where boundaries dissolve

#41 Be Fearless: Tom van der Lubbe, Co-Founder of Viisi, a Self-organized Dutch Mortgage Advice Company With Rotating CEOs and Voted The #1 Great Place to Work in Europe!

Episode Summary

I’ve learned that surviving death doesn’t ensure happiness, nor does it cure you from fear. But it does shape your leadership philosophy. Tom's journey from surviving a 20% chance of fighting cancer at 20 to leading a self-organized company is about liberation not just from illness but from societal expectations, shaping his leadership style. His authenticity has moved him beyond "me first" mindset and created a philosophy that values collective intelligence. His Dutch roots, academic background in history, and living abroad in Switzerland have also deeply influenced the creation of a collaborative organization and thus future.

Episode Notes

5 Key Take-Aways:

  1. Team First Philosophy: Tom advocates that the team knows more than the individual, pushing for a collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
  2. Equal Systems for Success: We explore the importance of equal pay, fixed salaries based on experience, and loyalty as a strategy to create a psychologically safe environment and foster team success.
  3. Crisis Leadership: We discuss the challenges and benefits of self-organization, why it's crucial to fight for decentralized structures, and we debate the role of leadership in times of crisis.
  4. Diversity Beyond Background: Shift the focus from diversity in backgrounds to creating a system that ensures psychological safety, equal opportunities, and rewards structures, promoting a culture of inclusivity.
  5. Lessons from History: Gain insights into how historical and political systems, such as those observed by Tom, can inspire leadership and organizational views, shaping the way businesses are structured.

Connect with us: 

Tom on Linkedin , youtube or website