Gudrun Spildooren

Young Leader, edition 2020 - 2021

The phone call that I received announcing that I was selected for the YL-IM program came as a complete surprise to me. I was excited to meet my peers, to meet my mentor, to board on this train, not knowing where it would get me.

For me it has been nothing less than a rollercoaster. The walks and talks with my mentor were very helpful in creating my own path and living my own journey. It helped me figure out which career path suits my personality, which decisions I had to make to harmonise who I am with what I do.
So somewhere in the middle of the program I decided to start working part-time to become a ‘slash-person’, meaning I divide my time so I can be an engineer/proud founder of Good Kid (my small eco-fashion enterprise) /mother/advocate for an ecological life style/active member of our society in our hometown.

The power of the program is not only in the mentoring part. The talks to my peers taught me to be proud of who I am. Every one has his or her own story. It is a truly fascinating diverse group of young people who respect and inspire each other.

I am very grateful to have met all fascinating young leaders, my inspiring mentor, the inspirational team of YL-IM. This experience strengthened my belief that there is more to life and to society than finances. It strengthened my belief that we are all able to take up social responsibility. It strengthened my belief that our generation can make the change.