The first month of the new year 2026 is already over. We’re off to a great start! In this blog post, I’d like to share the lessons learned from my family’s trip to California in the summer of 2025.
At a time when I was physically struggling and mentally unstable, this holiday proved to be exactly what I needed. It was a journey that brought me closer to myself. I was able to let go, recharge, and discover how healing that was. As a family, we still look back on it with warm, almost loving feelings – it exceeded all our expectations and gave us that true WOW effect.
What struck me most was the sheer diversity we saw there.
From the luxury and opulence of Los Angeles to the grinding poverty and homelessness you encounter literally everywhere. From rugged, colorful natural landscapes and steep cliffs to the expansive beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. And in between: the friendliness, artistry, and openness of the people. I had wonderful conversations with locals who showed genuine interest and really took the time to talk with you. They were proud of where they came from. We saw this open spirit reflected in, among other things, the street musicians, the murals, the vinyl stores, and the many art markets and studios, such as in Santa Cruz. However, this contentment didn’t express itself politically. We even saw a few “No Kings Day” protest marches, where they clearly disagreed with President Donald Trump’s display of power.
What struck me personally was the stark contrast between rich and poor. On the one hand, the world of unprecedented success, a sky-the-limit world of millionaires and billionaires, and on the other, the harrowing and inhumane situation of people who made bad choices in life and ended up in the gutter. We saw an unprecedented number of homeless people and addicts everywhere we went. Especially in San Francisco, you stumbled upon addicts transformed into demons by their fentanyl addiction. Two completely different realities side by side.
During this journey, I realized how fragile success truly is. It sometimes hangs by a thread. Focus, choices, and balance in lifestyle, relationships, and work are essential to survive and grow.
A moment of pure primal power
My biggest goosebump-inducing moment (and that’s putting it mildly) was our boat trip near Monterey, where we saw whales. The grandeur and primal power I felt when these majestic animals appeared was beyond words. It felt like the rest of the world stood still for a moment. In that moment, all I felt was the vast ocean, the powerful whale, and me. An intense, primal feeling.
California boost as an entrepreneur
I hope to bring the purity and diversity I’ve experienced on this journey to my entrepreneurial journey. For me, the whale symbolizes the deep connection and genuine connection I strive for with clients and donors. I hope to value my work experience with pride and satisfaction, as I’ve experienced with many Californians. The critical perspective I encountered along the way carries over into my role as an advisor: alert, engaged, and quality-oriented. I hope to see this diversity reflected in the projects I work on and in the collaborations that arise from them. And above all, I embrace the creativity I possess to help clients successfully move forward with new insights, ideas, and solutions.
Finally, I hope to meet people again who inspire me and who can share wisdom with me so that I can further develop both personally and professionally.
Just like with the whale moment, I believe that real impact starts with connection. Do you feel your organization is ready for the next step in fundraising? I’d love to brainstorm with you – you can find me at www.binkff.nl
I bring the critical perspective I’ve gained along the way to my role as a consultant: sharp, engaged, and always focused on quality. I hope to see this diversity reflected in the projects I work on and the collaborations that arise from them. And above all, I embrace the creativity I bring to successfully help clients move forward—with new insights, ideas, and solutions.
For those who have found life particularly hard. A stroke of luck made it almost symbolic: we suddenly saw a well-known vlogger, James Dumoulon, who interviews successful millionaires and billionaires on the street and who openly talk about how they got there. Of course, we couldn’t resist talking to him.
At this moment, I also like to look back on my lessons learned, my YES moments and my most beautiful projects.
Lessons learned: things take time, don’t do it alone; the power of a team.
YES moments: new donors and funds, 9 years as an entrepreneur,
Most beautiful projects: Theater project, Eye care KEU Rwanda, Diva Close to Children EMB
