Project Description

During Vaart in Diemen, we had Wiebe Wakker as a speaker. I found his adventure, a journey from Amsterdam to Sydney in an electric car, an interesting story and, as so often, I also took valuable lessons from it.

Wiebe was a student with no money, but still wanted to travel. Sustainability was just a hot topic at the time, so he found a creative solution: travelling in an electric car and asking for help with electricity, food and shelter along the way.

The result? A journey of more than three years, with many challenges, but through the attention it received in social media, also many highlights. Like a royal reception in Indonesia.

What I took away from his story:
• Have a clear goal and stick to it. No matter how challenging it gets, keep focus on what you want to achieve.
• Provide energy, both for your project and yourself. Just like a car that needs recharging, we also need rest, balance and a good network to be successful in the long run.
• Dare to ask for help. Wiebe literally asked strangers for power and shelter along the way. It works the same way in entrepreneurship. Involve others in your plans and ask for help.
• Think in terms of solutions. No charging stations in Italy? Wiebe found an alternative route via Norway. Stay creative and look at what can be done.
• Celebrate your successes. It is important to reflect on your achievements. Successes give you energy and keep you motivated.

As host, I got to talk up the evening for our visitors. Quite an honour with such a speaker as Wiebe!