured how teams struggle as much as individuals to adapt.

The mental shift of becoming an entrepreneur.

Becoming a co-owner was a mental shift that took her two years. Her bosses became her equals, and Henny called on her network to help her navigate that transformation.

“A curious mind is a joy forever.”.

This simple phrase beautifully sums up our conversation and reminds us that curiosity is a superpower for leaders.

👉 What was your magic moment while listening? Share them in the comments.

Practical Tips for Female Founders

When friends told her not to become a co-owner, Henny turned to entrepreneurs in her network instead. That choice shaped her path and offers clear lessons for founders who want to grow without losing their people along the way.

Surround yourself with the right people.

Henny turned to networks and entrepreneurial peers when friends told her not to take the leap into co-ownership. It gave her the necessary counterbalance to follow her heart.

Be mindful of how you write job descriptions.

We’ve heard it before on this podcast: The framing of requirements influences who applies, and whether women see themselves as a fit.

Treat training as essential, not optional.

Companies that invest in learning and development keep people, adapt faster, and stay alive. Plus, knowledge preservation can save you a lot of money.

👉 Know someone who could benefit from these tips? Pass this episode on to show them you care.

The Quote From The Episode

Picture of SheUnfolds co-founder Emily van Putten with a quote from episode 111 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech which features an interview with her.

“If you never try, you will always regret not trying it.”

Henny Hoekstra, CCO of Pluvo

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

Some of the most powerful parts of this conversation were not about strategy, but about imposter syndrome, internal blockages, and healing. It’s deep, it’s beautiful and transformative. Here’s what I’ll remember most from the episode:

Openness invites openness.

It’s something I learned from the previous episode, but it still surprises me. From her remark about caring for your mental health as an entrepreneur, to my healing journey and back. That depth is what makes this conversation transformative.

“If you never try, you will always regret not trying it.”

Here’s a lifetime of advice in one quote. Ready to be put somewhere you can see it.

Asking for help is not a weakness

They say that mindset is everything when you want to lead the life you’re supposed to lead. Surrounding yourself with the right people and asking for help when you need it, is then not a weakness. It is a superpower.

Curious to hear Henny’s full story? 👉 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

A Question for You 🤔

What do you believe is more important for an entrepreneur? Their effort and grit? Their support team? Or maybe how they take care of themselves, both mentally and physically?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Can you be too data-driven as a founder?

For the answer to that question, check out episode 121. Adasight co-founder and CEO Dayana Marín Valencia is my guest to explore the importance of data in startups, the challenges of remote work, and the significance of mentorship, especially for women in tech.

When you’re an aspiring ally, you might want to check the episode as well. Dayana describes really clearly what she expects “support” to look like.

Dayana Marín Valencia on what supporting women really means.

So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.

Until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Listen to Episode 120 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Henny Hoekstra

Henny Hoekstra is co-owner and Commercial Director at Pluvo, an all-in-one online learning platform that helps organizations manage learning, development, and compliance in one place. She is also co-founder of Learning Innovators, a community and podcast that brings together professionals who are passionate about knowledge sharing.

Her mission is to make learning easier, more accessible, and more impactful, because when knowledge is in the right hands, it can transform the world. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in nature and sports, especially calisthenics, where perseverance and discipline mirror the values of entrepreneurship.

You can connect with Henny on LinkedIn.

About Pluvo

Pluvo is an e-learning platform that helps organisations build their own online academy within minutes. It brings together all learning activities, certifications, and skills in one place so training becomes strategic, measurable, and engaging. Pluvo works for small budgeted teams as well as large organisations, offering authoring tools, blended and social learning, and a strong focus on insight and performance. Rooted in a belief that everyone should have access to great learning, it combines powerful features with attentive, personal support.

Learn more about Pluvo or schedule a live demo at Pluvo.com. You can follow Pluvo on LinkedIn, too. And don’t forget to check out their (Dutch) podcast Learning Innovators with more than 100 episodes on innovating learning.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

Events are picking up again and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

The next meetup (co-hosted by Techleap) is on 25 September. You can register on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

Women’s Health In The Workplace

A must-attend event for women and men who want to learn how they can improve productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Date: 1 October 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

FemHealth: women-friendly healthcare in 2040

Hear from the experts on female health what the future of Female Health in the Netherlands should look like.

Date: 7 October 2025
Location: Dauphine, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 18:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

What I Want To Leave You With

Curiosity led Henny Hoekstra into tech when people around her told her not to bother. It helped her build trust with developers, navigate leadership among older peers, and grow into a role model she never expected to be.

Her story is proof that companies thrive when leaders stay curious, invest in people, and dare to follow their own spark.

👉 Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

25 September 2025

Podcast

Diversity in Tech, Education, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

How Women In VC NL Close the Funding Gap with Erica van Eeghen & Maud Vermeulen | Show notes episode 119

Only 2 percent of venture capital worldwide goes to all-female founding teams. It’s a statistic that hasn’t changed for years.

In Episode 119 of Women Disrupting Tech, I speak with Erica van Eeghen (VP Capital, Women in VC NL) and Maud Vermeulen (Golden Egg Check, Women in VC NL) about how to change that number. Instead of waiting for systems to evolve, they build programs, open networks, and challenge how investment decisions get made.

Their work shows that closing the funding gap requires more than capital. It takes changing how VC itself operates.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Listening to Erica and Maud, I see how they are reshaping venture capital in practice. Three lessons stand out:

Breaking open closed networks.

Ninety percent of VC jobs and deal flow happen off-market. Without access, women remain outsiders. By building networks and transparency tools, Women in VC NL gives female founders and professionals a way in. This is how the gap starts to close.

Reframing how women see risk.

Maud challenges the stereotype that women shy away from risk. What she sees are founders with well-motivated and carefully thought-through propositions. They come prepared, not hesitant.

Changing behavior, not just headcount.

More women at the investment table, more transparency in the investment process, and more collaboration all expand what is seen as fundable and start to unlock venture capital for female founders.

These 3 lessons show that the funding gap is not only about capital. It is about how networks operate, how women are perceived, and how cultures behave. Unless those conditions change, access to funding will remain uneven.

What impressed me most? 👉 Scroll down for the magic moments, practical tips, and my personal reflections or find episode 119 of Women Disrupting Tech on your favorite podcast app.

Meaningful moments and timestamps

Highlight	Timestamp
Introduction to Women Disrupting Tech	02:20
The Journey into Venture Capital	05:24
Challenges Faced by Women in VC	08:17
The Gender Gap in Investment Decisions	11:18
Cultural Barriers in Venture Capital	14:22
The Importance of Diversity in Investment	17:09
Education and Training Gaps in VC	20:22
Creating a Supportive Network for Women	23:31
The Need for Urgency in Change	26:27
Conclusion and Future Directions	29:13
Networking and Transitions in VC	37:41
Empowering Female Investors through Education	40:21
Addressing the Funding Gap for Women	44:49
Challenging Biases in Investment	49:03
Future Plans for Women in VC	58:33
Creating a Diverse Investment Landscape	01:03:20

Magic Moments In The Episode

This conversation combines personal experience with systemic critique, showing both the barriers women face in venture capital and the ways they quietly reshape the industry from within. That mix of realism and vision gives our dialogue its power, and these three magical observations:

Busting the Role Model Myth

Erica breaks the myth that role models have to be celebrities. “A role model is just about having something that inspires others and everybody can be a role model.”

Creating Radical Diversity.

When I ask about the share of women in VC boards ten years from now, Erica pauses and asks if I want the realistic answer or the dream answer. Her dream is not just 50 percent representation. It is boards that reflect society in all its diversity. The way she frames it shows both the complexity of the problem and the vision that keeps her motivated.

Highlighting missed opportunities.

Maud observes that more funds are starting to see that they’re leaving money on the table by overlooking diverse deal flow. She frames closing the gap as seizing opportunities others miss, not just doing the right thing. That framing gets results because it speaks to investors in language they understand.

What makes these moments powerful is that they shift the conversation from symbolism to action. Role models, diverse boards, and recognizing missed opportunities are not just inspiring. They are practical levers for closing the gap.

👉 What was your magic moment while listening? Share them in the comments.

Practical career tips for women in VC

Erica and Maud share what it takes to build a career in venture capital, even when the structures are still stacked against you. Three practices stand out:

Seek sponsors, not just mentors.

As Maud explains, a sponsor is someone who truly wants you to succeed and is willing to open doors for you. Sponsors use their reputation to bring you into rooms you could not enter alone.

Build networks to grow visibility and expand opportunities.

Erica notes that networks are not only how deals move, but also where insights about sectors and job opportunities circulate. For women in VC, joining collective efforts like Women in VC NL helps overcome the exclusion of informal circles.

Keep investing in your own education.

Erica points out that classical VC funds rarely provide training budgets. That means professional growth depends on self-financed learning or peer exchange. Initiatives like the Venture Program of Women in VC NL are designed to fill this gap.

These career practices matter because when more women succeed and rise inside VC, they influence which founders are seen as fundable. Supporting women in VC is therefore not only a question of fairness but also a direct way to close the gap.

👉 Know someone who could benefit from these tips? Pass this episode on to show them you care.

The Episode’s Quote to Remember

Picture of Erica van Eeghen (large) and Maud Vermeulen (small) with a quote by Erica van Eeghen from episode 119 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech

“A role model is just about having something that inspires others. Everybody can be a role model.”

Erica van Eeghen, VP Capital & Women in VC NL

3 things that changed the way I think

Every episode teaches me something or changes my way of thinking. While listening to Maud and Erica, I realized how systemic the roadblocks for women really are. Here are three of those obstacles.

The VC business model blocks innovation.

Erica notes that classical funds rarely provide training budgets. That made me realize how the 2 and 20 model pushes managers to finance their own learning. It slows knowledge transfer and leaves career growth too dependent on trial and error.

Opacity keeps founders guessing.

Investors often avoid being specific about what they want out of fear of missing out. This lack of clarity makes it harder for founders to target the right VCs and wastes energy on mismatched pitches. The Women in VC gallery shows how transparency can flip this dynamic.

The time has come to act on the call for unbiased tools.

When Maud called out for men to create unbiased evaluation tools, I felt it land as personal advice. This is not just a nice idea for the ecosystem. It is something concrete I can act on in my own work.

My reflections highlight that closing the funding gap requires rethinking how VCs learn, how they evaluate, and how transparent they are willing to be.

Curious to hear it all? 👉 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

A Question for You 🤔

Do you believe the work that Erica and Maud are doing will solve the funding gap? And if not, what else is needed to do that?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

What does it take to build a successful company in tech? Turns out that curiosity can get you pretty far.

In episode 120 of Women Disrupting Tech, Henny Hoekstra is my guest to share how curiosity helped her find her space as a co-owner of the learning platform Pluvo.

But our conversation goes deeper. Henny opens up about imposter syndrome, the challenge of becoming an equal to her former bosses, and how therapy helped her grow as a leader. Her story shows that mental health, curiosity, and courage are just as important as strategy and leadership.

Henny Hoekstra on the importance of self-care as an entrepreneur

So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.

Until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Listen to Episode 119 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Erica van Eeghen

Erica van Eeghen is Senior Manager Ventures at VP Capital, where she invests in innovative startups tackling global challenges in biodiversity, climate, and social equality. With over 14 years of experience in international impact finance, she began her career at the Dutch development bank financing financial institutions before moving into venture capital. Erica brings deep expertise at the intersection of impact and investment, and she is also a board member of Women in VC NL, supporting diversity in the venture capital ecosystem.

You can connect with Erica on LinkedIn and learn more about VP Capital on its website.

About Maud Vermeulen

Maud Vermeulen is an Investment Associate at Golden Egg Check, where she scouts and supports high-potential startups and scale-ups. She has built her career around helping entrepreneurs refine their investment strategies and connect with the right capital to grow. Passionate about creating more equal opportunities in the startup ecosystem, Maud combines hands-on support for founders with active involvement in Women in VC NL, where she works to open networks and improve career paths for women in venture capital.

You can connect with Maud on LinkedIn. For more information about Golden Egg Check, you can check their website.

About Women in VC NL

Women in VC NL is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering connections, collaboration, and career growth among women in the venture capital industry in the Netherlands. With a dynamic network of more than 170 professionals, ranging from Analysts to Managing Partners, the initiative works to advance diversity and build a stronger, more inclusive VC ecosystem. Women in VC NL creates programs, knowledge-sharing platforms, and networking opportunities that help members grow while also opening the industry to underrepresented founders.

Make sure you follow Women in VC NL on LinkedIn to discover more about their New Leaf program and other community initiatives.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

Events are picking up again and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

The next meetup (co-hosted by Techleap) is on 25 September. You can register on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

Women’s Health In The Workplace

A must-attend event for women and men who want to learn how they can improve productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Date: 1 October 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

FemHealth: women-friendly healthcare in 2040

Hear from the experts on female health what the future of Female Health in the Netherlands should look like.

Date: 7 October 2025
Location: Dauphine, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 18:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

Closing the Funding Gap

Closing the funding gap is not a matter of waiting for time to fix things. It takes women like Erica van Eeghen and Maud Vermeulen who open networks, challenge stereotypes, and build programs that give others a fair shot.

What I take from this conversation is that progress happens when we change how VC works at its core: how networks open, how decisions are made, and how opportunities are shared. That is how Women in VC NL is changing venture capital, and how the funding gap begins to close.

👉 Listen to the full conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

18 September 2025

Podcast

Diversity in Tech, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Venture Capital, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

How AI Can Make Us More Human with Anouk Vlietman | Show notes episode 118

We live in a world that often feels designed around the pace of technology, not the pace of humanity. In Episode 118 of Women Disrupting Tech, I spoke with Anouk Vlietman, founder of UMAIN, about what happens when we shift the focus back to connection. The result is a conversation that blends personal stories with systemic insights on disconnection, limiting beliefs, and the future role of AI.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

AI isn’t just reshaping work. It’s reshaping what it means to be human. In this conversation, Anouk shows how the future depends not on keeping pace with machines, but on reclaiming our humanity.

Designing life around technology leaves people rushed and disconnected. Reversing this trend means putting humanity first.
Disconnection is not just personal. It is a silent epidemic with economic, political, and cultural costs.
Soft skills like listening, empathy, and curiosity are becoming our biggest advantage in a future where AI handles routine tasks.

Keep reading and listening if you’re ready to rethink how connection, inclusion, and soft skills can become your greatest edge.

To listen, scroll to the bottom, or find episode 118 of Women Disrupting Tech on your favorite podcast app.

Meaningful moments and timestamps

Time	Description
00:02:13	Introduction to UMAIN and Anouk Vlietman
00:05:22	The Impact of Technology on Humanity
00:08:02	Curiosity and Connection: The Art of Listening
00:11:05	Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
00:14:00	Personal Journeys and Transformations
00:16:51	The Role of Connection in Mental Health
00:19:45	Disconnection: A Silent Epidemic
00:22:33	The Economic Costs of Loneliness
00:25:40	Building Meaningful Relationships
00:28:36	Balancing Individualism and Collectivism
00:31:23	The Importance of Vulnerability
00:34:07	AI and the Future of Human Connection
00:36:59	Changing the Narrative Around Productivity
00:39:39	Active Listening and Communication
00:42:36	Generational Learning and Openness
00:45:24	The Future of Connection and Inclusion

Magic Moments In The Episode

If you’re looking for inspiration, this episode is for you. These three quotes are the ones where Anouk’s voice shines the brightest:

“You have this voice living in your head, rent free, that tells you: why would you even try? You’re going to fail anyway.”

Anouk’s description of limiting beliefs is painfully familiar. By giving that inner voice such vivid language, she makes it easier for us to recognize and challenge it.

“You will be more productive because you’re more human.”

This flips the productivity narrative on its head. Instead of competing with AI, our advantage lies in deepening the skills that make us uniquely human.

“Even the darkest, ugliest, most painful things you’re ashamed of can have a space in this world.”

This is where her message becomes deeply compassionate. It reminds us that connection begins when we dare to show the parts of ourselves we usually hide.

💬 Which of these moments struck you most? Share your magic moment in the comments. I’d love to hear what stayed with you.

Practical Tips for Female Startup Founders

What does all this mean if you’re building a startup in today’s fast-moving tech world? Here are three practical insights that founders, and investors, can apply right away.

Limiting beliefs hold you back more than external obstacles. Spot them, own them, and take responsibility to work through them.
Don’t fall for shelf help. Reading books and listening to podcasts is useful, but change happens in dialogue and connection with others.
Treat AI as a tool to support reflection, not just efficiency. Prompt it Socratically so you think more deeply, instead of chasing quick answers.

Try them in your own journey, and notice how focusing on connection over buzzwords changes both your growth and your resilience.

Anouk’s Quote to Remember

Picture of Anouk Vlietman with a quote from episode 118 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech which features an interview with her.

“You will be more productive because you’re more human.”

Anouk Vlietman, Founder of UMAIN.

Moments That Changed My Thinking

This episode is different from the other episodes. My conversation with Anouk is much more personal and deep, covering not only AI, but also limiting beliefs and disconnection. This opened space for me to think about my own journey as much as Anouk’s. So let me share some of my own learnings, hoping they benefit you as well.

Openness about my own struggles proved that curiosity about yourself is a gateway to connecting more deeply with others.
This episode reminded me that disconnection is not only personal. It drives politics, culture, and even the pull toward traditional family life as a way to belong.
Taking responsibility for limiting beliefs is hard, but it is also freeing. It allows space for empathy and connection with others.

Share this episode with someone you know who is struggling with limiting beliefs or feeling disconnected. Sometimes, hearing that they are not alone is the first step toward breaking through and finding connection again.

A Question for You 🤔

How has this episode changed your views on AI? Do you believe that AI will make us more human?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Next week, we’ll return to the theme that convinced me to start Women Disrupting Tech in the first place: the funding gap.

In episode 119, we’ll hear from Erica van Eeghen and Maud Vermeulen from Women in VC NL how they’re redefining what Venture Capital considers an investable startup by helping more women enter VC.

And we’ll also learn why just adding headcount is not enough to open up the old boys club.

Click to hear what Maud Vermeulen has to add.

So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.

Until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Listen to Episode 118 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on YouTube (audio only)

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Anouk Vlietman

Anouk Vlietman is the founder of UMAIN, a platform that helps women build clarity, confidence and connection in a fast-changing world. She believes that as AI takes over routine tasks, the real advantage lies in what makes us human: adaptability, empathy, communication and collaboration. Through hybrid workshops that combine e-learning, buddy systems and live practice sessions, Anouk trains ambitious women to lead through change. She also speaks on human connection as a business strategy, showing how so-called “soft skills” are in fact core skills for the future of work.

You can connect with Anouk on LinkedIn. There she will also share her journey with Umain.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

Events are picking up again and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

The next meetup (co-hosted by Techleap) is on 25 September. You can register on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?

Women’s Health In The Workplace

A must-attend event for women and men who want to learn how they can improve productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Date: 1 October 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

FemHealth: women-friendly healthcare in 2040

Hear from the experts on female health what the future of Female Health in the Netherlands should look like.

Date: 7 October 2025
Location: Dauphine, Amsterdam
Time: 15:00 – 18:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

Closing

This was one of the most personal conversations I have had on the podcast. It was full of laughter, insights, and systemic questions about the future.

Anouk leaves us with a simple but profound reminder: the meaning of life is to enjoy the passage of time.

If AI can help us reclaim that by making space for connection, then maybe the future is more human than we think.

When you’re curious about how an AI companion like Amber might reshape therapy-like conversations, listen to Episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech by hitting play above or listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

11 September 2025

Podcast

Artificial Intelligence, Diversity in Tech, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

From Burnout to AI Founder with Kuhu Singh | Show notes episode 117

How do you get from burnout to founding a startup that deploys AI as a companion for people who struggle with their mental health?

This is the journey that Kuhu Singh embarked on. Remote work and a lack of balance left her burned out. That pushed her to search for meaning beyond chasing happiness. The result is Amber, a therapy-like AI mental health companion designed to bridge the gap between AI and therapy.

Kuhu’s story is one of resilience and definitely one you’ll want to hear.

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Kuhu’s story shows how burnout can lead to something meaningful and even beautiful. Her journey is full of transitions and transformations, some expected and others unforeseen. Here are the main plot twists in Kuhu’s story:

Burnout can lead to purpose. When life pushes you to the edge, it can also fuel clarity about what really matters.
Growth means responsibility. Kuhu describes the shift from building for users to realizing people depend on Amber for their mental health. It turned traction into accountability.
Resilience means ignoring the noise. Founders will always face doubters. What counts is treating the criticism as white noise and moving forward.

🎧 Curious to hear how Kuhu made these transitions in her own words? Listen to Episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech on your favorite podcast app. Then scroll down for practical tips and my reflections.

An important note on using AI for mental health purposes

One important note: conversations with AI can be helpful, but they are not the same as therapy. AI tools do not have the same confidentiality protections as therapy, and it is easy to lean on them more than is healthy. Use them as support, not as a substitute. What matters most is that you find the help and connection you need.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a licensed professional or a trusted support line

Meaningful moments and timestamps

02:45 From Burnout to Founder: Kuhu’s Journey
05:05 The Importance of Accessibility in Mental Health
07:32 Therapists vs. Friends: Understanding Emotional Support
11:32 Lessons from Burnout: Finding Balance in Life
14:39 Marketing Skills: Leveraging Past Experience
16:59 Navigating Technical Challenges as a Non-Technical Founder
22:09 The Search for a Technical Co-Founder
26:09 Introducing Amber: The AI Mental Health Companion
28:00 Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health Solutions
30:15 Bridging the Gap: Amber as a Supplement to Therapy
32:44 The Role of AI in Mental Health Conversations
35:10 Ensuring Safety and Privacy in Mental Health Apps
39:05 Growing User Base: The Responsibility of a Founder
42:09 Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Founders
46:24 Fundraising Challenges: The Reality for Female Founders
52:44 Future Aspirations for Amber
56:09 Advice for Aspiring Female Founders
59:03 Creating Allyship in Tech

Magic Moments In The Episode

What makes this episode special are the moments where Kuhu speaks with clarity, and where her words sparked my own associations. She shows how therapy is still out of reach for many, how growth shifts into responsibility once people depend on you, and how resilience is built by refusing to listen to the doubters.

Therapy is still a privilege.

Many cannot afford it or face cultural barriers. Amber was created as a bridge for those left out.

Resilience becomes second nature.

“I’ve been told so many times that I’m not going to be able to do this that it does not affect me anymore.”

This quote reminded me of soccer player Memphis Depay, who puts his fingers in his ears after scoring, as if to say: I’m not listening to the haters and doubters.

Her warning to healthcare professionals.

“People are already talking to ChatGPT about their mental health. Do you want them to keep doing that, or work with safer platforms like Amber?”

AI-based tools are here to stay, whether we like it or not. Therapists might as well use the tech to support their patients even better.

💬 Which of these moments struck you most? Share your magic moment in the comments. I’d love to hear what stayed with you.

Practical Tips for Female Startup Founders

Kuhu’s advice is not the usual “move fast and scale” playbook. Her lessons are about building agency as a founder, protecting your energy, and creating space outside of work so burnout does not take over again. These three tips stood out the most.

Learn the basics yourself.

No one wants to back a founder who cannot understand their own tech. Even if you outsource, know how it works.

Treat Fundraising as a marathon.

Kuhu highlights that she is not expecting to breeze through her fundraising journey. She knows the stats and that she should take it at her own pace. Even if you ignore the stats about female founders, this is a lesson to take to heart.

Make space outside work.

One hour a day just for yourself, whether it’s running, painting, or reading, can keep burnout from creeping back.

For more examples, listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and hear how Kuhu applies these lessons in her own life as a founder.

And if you know someone who should hear these tips, share the episode with them.

Kuhu’s Quote to Remember

Picture of Kuhu Singh, founder of Amber, with a quote from episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech, titled ‘How Burnout Fueled Kuhu Singh to Build a Bridge Between AI and Therapy with Amber’

“I’ve been told so many times that I’m not going to be able to do this, that it doesn’t affect me anymore.”

Kuhu Singh, Founder of Amber.

Moments That Changed How I Think

Kuhu calls out something that I wasn’t even aware of anymore. That she found it weird that this podcast was hosted by a man. I’ve learned to reframe that weirdness. What matters is the stories and the lessons I get to carry with me.

Here’s what I take away from this episode:

Meaning over happiness.

Fulfillment comes from doing something meaningful, not just chasing comfort. That reminder connected me back to Viktor Frankl’s insight that meaning is more powerful than pleasure.

Stop being your own biggest critic.

“You don’t need to be a big critic of yourself. People are going to do that for you. So no need to keep questioning yourself over everything.”

Kuhu’s quote captures the key ingredient of the recipe for Imposter Syndrome. It’s so powerful, the quote is sitting on my screen to remind me to change how I think of myself.

Grateful for the voices.

I feel blessed to speak with people from so many walks of life, each making tech meaningful in their own way.

Know someone who would benefit from these notes, too? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.

A Question for You 🤔

Would you talk to AI about your mental health struggles in between sessions with a licensed therapist?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

We continue season five of Women Disrupting Tech with another episode packed with wisdom from Anouk Vlietman. It’s a totally different conversation from the ones that I’ve had so far, but I’m sure that you’ll like it.

To get you warmed up, here’s Anouk’s answer to the question how we can make inclusion the new normal in tech:

Click to listen to Anouk’s view on inclusion.

So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.

And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Listen to Episode 118 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

About Kuhu Singh

Kuhu Singh is the founder of Amber, an AI mental health companion built to make therapy-like support accessible and culturally sensitive. Her journey started in marketing at Optimizely, where she learned that building something is only one step in the process—you have to put it out into the world. Burnout led her to seek a deeper purpose. Expresso was her first company. And out of that experience, she built Amber with renewed clarity and purpose.

You can connect with Kuhu on LinkedIn.

About Amber

Amber is a therapy-like AI companion designed to bridge the gap between AI and traditional therapy. Inspired by Kuhu Singh’s own experience with burnout, Amber offers a space to talk when therapy is out of reach—whether because of cost, access, or stigma.

You can try Amber out for yourself by visiting the website. Not ready yet? You can follow Amber on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul

Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On Luma

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

You can find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.

Women’s Health In The Workplace

Date: 1 October 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 27:00 hours
Tickets: on Eventbrite

Closing

What makes Kuhu such a powerful guide is her mix of wisdom and stubbornness. She shows us that resilience is not about having all the answers. It is about asking the right questions, trusting your own path, and building with purpose.

Trust, after all, is at the heart of her work. Whether finding a co-founder, seeking therapy, or turning doubt into determination, it is trust that builds bridges between people and between technology and care.

When you’re curious about how an AI companion like Amber might reshape therapy-like conversations, listen to Episode 117 of Women Disrupting Tech by hitting play above or listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

4 September 2025

Podcast

Artificial Intelligence, Diversity in Tech, Female Founder, Healthcare, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

Navigating AI and Leadership as Trengo CEO With Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle | Show notes episode 116

How do you scale in the age of AI without losing what makes your company work?

If there is one person who can answer that question, it’s Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle. As the CEO of Trengo, she knows what it takes to scale, lead, and stay human in a fast-changing world.

In episode 116, Marili is your guide through today’s AI “Land of Confusion.”

Key Takeaways from Episode 116

Scaling in the age of AI requires a fresh lens. Marili’s perspective offers a playbook for founders who want to build with purpose while adapting to change.

Growth is not about adding more people. It is about putting in the right amount of structure so that teams stay effective.
AI is a land of confusion, but leaders can use it to reimagine customer value instead of just building the next version of what they know.
Leadership means complementing your team’s skills, not duplicating them. That is where diversity becomes both natural and powerful.

Listen to the full episode to hear Marili’s take wherever you listen to podcasts. Then scroll down for practical tips and my reflections.

Magic Moments In The Episode

What struck me most in our conversation, were the sharp, memorable moments that reveal how Marili thinks as a leader. These moments highlight why she is a role model worth listening to:

“It is about adding enough structure but not too much.” This is her blueprint for scaling without losing agility.
“The longer you torture data, it will confess to anything.” A reminder that LLMs and spreadsheets alone cannot guide you through AI’s land of confusion.
“You can like someone very much and still fire them.” For Marili, separating personal feelings from evaluating performance is essential. It echoes Kirsten Heukels’ insight that empathy can be a double-edged sword.

Want the full context? Listen to the episode and hear how these lessons came alive in our conversation on Spotify, and follow us for more magical episodes.

And don’t forget to leave your magic moment of the episode in the comments.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs

This episode contains some serious leadership lessons for all founders. Because scaling in the age of AI is not about working harder. It is about working smarter and leading with clarity. Marili’s lessons translate into these practical moves.

Balance agility with balance.

Hyper-agile does not mean 24/7 hustle. Use AI as an external brain to learn faster, but protect rest and creativity to keep your team energized.

Build for real value.

In the GenAI space, do not just improve what exists. Reimagine what your customer truly needs.

Match the amount of structure to the context.

Remote teams need more structure because spontaneous knowledge sharing is limited. Co-located teams can run lighter. Watch for slowing pace or lost information as signals to add process.

For more examples, listen to the episode on Apple Podcast, and hear how Marili applies these lessons at Trengo.

And if you know someone who should hear these tips, share the episode with them.

The Quote From the Episode

Picture of Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle, CEO of Trengo, with a quote from episode 116 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech titled ‘Navigating AI and Leadership as Trengo CEO’.

“If we celebrate women only on one day, it implies that the other days are not women’s days.”

Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle, CEO of Trengo.

Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

What I Learned From the Episode (Notes to Self)

After every recording, I sit down to document what I took away from it. My conversation with Marili is rich, bold and full of learnings for every founder. Here are three things I wrote down to take with me:

Marili sees AI as a new set of rules to play with. That competitive, playful lens made me rethink how I look at disruption.
Bias cannot be erased overnight, but prompts and boundaries can help us avoid the worst effects. It is a second-best option, and one we should use.
From spotting when a team member is ready for the next step to separating liking someone from evaluating their performance, reflection is key. Even if that means you have to let go of people you like.

These reminders keep me curious about how I grow as a host and as a guide for founders.

Know someone who would benefit from these notes, too? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.

A Question for You 🤔

What do you believe is the hardest part of scaling in the age of AI?

Adding the right structure
Staying agile and balanced
Leading with self-awareness
Something else entirely?

Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Closing

Her reflection on International Women’s Day is a reminder that the real change comes from what we do every day, not from celebrating women once a year.

In the same way, scaling, leading, and navigating AI are not about quick fixes. They are about balance, awareness, and building teams that complement each other.

When you’re ready to discover how to scale with structure, lead with self-awareness, and navigate AI with confidence, listen to Navigating AI and Leadership as Trengo CEO with Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle | Ep. 116 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

And on YouTube, you can also find the Genesis song Land of Confusion that inspired part of our conversation and the copy on this blog. Even though it’s from the mid-1980s, it is still surprisingly relevant.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

When you liked this episode, you’ll love my conversation with Kuhu Singh. Her journey led her from burnout to building an AI companion that bridges the gap between AI and therapy.

Besides the inspiring story, Kuhu shares so many wonderful lessons from her own journey. Like this one of finding a co-founder:

Click play to hear Kuhu’s wisdom.

So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.

And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul

Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On Luma

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.

Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.

You can find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.

About Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle

Marili ’t Hooft-Bolle knows what it takes to grow companies in fast-moving markets. She has scaled WeTransfer, worked at McKinsey, and now leads Trengo as CEO. What sets her apart is the mix of structure and curiosity she brings to leadership. With two decades in tech, she shows how to guide teams through change, embrace AI, and keep people at the center of growth.

You can connect with Marili on LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can call my AI voice assistant on +3197010251866 to discover how Trengo can help your company.

About Trengo

Trengo is an AI-empowered customer engagement platform that brings all communication channels—like WhatsApp, email, chat, and social—into one shared inbox. More than reducing noise, Trengo automates up to 80% of repetitive conversations with AI agents and workflow. Founded in the Netherlands, the team is driven by a vision to replace overwhelm with delight—so support teams can focus on high-value moments instead of routine tasks.

You can learn more about Trengo by visiting their website and following the company on LinkedIn.

28 August 2025

Podcast

Artificial Intelligence, Diversity in Tech, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech, Women in Tech

How to Build a Resilient and Purpose-Driven Business With Marleen Somohardjo | Show notes episode 115

Some founders wait for the perfect conditions before launching. Marleen Somohardjo jumped in during the 2008 financial crisis. That choice defined her approach to business: prepare for the unknown, lead with purpose, and keep a steady hand when the waters turn rough.

To discover how you can build a business that is both resilient and purpose-driven, listen to episode 115 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Key Takeaways from Episode 115

Preparedness is not something you switch on when trouble arrives. It is a mindset and a set of habits you build into your business from day one. Marleen’s own journey, starting her consultancy during a financial crisis, is proof that this approach pays off.

Preparedness is a daily discipline, not a panic button.

Marleen’s career shows that embedding preparedness into daily operations makes you far more effective when real challenges hit. It is about anticipating risks and redesigning processes before you are forced to.

A stable balance sheet is the foundation for growth and risk-taking.

Having solid financials gives you the freedom to take calculated risks without jeopardising your business. For Marleen, stability is not about being overly cautious, but about creating the confidence to innovate.

Profit means more when it serves a long-term purpose.

Profitability without vision can be short-lived. Aligning profit with a clear purpose builds resilience and creates value beyond the bottom line.

Listen to Episode 115 of Women Disrupting Tech wherever you listen to podcasts to hear the full conversation.

Magic Moments In The Episode

Marleen shares how resilience works and why it matters, particularly for founders. These parts of our conversation capture the essence of how Marleen thinks and works. They stand out because they link vision to action in ways founders can apply right away.

The courage to launch during the 2008 financial crisis.

Starting a business at a time when others were retreating shows her willingness to take strategic risks and her confidence in her own capabilities. And, it shows that there’s no wrong moment to start one.

“Your passion needs to be monetised in such a way that you understand the value you bring to the market.”

This was a turning point in the discussion. You can’t separate passion from profit. Marleen sees passion as essential but insists that it must be tied to a viable business model to have a lasting impact.

Connecting delegation with diversity: different approaches can still deliver excellence.

Letting go of perfectionism is not just about efficiency. For Marleen, it also means embracing diverse ways of working, which can strengthen the business and improve preparedness.

Want more magic from the episode? Tune into episode 115 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, and follow us for more magical episodes.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs

One of the main reasons I loved having Marleen on is that she speaks not only to the traditional finance metrics like profit and loss. She also shows that running a business is about resilience and understanding the practice of risk management.

Marleen’s advice is grounded in both corporate expertise and entrepreneurial experience.

Corporate years can be the perfect training ground for entrepreneurship.

As Marian Spier also said in episode 110, a “normal” job can teach you leadership, systems, and delivery skills you later adapt for your own venture.

Use technology to free your time for the work that matters most.

Marleen embraces technology as a multiplier, freeing up her time by handling routine tasks so she can focus on high-value work. Her advice to founders: choose tech tools that multiply your impact.

Anchor every decision in financial stability and your “why.”

Clear financial goals paired with a strong sense of purpose create a steady course, even in turbulent markets.

What’s the practical tip from the episode that you feel others need to hear? Leave yours in the comments.

🎧 For the full conversation on how you marry profit with purpose, listen to Episode 115 on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Or click the image below to listen on YouTube.

The Quote From the Episode

Picture of Marleen Somohardjo, with a quote from episode 115 of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech, which features an interview with her. Click the image to listen to her story on YouTube.

“Your passion needs to be monitised in such a way that you understand the value you bring to the market”

Marleen Somohardjo, founder of M2 Advisory.

Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:

Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.

Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.

So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.

What I Learned From the Episode (Notes to Self)

Some of Marleen’s points landed as reminders I need to keep in my own work. This is what landed on my to-do list.

Assess your risk tolerance before setting your strategy.

Know how much risk you are willing to take before making major business decisions. Understanding your appetite for risk (financial, operational, and strategic) helps you shape every decision that follows.

Preparedness should be proactive, built into daily practice.

Waiting until a crisis forces your hand means you are already behind. Building it in from the start creates flexibility and control.

Build freedom and enjoyment into your work now, not just at the end of your career.

Marleen reframes financial stability not as a distant goal for retirement, but as something that should enable quality of life now. For founders, it’s a reminder to design their businesses so they create moments of freedom and enjoyment along the journey, not just at the finish line.

Know someone who would benefit from these notes, too? Share the episode with them using the buttons below.

A Question for You 🤔

What helps you balance profit and purpose?

Regular reflection
Strong mission focus
Smart money habits
Saying no to wrong fit

Let me know in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Next week, we’ll travel to the land of confusion that AI is in. Marili ‘t Hooft-Bolle is our guide as we discover how to navigate growth in the age of AI. Let me share a little nugget of wisdom from the episode to get you warmed up.

Click to listen to Marili.

So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech.

And, as always, Keep Being Awesome!

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

You’d think that there are no events in the summer. Well, I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.

The Listening Series

Date: 24 August 2025
Location: The Hague (in the dunes)
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Tickets: On Luma

Founders Beach Series | Edition 3: Tech & Soul

Date: 11 September 2025
Location: Mango’s Beach Bar, Zandvoort
Time: 15:00 – 22:00 hours
Tickets: On Luma

About Marleen Somohardjo

Marleen Somohardjo is a seasoned finance and risk strategist with more than 15 years of experience. In 2008, her entrepreneurial journey began with her first company, Marleen Somohardjo Interim Management & Consultancy, during the global financial crisis. That experience shaped her belief that resilience and smart decision-making are the foundations of lasting business success.

In 2014, she founded M2 Advisory to help companies navigate financial uncertainty, prepare for change, and unlock sustainable growth.

You can connect with Marleen on LinkedIn.

About M2 Advisory

M2 Advisory is a management strategy consultancy that helps companies strengthen their financial position and future-proof their business. Founded by Marleen Somohardjo in 2014, the firm combines deep expertise in finance and risk management with pragmatic, actionable strategies. M2 Advisory works with clients to turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in any economic climate.

You can learn more about M2 Advisory on the website and by following M2 Advisory on LinkedIn and YouTube.

21 August 2025

Podcast

Diversity in Tech, Fintech, Inclusion, Podcast, role model, show notes, Women Disrupting Tech

How Anieke Lamers Closes the Inequality Gap by Backing Female Founders with Borski Fund | Show notes episode 124

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Impact-driven founders are burning out, and VCs need to notice.

How trust is built on similarity and why you need to second-guess yourself as an investor

We need structural changes, not just individual effort.

Highlights and timestamps

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

When women help women, everyone wins.

Her wake-up call as a VC turned founder.

The idea of business baby showers.

Practical Takeaways for Founders

Get a storytelling coach.

Ask about the fund’s vintage year.

Look for a values match, not just a financial fit.

The Quote From The Episode

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

Detachment can be a strength.

The VC timeline shapes how companies grow.

Investing isn’t as rational as it looks.

A Question for You 🤔

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Listen to Episode 124 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

How Anieke Lamers Closes the Inequality Gap by Backing Female Founders with Borski Fund | Ep. 124 – Women Disrupting Tech

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

Share the stories that move you.

About Anieke Lamers

About Borski Fund

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

ImpactFest – 10th edition – 30 October 2025

Understanding Women’s Health – 3 December 2025

What I Want To Leave You With

How Showing Her the Money Changes Venture Capital with Azin Radsan van Alebeek | Show notes episode 123

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Capital Can Be Used as a Tool for Change

Fueling a Broader Range of Ideas Builds a Better Future

The Size of the Vision Shapes the Outcome

Highlights and timestamps

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

The Whisper at the Premiere

Hopeful Signals

Reframing Women’s Health

Practical Takeaways for Founders

Know Why You Need VC

Keep Your Deck Sharp and Concise

Show How Investors Make Money

The Quote From The Episode

3 Things That Changed The Way I Think

The Outsider Perspective

Motherhood as Strength

Storytelling as a Superpower

A Question for You 🤔

Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech

Listen to Episode 123 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

How Showing Her the Money Changes Venture Capital with Azin Radsan van Alebeek | Ep. 123 – Women Disrupting Tech

Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech

Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast

Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.

Share the stories that move you.

About Azin Radsan van Alebeek

About Emmeline Ventures

Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend

Diverse Leaders in Tech Events

ImpactFest – 10th edition – 30 October 2025

Understanding Women’s Health – 3 December 2025

What I Want To Leave You With

Arosha Brouwer on Scaling Workplace Wellbeing with Impact and Integrity | Show notes episode 122

3 Lessons From This Conversation

Focus to protect your mission and impact.

Mission comes before ownership.

Privilege comes with responsibility.

Highlights and timestamps

3 Magic Moments In The Episode

“As an impact founder, you don’t just sell your company.”

The dentist analogy

Putting ego aside

Practical Takeaways for Founders

Know what investors are really after