'It's about taking leadership of your own story'

As the owner of 'Zakelijkheid in Cultuur' (Business in Culture), Jacqueline Stolmeijer-Arends advises companies in the cultural sector on governance and supervision. The Executive MBA program at Nyenrode Business Universiteit affirmed her decision to start her own venture.

Can you tell us more about what you do?

"I am active within the cultural sector, focusing on the business side of cultural organizations. I studied law and later completed a bachelor's degree in art history. In 2018, while working at a cultural institution, I decided it was time for the next step. I wanted to broaden my business knowledge and take a more corporate approach. The Executive MBA at Nyenrode Business Universiteit felt like the right place. There was room for the development of soft skills and personal growth, as well as hard skills—Corporate Finance, HR, and Strategy."

Could you elaborate on the emphasis on soft skills and personal growth?

"Two years ago, I had a serious scooter accident. I had broken both hands and suffered a skull base fracture. I received rehabilitation support, but my mind wasn't functioning properly. I had constant headaches and couldn't handle any stimuli. It was quite challenging as a mother of three young children with a busy life. Questions like 'What can I still do, what do I want, and what is truly important?' came up. Through my accident and the rehabilitation process, I realized even more that you only live once. I want to make the most of it and not be led by fear. That was also the beauty of the MBA experience: it was about taking leadership over your own story. Every six to eight weeks, we had a module. Besides the lessons in Breukelen, we went to San Francisco, Beijing, Uruguay, and South Africa. This gives you the opportunity to see what's happening in the world and where you can contribute from your position."

You mentioned in an earlier interview that you wanted to strengthen the cultural sector professionally. Have you achieved that?

"That is still my ambition, and I hope to contribute with my knowledge and experience. I want to make a positive difference, whether it is for one person, an organization, or the sector as a whole. With the MBA, I wanted to gain more control over business operations and entrepreneurship, and with that knowledge, I later started Zakelijkheid in Cultuur (Business in Culture). I advise both governments and funds, as well as cultural institutions, but I also write articles and give presentations and workshops. My expertise and focus are on governance, meaning everything related to good management and supervision."

How do you continue to develop yourself?

"After my accident, I first had to focus on my recovery and on becoming myself again—both physically and mentally. At Nyenrode, it's all about leadership, entrepreneurship, and stewardship. Leadership is about 'what do I take responsibility for, and how do I continue to develop myself?'—and in my view, it’s also about truly challenging yourself. After my rehabilitation, I gradually started taking on new assignments again, such as becoming editor-in-chief of the governance journal Goed Bestuur & Toezicht. I had never done that before, but it seemed like a great learning opportunity. And this past September, I started a PhD track in the field of governance ethics. Without the MBA, I wouldn’t have taken that step; choosing an educational program can really be a kick-starter for new opportunities."

Do you have career advice for women who also want to become entrepreneurs?

"‘Feel the fear, do it anyway,’ we used to say at Nyenrode. I’ve learned to listen to what feels right for me. In the end, you’ll end up where you truly want to be deep down. So don’t be thrown off by the path someone else is taking. Everyone has limiting thoughts, but don’t let them distract or derail you. Breaking through them gives you so much energy, and the MBA really helped me move forward in that area. After two years in such a pressure cooker, you can explode with impact."

This article was published in the Dutch magazine Marie Claire on December 4, 2024.