Mentor spotlight: Gervaise Coebergh

Gervaise Coebergh is owner of several businesses in media, communications and leisure.

When I was young I had no clue what to do for a living. Just like my female ancestors, I wasn’t really supposed to go working – other than as a housewife. You can hardly understand that nowadays, but that was how it was. Nevertheless, the entrepreneurial spirit is in my DNA. And just like my male ancestors, I started my own business along the way. And I did it well.

I trust my skills and dedication;

I use my intuition and common sense;

I like to be surrounded by warm, smart and talented professionals;

I like to make my own choices;

I am eager to win;

I do not mind to work hard and – very important too – I like to make other people (read here: clients) happy.

My advice to women that start their entrepreneurial journey would be that they need to be able to think BIG. Don’t lose energy on details and dare to invest (also money) to grow. You need to be prepared to make choices that you didn’t expect to make. What choice will you make when your biggest client needs you, just on the day that your firstborn turns 1? Exactly! Be prepared. If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

FEMpreneurhulp is a good initiative because it advises women in a very realistic way. No pink glasses, but honest stories and advise, based on personal experience. Also, the listening ear of a peer can be very helpful and comforting. Next to this, the network of FEMpreneurhulp is of great value. For me, it feels good to share my knowledge and experience so that others can benefit from it. Because, yes, female entrepreneurs do lack advantages that men have. So let’s give each other some little extra support!