50 Second Q&A: Joost Minnaar

Joost Minnaar co-founded the Corporate Rebels (corporate-rebels.com) in 2015. Their mission is to make work more fun and they have been featured on the Thinkers50 Radar.  Joost travels to all corners of the world researching progressive organizations, and blogging and speaking about the discoveries they have made. He is co-authoring a book about all their adventures, expected in 2019. Joost’s formal training is in chemistry and nanoscience and nanotechnology. He is now researching the dynamics of self-managing, boss-less, multinational organizations at the Amsterdam Business Research Institute.

What book are you currently reading?

The Peter F. Drucker Reader published by the Harvard Business Review.

How do you describe what you do?

We are building a global movement, Corporate Rebels, to make work more fun.

What is your big idea?

Work doesn’t have to suck. That’s why we believe it’s time for a global movement aimed at humanizing organizations. All around the world we have identified pioneering organizations that have become very successful by working in radically different ways. We visit them, research them, learn from them, and share their unique stories to inspire a global change towards more engaging workplaces.

Why does it matter now?

Because the majority of the workforce is disengaged at work. Globally, only 15% of one’s colleagues are engaged. This is not only a big problem; it’s just as big a shame. However, a good crisis is the best opportunity for change. We believe it’s about time for that change.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Our bucket list full of entrepreneurs, academics, organizations and business leaders that work in radically different ways.

What does success look like?

Life is not about success. As Albert Einstein once famously said ‘Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.’

What is your competitive advantage?

We are surrounded by thousands of like-minded people in our movement, by an amazing team and by great mentors.

How much time do you spend travelling?

At least a few months a year. We travel to visit pioneering organizations, to work with our global clients—and for tourism.

What is the secret of a great presentation?

Great storytelling.

What is your next goal?

Finishing our upcoming book titled Corporate Rebels– make work more fun.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Surround yourself with like-minded and capable people. Just do it, and have fun as you do.

What is the biggest issue for business in the next decade?

‘Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window’ is what Peter Drucker said. I like that quote.

Describe yourself in three words.

Adventurous, curious, critical thinker.