Talking with Maaike van Dijk-Bokkers

I first met Maaike van Dijk-Bokkers when I was the Co-Host of BusinessJazz with Roger Overall and Paul O’Mahony.  She was an avid weekly listener and actively reached out through social media from The Netherlands. Over time, we developed a supportive connection and interest in one another’s work.

Last year I was delighted to have the  opportunity to meet Maaike and her husband; Pieter face to face at World Domination Summit in Portland.  As they were visiting both the United States and Canada for their vacation, we were fortunate to host them in our home for dinner toward the end of their trip.  Maaike was pregnant at the time and so much of our discussion focused on the pending arrival of a new baby, parenting and work-life issues.  It was a wonderful visit during which we laughed, learned and exchanged many thoughts and ideas.

Baby & Business = Need for Child Care

Fast forward a year later and lots of things have happened for Maaike.   Most importantly, her beautiful son Ian was born and she is totally in love with being a new mum to him. In addition, she has started a new business called Inspire31.  Through her business she organizes events in The Netherlands that bring in speakers from abroad to share stories, business ideas and more.  It’s an exciting venture and one that requires care, attention and nurturing – much like being a new parent!  So clearly Maaike’s days are filled with Ian and Inspire31.  As her son grows, she is beginning to have him cared for outside of the home a few days per week.  She is also starting to think about what she wants for him as he moves toward his preschool years.

I was really pleased that Maaike agreed to join me for a #45Conversations Hangout about child care, business & life.  Our discussion was a great one and she shared a lot of information about what it’s like for new parents and families to live and work in The Netherlands.