FOUNDERS DIARY: ENTRY 25.02.25: Strutting Into the Unknown: Carving Our Own Path

I’ve spent years navigating the labyrinth of leadership—working for bosses who were brilliant in some ways and utterly baffling in others. Every role and encounter has left its mark, forming part of a personal toolkit built from hard truths and invaluable lessons. Today, as I reflect on this journey, I see that each experience has paved a unique path toward growth. Why is it that we often ask the questions we’d rather not admit out loud?

These questions aren’t mere curiosities—they are catalysts for change. Much like a child who relentlessly asks “why” until they receive an answer, we too risk being trapped in a loop if these questions remain unanswered. They force us to confront the status quo and ignite the drive to redefine it.

I have always been a seeker of knowledge—hungry for data, driven by an insatiable curiosity, and determined to understand the “why” behind every decision. In every JNB meeting, I make it a point to ask: “Why?” Why do you want change? Why step away from the familiar? Why are we here, in this very moment, ready to remedy something that feels deeply misaligned? Recent trends underscore our shared disillusionment: according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, nearly 15% of the working-age population now harbours dreams of launching their own ventures (*). There’s a visible shift—a collective desire to break free from toxic environments and fill the void left by leadership that lacks the three essential traits: brains, courage, and heart.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the cost of leadership devoid of these qualities. I’ve worked for those who possessed one or two of these traits—and even for a few who seemed to lack them entirely—and I remain profoundly baffled at how such leaders ascended to power. The absence of a balanced leader not only leaves unanswered questions; it stifles growth, creativity, and the very spirit that fuels progress.

When I first moved to Luxembourg, I worked alongside individuals I once aspired to emulate. Yet, in their actions, I saw a lack of authenticity—a disconnect from the sincerity my soul craved. From this, I chose to forge my own path, becoming a version of myself I was proud to share with the world. I learned what I did not want to become, and, most importantly, I discovered that my unique qualities are my own USP.

In the few months since JNB began, I’ve met a tapestry of souls: some familiar, some entirely new, many strutting along paths similar to mine. There is an undeniable beauty in our collective struggle—a shared commitment to be the change we wish to see. It’s both humbling and inspiring to witness so many eager to step out of the shadows, ready to build something meaningful on their own terms.

For me, this journey is deeply personal. I started JNB out of sheer frustration—a desperate need to break free from talking to brick walls, sacrificing my well-being in environments that drained my passion. I was tired of 12-hour days that left me feeling lost, purposeless, and often without timely pay. I knew there had to be a better way—a path where my values, heart, and mind could lead the way.

And this isn’t just about stating what makes a “good leader” in the conventional sense; it’s about creating a culture, an environment, a space where every member feels seen, heard, and valued—even if that team is just one person. It’s about combining the wisdom of the mind, the bravery of the spirit, and the compassion of the heart. And as I stand at this crossroads, I’m not walking this path alone. With a dear friend, we are developing a master class—tentatively called the Corporate Rainbow—to share the insights we’ve gleaned. We aren’t here to dictate what leadership should look like; we’re here to offer drops of insight on big topics, hoping to empower you to build your own unique blend of courage, heart, and brains.

I feel like Dorothy—strutting (yes, Josh doesn’t walk; he struts in equally fabulous shoes) down that Yellow Brick Road—collecting pieces of wisdom along the way. Each step, no matter how slow or painful, is a brick laid in the foundation of our own path. We may not have all the answers yet, but our relentless pursuit of “why” fuels our growth and transformation.

The journey to success is uncharted, slow, and often painful. I don’t always know what I’m doing, and I push forward with the hope that I won’t stumble and lose more than I’ve already sacrificed. Yet, every stumble has taught me something essential: the strength to define my own worth, to build a legacy from fragments of discarded ideals, and to transform pain into progress.

This diary entry is a call to action—a declaration of independence from the status quo. It’s a reminder to own every step of your journey, to be proud of every brick you lay down in building your path. Let’s not be confined by the limitations of others’ failures. Instead, let us embrace our questions, let them drive us, and use their answers to fuel our transformation.

Welcome to our journey—a journey where every “why” is a stepping stone toward a future where leadership is redefined, where each of us has the courage, intellect, and heart to create change. Let’s build our own path together and be proud of every step we take.

(*) Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Global Report 2019/2020