When Team Spirit Meets Soy Sauce.
Open Circles Academy was never just a workplace—it was a family.
From the moment Rani joined us in 2005 as our very first team member, we made it a point to hire people who weren’t just skilled but who shared our vision: making a difference and leaving the world better than we found it.
But as the years passed—especially after the whirlwind success of the Business Bootcamp—Open Circle Academy had to grow, and fast.
In 2010, we were a small but mighty team of four: Rani, Joop, Aramik, and Marina.
These legends pulled off the impossible, organizing the very first Business Bootcamp in just six weeks.
By 2012, we had expanded to a powerhouse of seven (or nine, counting Yoni and me!): Rani, Joop, Mirjam, Sylvia, Johanna, Raymond, and Ingrid.
This dream team was unstoppable, ready to take on any challenge Yoni threw our way—and trust me, there were plenty!
With every milestone we hit, we made sure to celebrate—not just with our team, but with their partners and families too.
After all, they were the unsung heroes behind the scenes, supporting our crazy schedules and ambitious goals.
And when it came to celebrations, I always aimed for something unique and unforgettable.
March 2012 was no exception. This time, I had a double surprise up my sleeve.
First, I got tickets for everyone to see the newest Cirque du Soleil performance in Amsterdam.
We went to the matinee show, jaws dropping at the breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling costumes, and sheer magic unfolding before us.
By the time the show ended, we were all starving, ready for a feast. But little did they know—I had another trick up my sleeve.
Lunch wasn’t just lunch. Nope. We were going to make our own!
I had arranged for a hands-on sushi-making workshop where we all got to roll, slice, and—let’s be honest—completely butcher some sushi before finally getting the hang of it. It was an afternoon filled with laughter, friendly competition over whose sushi looked the most professional (hint: not mine), and a newfound appreciation for sushi chefs everywhere.
It wasn’t just about the food or the show—it was about connection.
Our team, their partners, their families—by the end of the day, we weren’t just colleagues; we were bonded in a way that lasted for years.
And let’s be real—seeing Yoni attempt to roll sushi? That alone was worth the entire event!
