Open Innovation

2Mrs. Cindy Dorkenoo, No Destiny, Only What She Does!

Cindy’s not unknown to me. To be honest, she’s been a mentor for a few years in the start-up support structure that I manage. Looking for an expert on digital marketing, I spotted Cindy on LinkedIn. Her profile convinced me to contact her and offer her this mission with start-ups. What she said to me at the time greatly echoes what I understand today about her journey and ambitions in life: “I would do it, not for the pay, but because it will make me very happy”. Such a philosophy and her sensitivity to things and people, enchanted me and I have never been disappointed.

When I spoke to her about this project with testimonials from entrepreneurs, she also offered to “play the game” by answering the questions I would ask her. I suspected, however, that she would be able to preserve the modesty that I know her, for she does not confide in me easily. She is above all an entrepreneur, it is her life, and sharing her experience seems useful to her while preserving her personal fortress.

2.1. Context

Cindy comes from a family of four children including herself. Cindy is the eldest, but she didn’t need that status to set an example. “Being the oldest was never a burden, just a motivation”. Her father is Togolese and her mother is French.

Nothing extraordinary, you may say. Yes, except that people from a mixed culture often have to make the effort to determine themselves. They can choose to be closer to one or the other of their ...