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 eager student to Director of Content Innovation, I witnessed firsthand what makes organisations thrive or falter. I hired 70+ full-timers and 250+ freelancers during hyper-growth phases, shaped company values, led an amazing team, advised tech giants like Apple and Spotify, and managed annual budgets in the six-figure range.
No MBA could have prepared me for these lessons in organisational growth. I didn't just read about leadership challenges—I lived them.
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 realised 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 filled in when setting a goal, the other when achieving it. Everybody in Japan uses it as a constant reminder of resilience and growth. Not just cute philosophy, but practical power.
Inspired by this symbol, I founded Happy Daruma. My mission? To help others make brave moves and change the way we do business.
Throughout my career, I've seen that long-term success begins with brave leadership, clear communication, and structures that let people's strengths shine.
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