Summary
AI Elizabeth
IIn this engaging interview, Marieke van de Rakt discusses various aspects of her life, starting with her childhood memories in the Netherlands, her educational journey, and her academic achievements. Marieka reveals that she recently discovered she has ADHD, which affected her attention in school but didn’t stop her from excelling as a student. Her academic endeavors culminated in a PhD in criminology, although she eventually transitioned into a career in education and online marketing, closely intertwined with her husband’s venture, Joost, a company she later joined.
She also touches on her family life, recounting how she and her husband Joost met during a school event and how their relationship evolved. They have four children, and Marieka talks about the challenges and joys of balancing family responsibilities with her work commitments. She also mentions how connected Dutch people tend to be and how her children navigate their parents’ recognition in the tech world. Despite their public profiles, Marieke emphasizes her intent to provide a normal, grounded upbringing for her children.
Marieke offers insights into Dutch culture, particularly around education and child-rearing, noting that Netherlands-based children are among the happiest. She discusses the national preference for thinking outside the box, which she believes fosters creativity and innovation. Additionally, Marieke outlines her professional engagements: working at Emilia Capital, teaching online marketing, and participating in local politics, which she describes as focused on practical, community-oriented issues such as urban landscaping and public health.
Her explanation of local Dutch politics reveals a more collaborative and less adversarial political environment compared to other countries, with a focus on practical, day-to-day concerns. She finds joy in making a tangible difference in her community. Marieke also expresses aspirations to travel more extensively once her youngest child completes his education, with Africa as a top destination on her bucket list.
Throughout the conversation, Marieke’s down-to-earth personality and commitment to her many roles come across vividly. She also humorously notes her passion for engaging with her community, her family’s green initiatives, and her own aspirations to explore more of the world. The interview ends with a recommendation to speak with her husband, Joost, for his perspective, adding another layer to the understanding of this dynamic duo.