Allard Droste, Entrepreneur
Allard Droste is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, professional dreamer and founder of the movement “Dare to Share”.
Podcast
Overview
“Sharing for me is a synonym to look after each other, care for each other and help each other”
Today The Brand Called You welcomes a very unique individual on the podcast. An entrepreneur and professional dreamer, Allard Droste certainly stands out of the crowd! He’s the owner of ALDOA, a metalworking company that has won numerous awards. Allard has also authored a book that compiles his experiences. He is the initiator of Growing by Sharing and just last year, he donated a hundred thousand euros to individuals affected by the Coronavirus.
Allard’s story is extremely inspiring and he shares it in a very interesting discussion with host Frits Bussemaker on today’s episode. Coming from a non-entrepreneurial background, it was very unusual for Allard to venture into the business field. But continuously following his instinct, Allard found himself buying ALDOA, a company that provides plating systems to the metal industry. With just 13 employees and a very challenging start, Allard succeeded in adjusting the employees under his new leadership and kick-started his dream. Allard talks about the challenges he faced in order to stay afloat with the business. His opinions are open-minded and inspiring!
“In my humble opinion, growing is something that is very positive. Growing on a personal level like being a better person, being a happier person, a more open person, and far more feasible. But not growing by having more and material stuff and profit as a shareholder. So growing in my world, a very positive world is in combination with sharing!”
Tune in for more!
Profile
Allard Droste (49) is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, professional dreamer, and founder of the movement “Dare to Share”.
As an entrepreneur, Allard is best known for running Aldowa in Rotterdam, a manufacturer of metal façades. He got rid of job descriptions, appraisals, and fixed working hours with an astonishing result; increased job satisfaction, extremely low absenteeism, wonderful team spirit, and great long-term results. The key is simple, it starts with giving complete trust. Don’t just say it but do it. What you give, you get back.
Hierarchy is dismantled and the rules disappear
Allard wrote his first bestseller in 2017 with the title “Semco in de Polder”. Written with Allard speaking directly to his reader in a candid and engaging way, he tells stories of his own experiences from his career and business to illustrate his ideas clearly and practically. It’s thought-provoking and challenges the way things are often done.
Trust is the key and attention is free
In 2018, Allard decided to change course as he took a step back from Aldowa to make room for new adventures. ‘In a world that often measures success in increased profits and accomplishments, a countermovement is needed’. With his foundation ‘Dare to Share, Allard encourages people to share time, attention, and trust. After all, what might seem like a small gesture to one person can make a world of difference to another person.
Share with many
The foundation, run by Allard and his wife Irene, kicked off with a book published in May of 2021. The Dutch title “Groeien door te Delen”, was brought to market by the Dutch publisher Lucht. In this book, stories have been collected from men of all ages and walks of life, interspersed with theories and metaphors of the author Allard Droste. Each and every one of the men shows their vulnerable side while sharing what they see as their successes and their learning experiences.
Being your authentic self
Allard is entrepreneurial, adventurous, and always looking for new experiences, in which the journey towards the authentic self plays an increasingly important role.
Irene and Allard live in Huizen, where they enjoy their blended family, consisting of five children and two dogs. Allard is a popular speaker and gives interactive speeches about topics ranging from work, awareness, authenticity, and dare to share.