Interview with Joris van Heukelom (Director Digital Publishing @ Sanoma Digital). Taken from the book “Breakthrough”, special edition for TEDxAmsterdam 2009.
A breakthrough is an idea that is so powerful, it blows all obstacles aside. In this case the concept is so strong, it seems it will take flight on its own. TEDxAmsterdam is such a concept, it unleashes a creative primal force in people. The Netherlands urgently needs TED and dozens of people are keen to make this happen. In doing so it releases a lot of vigor and effort, which is just fantastic. This is why as a member of the advisory board it is my pleasure to give it my all for TEDx Amsterdam.
The shower
I see TED as a platform that enables people to inspire other people, in person and through TED.com. Personally I get inspiration from silence. Every day you are exposed to so many stimuli, there is not enough time to process it all. That is why the first thing I do in the morning is turn of the radio, which my wife had switched on. I am more inspired in the shower when the radio is off, and I can organize the impressions in my mind. Only then can you transform inspiration into action. Try to find an hour a month to process all the inspiration you encounter. We keep suggesting movies or books to each other, but it is more important to transform these forms of inspiration into action. This action will enable a breakthrough.
Tip: a ton of inspiration is great, but don’t forget to turn it into action!
Credits
Interview by Tessa Stolze
Translation by Ferhaan Kajee
Photography by Ivo van der Bent
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