Join us for Seek Discomfort Day! Where you can meet fellow students and young professionals going through the same “uncomfortable” journey of starting something new. Together, we’ll share ideas, tackle fun challenges, hear from entrepreneurs and changemakers who turned challenges into opportunities, and build connections with people from different universities, schools and disciplines across The Hague.
About the event
We know how hard it is to start something new -or even to take the first step. Seek Discomfort Day is all about creating a supportive community and connecting with other people in The Hague who are exploring their passions. Whether you have already started a project or are just thinking about it, this event is open to every entrepreneurial student or young professional in The Hague.
Why join?
- For dreamers and doers: Whether you’re brainstorming or building.
- Learn to embrace discomfort: Hear from entrepreneurs and changemakers who turned challenges into opportunities.
- Expand your network: Make connections that spark collaboration and growth.
Practical info
Date: 11 Dec 2024
Time: 17:00-20:00
Location: THUAS (Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, 2521 EP Den Haag)
Costs: free
Program
16:30 – 17:00 – Walk in
17:00 – 17:15 – Welcome session and introduction to the evenings’ inspiring theme.
17:15 – 18:15 – Interactive Workshops: Choose one of three practical and inspiring sessions to boost your skills. See more info on the sessions below!
18:15- 18:45 – Speed Friending & Dinner: Make meaningful connections while enjoying great food.
18:45 – 19:35 – Discomfort panel: Hear real stories from entrepreneurs and changemakers about overcoming challenges, embracing discomfort, and achieving growth.
19:35 – 21:00 – Wrap-up with drinks and snacks and celebrate a day of growth and network with new friends.
Workshops
When you sign up you can choose 1 of the 3 of the following workshops:
Workshop 1: Intro to Impact Business Model Canvas
Discover how to turn your impact idea into a structured plan! Learn the basics of mapping out your impact business with a clear and simple tool to structure your project.
Meet Betty Huerta, facilitator and innovation consultant LinkedIn
Workshop 2: Basics of Sales
Master the essentials of selling your idea with confidence. We’ll cover tips on how to connect with your clients and how to structure your sales process.
Meet Brian Stout, Senior Executive with an extensive and successful track record in business, marketing, and operations. LinkedIn
Workshop 3: The Basics of Taxes & Legal
Ready to start your entrepreneurial journey but unsure about the practicalities? This workshop covers everything you need to know to get your admin in order and set yourself up for success. After this workshop you’ll understand your options and choose the right structure for your business, you’ll know about different tax types, benefits and obligations and get insights into insurance and bookkeeping!
Meet Sieger Suurbier, general manager and a seasoned expert in business admin at Wessel Juristen LinkedIn
Panel speakers
The theme of the panel is “Discomfort and Overcoming Challenges.” The goal is to inspire young entrepreneurs, students, and other participants by offering insights into how you handle discomfort and navigate challenging situations. We aim to demonstrate how discomfort can serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Jeroen van Rotterdam
Jeroen van Rotterdam is the CEO of Foamlab, an impact startup focused on developing and producing compostable nanofoam as an alternative for polystyrene. Prior to this Jeroen was on the executive leadership team of Citrix responsible for R&D, Cloud and Security heading a team of over 2500 engineers based out of Florida. Prior to that he had several executive roles at Dell/EMC in Silicon Valley. Jeroen sold his first startup to Dell/EMC in 2007. He is also currently on the board of Faro (NASDAQ:FARO), in the advisory board of @Ease and on the board of Het Pasta Gilde, a non-profit he founded in 2022 focused on fighting poverty.
Juanita Coetzee
Juanita Coetzee is the Founder of JooL.health. At JooL, we are redefining the landscape of caregiving through digital solutions. Our platform stands at the forefront of the healthtech industry, dedicated to empowering caregivers around the globe with sophisticated, yet user-friendly technology. We innovate to transform daily caregiving routines, equipping caregivers with the tools necessary for efficient management and enhanced quality of life for those they support. Our system delivers real-time insights and actionable data, enabling caregivers to make informed decisions and provide proactive care. By integrating analytics and seamless communication tools, JooL helps bridge the gap between caregivers and care recipients, fostering an environment of comprehensive support and continuous improvement in caregiving practices.
Mark Evenblij
Marke Evenblij is founder and COO of DuckDuckGoose, a pioneering startup specializing in deepfake detection. Their innovative solutions serve as supplementary security layers for identity providers and KYC procedures to combat identity fraud. Furthermore, they offer deepfake detection for video conferencing, safeguarding against corporate espionage, and provide media agencies with tools to counteract fake news.
Seek Discomfort
To close the day, we’re bringing everyone together for an exciting surprise group activity! Designed to push you out of your comfort zone, this collaborative session will include a creative challenge and spontaneous exercise.
PLNT is The Hague centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Seek Discomfort Day is one of several events organised to support and help student entrepreneurs in the city to grow their projects and build community. Seek Discomfort Day is a free, inspiring event hosted in collaboration with PLNT The Hague, YES!Delft, THUAS, Leiden University & ImpactCity.
