Selina Thompson
Hustle Amsterdam is now Hustle Global. 👉👉👉Join us at our new digital home.
Hustle Amsterdam (HA): Where are you from? And what brings you to Amsterdam?
Selina Thompson (ST): From the UK, my hometown is Birmingham. I moved in March 2019 as I secured a client contract here.
HA: Tell me about your business? What is your mission?
ST: My consultancy, Forward Transformation, supports companies and entrepreneurs to achieve digital change and adoption, so they can thrive in today’s digital age by transforming their culture and working practices.
HA: How are you handling our new “normal” due to the coronavirus outbreak? What impact has it had on your business? How was the transition to working remotely been for you? Are you being strict with a routine or taking it day-by-day?
ST: I’m lucky as the services I provide can take place remotely, so the impact has been minimal. Although the pandemic brought great uncertainty and change for many, I have been able to help more people adopt digital practices so that they can stay connected both during the lockdown and after. On a personal note, it was hard not being able to travel and see family and friends, but I’m grateful to have got through the time safe and healthy.
HA: Why Forward Transformation? What brought you to the Technology industry?
ST: I landed in the world of IT 12 years ago, working as a customer communications representative on an engineering transformation project. Since then, I’ve grown to love helping businesses and their customers transform the way they do things as a result of digital technology. But it’s not easy convincing people to change their mindset and move forward into the future.
To date, I’ve supported global companies and a quarter of a million people to achieve digital transformation and adoption through change management. Hence the name of my company.
HA: What is the current state of Forward Transformation? Do you have six and 12-month goals for your business?
ST: My business is in a good state as the digital needs of both businesses and customers increase under the ‘new normal’. Last year I embarked on a company rebrand and expansion from the UK into the Netherlands, so my business goals remain to grow my client base across Europe. During 2020, I have also brought several long-term goals forward as I pivoted to providing online consultancy and education services. Let’s see what 2021 brings.
HA: What kind of obstacles do you face in your company? How do you handle them?
ST: Right now, the most significant obstacles are time management and navigating the Dutch business system. The latter is due to the language barrier and the ability to access available resources while many services are reduced. However, the Netherlands is one of the best places for expats to start a business as the support you receive from the Chamber of Commerce and business networking groups are invaluable. Moving to a new country and starting a new business in the same year was hard, but I remained optimistic, resourceful and hustled at opportunities.
HA: What has been your most successful moment so far? And how do you celebrate your wins?
ST: Surviving the first year in business in the Netherlands and the launch of my first online training course ‘Digital First’ in partnership with Essential Workshops was terrific. I’m guilty of not celebrating my wins as most of the time I’m still trying to process the achievement and I get distracted by the next opportunity. A good example is my feature in Forbes for columnist and entrepreneur Bianca Miller-Cole, which happened in June this year. It took days for it to sink in that it actually happened before I could celebrate.
HA: How have you accomplished what you have? Did you go to business school? Did you wing it? Fake it till you make it? Get really lucky?
ST: All of the above! (laughs). Seriously, I know first-hand that accomplishment doesn’t come without hard work and tenacity. Luck comes into play when an opportunity presents itself that you have been preparing for it anyway (so don’t delay). I’m the first to admit I made many mistakes with my first business due to lack of experience and not seeking help/advice before making decisions. I haven’t attended business school, but this time around for Forward Transformation, I’ve joined several business networking groups such as Amsterdam Business Breakfasts and the Self-Made Business Mastermind group for mentorship.
HA: Did you fundraise for your business? If so, tell me about your experience.
ST: My funding to date is self-generated from my consultancy work, and I pay myself a low salary so that reserves remain healthy. However, as Forward Transformation is growing with bigger goals, I’m starting to explore investment partnerships and start-up grants.
HA: How big is your team? And where are your team members located?
ST: Just me and two virtual assistants right now who are lifesavers. I tried to do everything myself as you do in the beginning, but eventually, I saw sense and managed my activities accordingly.
HA: Do you have a favorite motivational quote?
ST: “Time and tide wait for no man.” by Geoffrey Chaucer
HA: What 3 tips would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? What do you wish you had known before you started?
ST:
Study the basics of running a business from administration to accounting to marketing and growing your client base. You really can’t do one thing and not the rest!
Surround yourself with a good network of people who understand the business, will root for you and hold you accountable. Running a business can be incredibly lonely and scary at times, but with the right support, it can also be fun and rewarding.
Sell what you know! It’s a whole lot easier selling what you know than basing a business on your fantasy or hobby. After all, people pay for expertise that solves their problems.
HA: How would you describe your working style?
ST: My working style is flexible and creative. I’m a natural planner who is curious and diligent as my work requires clients to feel reassured that I fully understand their needs, and I’m in control of the work needed to manage the change. Being self-employed suits me as I like to work in different environments and locations as my mood suits.
HA: When you’re not working on Forward Transformation — where can we find you?
ST: On a beach, in a spa or a rooftop bar (laughs). Basically, anywhere tranquil, with beautiful scenery and a nice cocktail. ☺
HA: How do you find work-life balance while being an entrepreneur?
ST: It's challenging, but I’ve got better over time as I make sure I balance work time and down-time. The reality is that as an entrepreneur, I’m ‘always on’ but I have greater control over where and how I work so that I can spend time doing things I enjoy. Also, I don’t get FOMO syndrome (fear of missing out) as I love what I do (including the boring admin activities).
HA: What is your passion?
ST: Seeing people happy and progressing in their lives. Hence, I love digital technology because it enables people to do more. I also love travelling the world which I can’t wait to get back to once we have a way forward past the pandemic.
HA: What inspires you most about Amsterdam? Do you have any favorite spots to work or hangout?
ST: I love the culture! Amsterdam has so much character and opportunity, yet the vibe is relaxed and unassuming. My favourite spot is Westerpark (weather permitting) and even though it’s not Amsterdam city I’m in love with the coastline from Zandvoort to Scheveningen Beach (as I live in the Hague).
HA: Anything else you’d like to add?
ST: Learn more about me and my services at www.forwardtransformationchange.com. You can also connect with me on my socials at:
IG: @ftdigitalppl
Twitter: @selinathompson & @ftdigitalppl
Would love to hear from other entrepreneurs on how they are staying connected and managing their business/personal life using digital technology as a result of the pandemic during 2020.
