Finally!
We can meet in person
This week was exceptional. It was the first week of in-person events in a very long time.
As the start date approached, I was doubtful that this event would actually happen.
So, I didn’t get a ticket for myself. By the time I looked at my calendar and saw that the big day was only a couple of days away, I knew that it’d be happening after all.
I could almost feel myself smiling. Except that, as we all know, the downside to every last-minute decision is that you have to pay a premium…
Well, my dutch roots got the best of me. I decided not to pay that premium after all. But to sit on a nearby coffee shop’s patio, in front of the entrance to the event, and, well, meet people there.
Luckily, a lot of people had no problem meeting me outside of the event venue. Although, that could have had something to do with the sunny weather instead of my charming personality…
Anyways, it was outstanding to meet with my international network. Some of the people that I connect with this week I had only known from Zoom calls. It’s crazy to realize how factually correct is the phrase: “It’s a pleasure to e-meet you.”
However, now that I had a taste of it, I can’t wait to meet more people in person! Because you all do have charming personalities, and I can’t wait to get to know the real you aside from your digital persona.
So, no longer hesitant that in-person events are a ‘thing’ now. I decided to make a trip to the US, to attend some meetups during the New York FinTech Week, and Money2020 in Las Vegas.
I can’t wait to catch up with my network, meet new people, and learn about new FinTech startups in the US!
Talking about things I can wait for: today it’s time for one of my other hobbies (believe it or not, there is more to my life than FinTech 😉): Cycling!
There are a few races every year where I settle myself in front of the television for the whole day and watch the race from the start. And today is definitely one of them: The World Championship in Leuven. And because the race is in Belgium, I might have a few Belgian beers for a change.
Enjoy your Sunday and let me know if you are around in New York or Las Vegas next month so we can grab a coffee or another drink! I’m definitely up for it.
On y va!
Marcel
P.S. I ran into a podcast with Klarna Founder and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski where he shares his story about his great journey at Klarna and his life outside of work. Very inspirational and I highly recommend checking it out👇
And if you were too busy this week to keep up with the latest FinTech news, check out my latest FinTech, Digital Banking, and/or LATAM FinTech news overviews!