People Skills for Analytical Thinkers

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gilbert Eijkelenboom, Founder of MindSpeaking, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Data Analysts and Scientists are experts when it comes to analyzing data. However, they also need to present their insights to people who don’t understand numbers so well. That’s why communication skills are so important for Data Analysts and Scientists. That’s exactly what I do with MindSpeaking: communication skills training for Data Analysts & Scientists.

Tell us about yourself

Twelve years ago, I was a professional poker player. I’ve always loved data and psychology. After, I spent my career in Data & Analytics, and I’m passionate about that industry. But too often, people did not listen to my data insights. And I saw other Data professionals have the same struggle. Therefore, I founded MindSpeaking, to give communication skills training to Data Scientists & Analysts. Just before COVID, I went on a 6-month sabbatical (highly recommended for all entrepreneurs). While traveling the world, I wrote the start of my book: People Skills for Analytical Thinkers. Especially the mountains in New Zealand were an amazing source of ideas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Two things come to mind. First, publishing my book that turned into a #1 Bestseller: People Skills for Analytical Thinkers. Second, getting so much demand for the MindSpeaking training program that I started looking for help. Now, I’m working with four trainers in the Netherlands, the UK, Greece, and the United States.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

It’s vulnerable, getting yourself out there. Not being sure it will work out. People will have opinions. It’s so much easier to stay in a job with a regular salary and be able to hide and blame others. As an entrepreneur, you’re fully responsible. That’s why self-awareness is so important. I believe that your business success all depends on your personal growth.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start today. Take the smallest step you can take. Almost everyone overthinks. You are never ready. You don’t need to study more, learn more, or be more. Just start and learn on the fly.

We should teach soft skills to kids in high school. Why do we learn about history, biology, and math but not how to build relationships, deal with conflict, and collaborate effectively? To me, this doesn’t make sense. These life skills are essential for everyone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mindspeaking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilberteijkelenboom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eijkelenboom/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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