When I joined Blinkist’s tiny team in 2015 as a working student, I would’ve never imagined we'd transform it into a globally recognized app with over $35 million in investments, 26+ million users worldwide, and more than 100 million content downloads. It was a huge success story.
As Blinkist grew, so did I. From that eager student to Director of Content Innovation, I wore many hats along the way. During my 8-year journey with the company, I witnessed many different approaches to organizational structure and leadership, hired 70+ full-timers and 250+ freelancers during our hyper-growth phases, shaped and evolved our company values and DEI=B strategies, advised tech giants like Apple and Spotify on their Content & Product strategies, and managed annual budgets in the six-figure range.
Seriously, no MBA could’ve prepared me for the real-world lessons in growth and organizational development I gained during those crucial years.
As 2023 drew to a close, I felt a stirring within. Years of people-pleasing, hustling out of debt, and dimming my own light had taken their toll. Chronic illness and burnout were my body's way of saying: "Enough."
With the help of books, podcasts, conversations, coaching, and therapy, I discovered a powerful truth: what I once saw as "too much"—my ambition, sense of justice, and daring spirit—were actually my greatest strengths. These qualities had propelled me forward, and now they were calling me to a new adventure. I realized it was time to step into my own light.
This marked the beginning of …
During my time in Japan, I stumbled upon a curious object: the Daruma doll. It comes with blank eyes—one of which you fill in when you set a goal, the other one when you achieve it. Everybody in Japan uses it as a constant reminder of resilience and growth.
Inspired by this symbol, I founded Happy Daruma. My mission? To change the way we do business and help organizations become robust workplaces that are kind, focused, human-centered, and daring.
Throughout my career, I've witnessed firsthand how prioritizing profits over people can erode company cultures. These experiences crystallized my belief that long-term success hinges on robust strategies, emotionally intelligent leadership, and organizational structures that play to people's strengths.
With Happy Daruma, we're not just drawing in that second eye. Together, we'll paint your vision of success and bring it to life, one brushstroke at a time.
Whether you're looking to transform your organization, enhance your leadership skills, or simply connect with a kindred spirit, I'm here to support you. I believe in the power of courage, compassion, and curiosity to create a better world of work—and a better world, period.
Let's talk to set your goals, color in your Daruma's eyes, and achieve great things together.
– Frederick Douglass