Supervisory Board, Social Enterprise NL
Social Enterprise NL is the primary membership body that started the social enterprise movement in The Netherlands. It represents, connects and supports the growing community of pioneering enterprises whose main objective is to create a new economy: circular, socially inclusive and poverty-free.
What is a social enterprise?
A social enterprise is an operator in the social economy whose main objective is to have a social and/or environmental impact rather than make a profit for their owners or shareholders. It operates by providing goods and services for the market in an entrepreneurial and innovative fashion and uses its profits primarily to achieve social objectives. It is managed in an open and responsible manner and, in particular, involves employees, consumers and stakeholders affected by its commercial activities.
Examples of some of the 350+ Social Enterprise NL members are FairPhone, Tony Chocolonely, Yoni.care, Seepje and SnappCar. The infomercial video below (in Dutch) offers a useful explanation.
From 2015 to 2020 I was part of its Supervisory Board. Next to supervising the general progress, strategy and development of the organization and its team, the Board regularly contributes in specific areas. This ranges from new partnerships to campaigns, and from research and lobby projects to the network’s theory of (systemic) change. The stories - both of success and of struggle - of the social entrepreneurs inspire me on a daily basis!
Social Enterprise NL goes beyond creating more visibility and recognition for social entrepreneurs. The organization is there for them, by:
1) Providing support: through relevant programs, tools, accelerators and network events;
2) Facilitating a favorable business environment: by influencing national government policies, municipalities and other public bodies, corporations, and investors;
3) Inspiring social and entrepreneurial action: by encouraging more research and education on the topic of social entrepreneurship, and by endorsing social entrepreneurs and their organizations.
More info can be found on the website of Social Enterprise NL.
Photo credit: Alex Falco (Cartoon Movement) for Social Enterprise NL
“I had been admiring Paulette’s impact drive as a young and ambitious missionary within EY and DSM. So when we were in search of a young, passionate and creative Supervisory Board member at Social Enterprise NL, we immediately thought of Paulette. She joined in 2015. It has been great to have her on our team: she is sharp, dedicated and has the drive to continuously look for better ways to build a thriving ecosystem for social entrepreneurs. I would recommend her to any organization looking for a sharp and dedicated (sustainability advisory) board member. She combines structured thinking, (corporate) sustainability expertise and governance insights on one hand, with creativity and strategic input on the other.”