004 | "The Airbnb for International Volunteering" (Pascal at VolunteerWorld)
Today’s guest on the “Phil with Forbes 30” podcast is Pascal Christiaens - Founder of Volunteer World
Forbes List: Europe
Year: 2018
Category: Social Entrepreneurship
Pascal is a first-generation college graduate, social entrepreneur and start-up strategist with significant experience from both sides of the Atlantic. He was named as an emerging European leader by President Barack Obama,
His company, Volunteer World, actively supports 1,600 projects in more than 82 countries across the globe. They're known as the “Airbnb for International Volunteering”. Being the founder of one of the most successful German social start-ups,
In this episode, Pascal shares his incredible story:
Pascal’s transition from the financial industry to the volunteer travel industry.
The success of the Costa Rican turtle projects as a result of Volunteer World.
How Volunteer World matches agencies, NGO’s and various projects with a volunteer’s individual desires, budget, age, skills and goals.
Pascal’s startup story, pivoting during difficult situations and not taking things personally.
Phil gives coaching insights as to how Pascal’s negative energy of failure was turned around into positivity, success, and happiness.
Pascal cites how the company is managing during these globally challenging times; popular projects and the essential asset of Volunteer World’s review system.
Pascal notes how the project and agency’s vetting process works; how volunteers share information on the web site; how marketing has changed from Google Ads and keywords.
Pascal’s next goals - Leading his travel start-up out of a crisis so “Volunteer World is ready to strike back and kickass post-coronavirus!”
“Under 30 Seconds Round”
1. What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
Let Me Tell a Story by Jorge Bucay. It’s about 50 or 60 philosophical short stories that give you inspiration and a different perspective on your daily life.
2. What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
Best - Tinder Gold Package
Worst - I sold “Magic” trading cards. Lesson learned - Take your time for a good deal and have a holistic view on your entire transaction.
3. What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning routine and most impactful thing you do in your Evening routine?
I’m a big believer in getting enough rest and enjoying life. I sleep in and relax in my free time.
4. Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of go to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
An affordable solution for parabolic flights. As a science-fiction fan I’d use the money for a dream I have.
5. What’s something you never knew you needed?
Volunteer World
In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…
The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Pascal’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!
GUEST INFO: Pascal Christiaens Founder of Volunteer World
CONTACT: On Instagram @volunteerworld_com
WEBSITE: https://www.volunteerworld.com/
COUPON CODE DISCOUNT for audience: "Phil30" ($30 dollar discount on Volunteer World).
AND, separately, you get a 30% discount if you enroll before June 30th
HOST INFO: Phil Michaels
SOCIAL MEDIA: @iamphilmichaels
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/philmichaels
PODCAST WEBSITE: www.PhilWithForbes30.com
PHIL’s WEBSITE: www.iamphilmichaels.com