Post by Jolanda Holwerda

End of an era… and exactly the kind of moment where something new begins. What a journey the Board Program of ScaleUpNation has been. From participant in class 7 as member of the Supervisory Board of World Press Photo to guiding so many founders and board members along the way. Every group different, every time that same energy of people building, creating, and daring to move forward — not only to grow companies, but to shape solutions that have real impact on society. What has always stood out to me most? Not the frameworks or models — but the human side of scaling a company. The moments where it gets uncomfortable. Where decisions become personal. Where leadership is no longer theory, but asks you to truly step up. It has been a privilege to create space for that and to guide people along the sometimes rocky road to the next phase — where growth is not just about the business, but just as much about yourself. And along the way, my own perspective evolved too. A deeper appreciation for the financial side, for governance, for what it really takes to build sustainably. It also led me to initiate the Board Impact Award — to highlight role models who show that good governance and growth go hand in hand. Thank you Menno Van Dijk , for your words — and for the trust over all these years. I have also learned a lot from you. Thank you also dear faculty, especially Jan Paul Grollé and Anne Mieke Eggenkamp Dr Natalia Blagburn Lukas Kuijken who were always my partners in crime. But also many questspeakers like Patrick Polak Leo Holwerda Marlies de Ruyter de Wildt - van Ditshuizen Meltem Koning-Gungormez Dieuwke Boersma Nancy Kabalt- Groot @ericdeheer @mariekepols: it was fun working with you! Also with my dear ex colleaques: Nina Kotterik Jacqueline van der Heijden Alex Alrishan But most of all: the participants from #class 8 to -#class 22: your Insights, experience and energy made this journey really unforgettable. And yes — closing a chapter creates space. My next chapter is a clear continuation of my mission: advancing authentic leadership — through my work at @Van Ede @greatplacetogrow and Authentiek Leiderschap voor Vrouwen If you’re a founder, executive or board member navigating growth, transition or tough leadership choices — that’s where I come in. Working at the intersection of personal leadership, governance and scaling challenges. More about journeys to come via: www.jolandaholwerda.nl Wishing Afroditi Terzi all the best on this journey — you’re stepping into something truly special.