Meet Josefien Groot, the powerhouse co-founder and former CEO of Q-Layers, a groundbreaking scale-up in robotic coating machines. Her story is a captivating blend of fierce ambition, sustainability, personal growth and diversity that will inspire you to push boundaries. As a driven entrepreneur, Josefien’s journey reflects her commitment to not only innovate but also to thrive personally while balancing the demands of parenthood and off-grid living in a tiny house.

Josefien’s journey into tech entrepreneurship began with her passion for sports. Competing in powerlifting taught her invaluable lessons in resilience and innovation. Despite not having the ideal physique for the sport, she learned discipline, the importance of handling setbacks, and how to build on her weaknesses—skills she later applied to scaling Q-Layers. Her entrepreneurial philosophy centers on leveraging existing systems to drive change, exemplified by her company’s use of biomimicry by modeling biological processes,  to enhance energy efficiency in industrial processes. Instead of disrupting established systems, she emphasizes the power of innovation within current supply chains, making a global impact without reinventing the wheel.

Innovation without disruption

At Q-Layers, innovation is key. Josefien has focused on automating the industrial painting process while keeping existing paints and assets intact. This approach enhances efficiency and safety without radically changing supply chains, allowing Q-Layers to integrate seamlessly into traditional industries and revolutionize their operations. Here are some key takeaways from her journey:

• Choose Investors Wisely: Rather than chasing the best financial deal, prioritize building genuine relationships with investors who align with your vision. This focus ensures long-term success and shared goals.
• Maintain Control: Be cautious about relinquishing control. As your company scales, aim to retain majority ownership to protect your freedom and vision.
• Adapt Leadership: Recognize when leadership changes are necessary as your business grows. Hiring experienced professionals for specific roles can complement your strengths and ensure sustainable growth.

Balancing business and personal life

Josefien offers invaluable insights into balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being. One of her key messages is the importance of taking maternity leave seriously. New mothers should prioritize their health and establish a stable management team before giving birth. This foresight not only prevents burnout but also ensures smooth operations during a pivotal time. She advocates for maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work, family life, and personal wellness. Engaging in activities like sports and meditation can recharge entrepreneurs, leading to improved decision-making. By nurturing your well-being, you can thrive both professionally and personally, setting a powerful example for your team and community.

Leverage your unique strengths

Josefien emphasizes the significance of leveraging diversity as a strength in business. “It’s important to really focus on your own strengths and confidence and not let anything hold you back,” she explains. In male-dominated industries, she initially felt out of place but quickly recognized that her unique perspective was an asset. “Standing out leaves an impression, whether positive or negative. Founders should embrace their unique backgrounds in their narratives to attract customers and investors.” Today, with a heightened focus on diversity, using your distinctiveness to your advantage can create a substantial impact.

Sustainability beyond entrepreneurship

Josefien’s journey extends beyond entrepreneurship to embrace off-grid living in a tiny house with her family. This lifestyle has deepened her appreciation for nature and resilience. “The choice or the decision to live in a tiny house was really a well thought through decision. We’re living in a tiny house that we’ve built ourselves, completely off-grid, mainly because of the way we see that the world and society are transitioning. We feel that it’s important to live close to nature. Living in a small space like this encourages us to spend more time outdoors, even during winter.”

The Power of Now

In closing, Josefien Groot shares a profound insight for budding entrepreneurs: “There’s a lot of power in the now. The present, with all its challenges and opportunities, is where we can create magic.” This awareness can be a game-changer. Embrace your strengths and confidence and leverage your diverse background to leave a lasting impression. Remember, both the past and future exist in the now, and when you tap into that awareness, you unlock immense potential.

[FOLLOW UP]

Listen to the Up!Rotterdam Podcast with Josefien Groot, or check all the episodes of the Up!Rotterdam podcast here: https://podcast.uprotterdam.com/