Speak up, or stay silent?

Speak up, or stay silent?

As an entrepreneur, I have been asking myself this question a lot lately: should I keep speaking out about what is happening in the world and what I think about it, or is it better to stay quiet and focus only on the substance of my work?

All around us, society is hardening, and democracy in many countries is under pressure. There are more autocracies now than ever, with all the restrictions on freedom that come with that.

It is a difficult dilemma, but for me the answer is clear: I will keep speaking out. Not to polarize, but in a kind and inviting way. Because I genuinely believe things will ultimately turn out well if we commit together to the good cause.

Why staying silent can feel so tempting

I understand very well that speaking out can feel scary. Our brains are, in fact, programmed not to do it.

The fear of standing alone

In science this is called the "Spiral of Silence." We want to belong. If we feel our opinion is not popular, we keep our mouths shut out of fear of criticism. That can make it seem as if a small, loud group speaks for everyone, while the silent majority actually thinks something very different.

"Someone else" will fix it

Sometimes we see injustice and hope the "powers that be" in the system will take care of it. This is called the "bystander effect." Research shows we are more likely to help when we are the only one who can do something. As soon as we think others are also watching, our willingness to act drops from 85% to just 30%.

So it takes moral courage not to wait for someone else, but to take the first step yourself.

A deliberate choice: B Corp since 2018

My choice to speak out is not new and certainly not temporary. Since 2018 we have been certified and part of the B Corp movement. For me, this is the essence of entrepreneurship: using a business as a force for good.

Businesses have an invisible agreement with society: we are given room to operate, but in return we must contribute to a healthy world and a strong, free democracy. If we remain silent while important values are being dismantled, we are effectively breaking that agreement.

My B Corp heart tells me we have responsibilities that go beyond the financial side of things.

The power of an honest and consistent story

I know some people fear that taking a clear stance costs you customers. Scientific research does show that opponents often respond more fiercely than supporters. But I believe authenticity wins in the long run.

• Stay true to your values: Brands like Miele, Patagonia, and Holie show that you build a strong bond with your customers when you truly stand for something.
• Choose backbone, not whatever is trending: For years, Shell presented itself as a leader of the green energy transition through major marketing campaigns (like "Make the Future"). But as soon as profits in the oil sector rose again and shareholders demanded more returns, the tone changed completely. Under new leadership, green ambitions were withdrawn or scaled back because fossil fuels were making more money at that moment.

That is exactly what I do not want: a social "jacket" you take off as soon as the financial wind changes. I choose a steady and kind voice, rooted in values I will still stand behind after the first storm.

A lesson from history: silence is a risk

When we look at history, we see that big changes often begin with small steps. In the 1930s, many entrepreneurs in Germany and the Netherlands thought they could benefit from a strict regime by staying silent and bending along. They hoped for stability, but ultimately lost everything: their freedom and their integrity.

It reminds me that silence is never neutral. Autocratic rulers can interpret silence as approval.

How I try to keep the conversation going

I want everyone to feel safe with us, even when we disagree. That is why I choose a human approach:

• Really listen: I have resolved to start responses with "I understand what you mean" or "I don't understand you yet - can you explain?" instead of asserting my own rightness.
• Look for connection: We often share more values than we think, like caring for those close to us and for freedom.
• Let positivity guide you: I go for "yes, and..." instead of "no, but...". We have to look together at what is possible.

My conclusion: hope as a driver

I choose to stay positive and hold on to hope. That is not naïve. It is a deliberate choice. When entrepreneurs, teams, and citizens make it clear that they stand for justice, equality, and respect, we build a movement that cannot be stopped.

I ask myself: "What will I think of myself in 20 years if I say nothing now?" I want to be able to say I used my voice and actions to help build a better world. Together we can make a difference, as long as we dare to speak from the heart, not from the wallet.

Let's support the good cause together. With a smile, with respect, and with tireless hope.