'Poverty is not being able to get what you want'. That's what a wise Gambian girl of 9 years old told me when I was interviewing local youth on their look on poverty in 2005. Being in the midst of this poor village in the Gambia made me see how talented people were not able to reach their potential. Due to lack of opportunity and/or belief, they were not able to get what they wanted. I asked myself how to create prosperity in situations where it matters most. I never stopped asking myself this question ever since.

That year I joined Better Future as a managing partner to guide leadership journeys for senior leaders of MNC’s, foundations and social enterprises. Our journeys took place all over the world, including many African countries, always focussing on connecting with one's purpose and creating impact. What I learned from all those journeys, no matter the destination?
People thrive when they follow their own path and the most sustainable and impactful way to contribute to society is through entrepreneurship. It takes courage to be an entrepreneur that wants to better the world. They're certainly not taking the easy road, but I dare to say it is the most fulfilling and impactful way there is.

A strategy session in 2015 with Ecom West Africa (a leading sustainable commodity merchant) uncovered my calling even more. Their entrepreneurial CEO wanted to combine profitability and impact. We came up with a strategy called ‘creating rural prosperity’ that focused on creating an efficient and innovative supply chain for the farmers to put them first. I took a role as a guide in the transformation of the company and its leaders. Therefore I did a home-stay of 2 days at a cocoa village to learn about the reality on the ground. While strolling around the village I came across a farmer I interviewed the day before: 'You are still here' he said surprised. 'I am here to stay’, I responded. ‘It takes time to create prosperity'.

I am here to stay, to create meaningful growth. To create prosperity. That is why I founded Betterpreneurs in 2019 and took off on our first Quest, cycling 8 weeks through Africa to gain entrepreneurial and local insights. Thank you Gambian girl, thank you farmer, and thank you entrepreneurs, for showing the way. Lets betterpreneur together.

Michel

OUR FIRST ROUTE - 2019