Everyone knows the Monday feeling. It is the day with the most negative reputation, for good reason, but at PLNT we always try to look at everyday things differently. So time for an ode to Mondays, because bad reputation or not: it is, after all, your fresh start to the week. We asked our colleagues to describe a recent Monday: Junior Program Manager Sven van der Vlies kicks it off!
Morning routine
My alarm goes off at 07:30 AM, signaling the start of another Monday. I kick off the day with a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee to get me going. After a refreshing shower, I’m ready to start the day.
Work highlights
The morning kicks off with preparations for our upcoming Show Me The Expert Event that’s coming up in October. I set up all the communications, ensuring that at the right moments, participants and investors will receive timely updates and information. It’s all about keeping everyone in the loop and excited about the event.
Later in the morning, I meet a potential new member of our PLNT Community. We head upstairs and enjoy a special SanderChino (a custom coffee named after my colleague Sander Kuin). Over coffee, we discuss their innovative idea and how PLNT can support them, whether through our free programs or a perfect workspace in our building. It’s these conversations that make my job so rewarding.
Lunch break
From 12:00 to 13:00, it’s time for lunch. Today, the weather is perfect, so we take our meal to the rooftop. With sunglasses on, I enjoy a sandwich from Midi, the restaurant inside PLNT. Eating outside with colleagues and startup teams is always a nice moment, filled with laughter and great conversations.
Afternoon
Post-lunch, I gear up for the next day, preparing for tomorrow’s unlock_ Incubation day. I make sure all trainers have the info and materials they need ready for our participants. After double-checking everything, I take a quick stroll through the nearby park. This little escape recharges my batteries and gets me ready for the afternoon ahead.
Back at the office, I prepare for this evening’s Ready To Start session. This is an online program for PostDocs and PhD students from Leiden University, done in partnership with UtrechtInc. Tonight, a PhD student who started her own spin-out will share her journey. I prepare some questions to ensure we cover all the important topics and make the session as engaging as possible.
Since I have the evening session, I wrap up work a bit early, around 16:00. I hit the gym for a quick workout, then grab something easy for dinner from the supermarket. After a bit of rest and a good meal, I’m ready for the evening.
Evening routine
At 20:00, the Ready To Start session kicks off. I introduce our guest startup founder, and the conversation flows effortlessly. The participants are full of questions, and it’s inspiring to see them so engaged and motivated. We wrap up at 21:00, and I feel a great sense of accomplishment.
After such a long and productive day, I treat myself to a refreshing drink and relax on the couch.
Reflections
Days like today are intense but incredibly exhilarating. The energy from interacting with so many passionate people is infectious. The Ready To Start sessions, in particular, are a highlight, as I witness firsthand how they inspire PostDocs and PhD students to consider the exciting world of academic entrepreneurship. It’s fulfilling to know that our work at PLNT is helping shape the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.