I had to change at the beginning of the week to attend an interview with Diane Von Furtsenberg.
The Belgian born American design icon married into the German princely House of Fürstenberghe and is known as the creator of the famous wrap dress. In 1969 she married into the German princely House of Fürstenberg, as the wife of Prince Egon von Fürstenberg.
"The minute I knew I was about to be Egon's wife, I decided to have a career. I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her deserts”
Diane is a very inspiring, beautiful and strong lady. You can visit a nice expo on her work and life by the way in Brussels for the coming months. It makes me think that actually anyone, even those not marrying a prince should have this drive to be someone. Ideally you become more and more yourself throughout your time on earth.
I also attended another conference, a conversation between the Belgian Manager of the year, Diane Govaerts (another inspiring Diane on the same day) and a Red Lion, Loick Luypaert, he brought his gold medal with him, when you realize what an athlete needs to do and leave to get there. Impressive.
Professional athletes and CEOs share a drive to achieve their personal best. Both require discipline, passion, a team and a focused vision. I can only agree on that as I once was an athlete and I am leading a company now.
I never dreamed of marrying a rich prince, I did want to find a great person to share my life with and eventually have children with. That became reality, I am very grateful.
I always wanted to be someone. I wanted to mean something in the world, do things that matter.
When it comes to any area of your life. Any ambition, even being a professional athlete, Hollywood star, or some other (insane) dream…can be achieved with work and relentless practice.
But it’s hard, right? You don’t necessarily look at yourself as someone who can put in the work for that amount of time. But that’s the key ! It is about talent, for sure, it will be even harder to work for something you are not that talented in, but most of all it is working for something that really makes your heart sing.
Be someone, be yourself and enjoy the path, the path that only you will walk.
