I’m Luigi Wester, 33 years old, married and I have a 2-year-old daughter. I was born in Aruba, raised in Curacao and now based in Amsterdam. I am a very passionate, ambitious and forward thinking kinda guy. Excited by new opportunities to grow in my career or life in general. Currently working as a Structured Finance Lending Specialist facilitating corporates in Transportation Finance Industry.
I think I’ve been influenced by a number of people. Growing up it was my step-father who drilled me to get higher grades at school. He even had great incentives to keep me motivated (i.e. new sneakers, more allowances etc.) He told me frequently that the day will come when I will arrive at the office and people will greet me (as the director) with “good morning Mr Wester”. He always envisioned me as a CEO of a multinational….He always believed in my potential to do great things. His ability to motivate me at such a crucial time in my development made him one of my biggest influences. My wife has also been a big influence in my life as of my late 20’s. She helped me to be a better man and focus on the important things in life. She also motivated me to go for whatever makes me happy. She supported my plans unconditionally. She brought the necessary balance I much needed in my life.
Life is happening now– Stop waiting or saving things for a special occasion. Unbox those special editions tea-cups from China, or put that dress or shoe on. There’s no special occasion, being alive is the special occasion.
You are responsible for your OWN happiness. Yes, you! No one is coming to save you. Nobody will tell you to quit that job if you hate it or start new business ventures, you have to do it yourself.
Material things only provide temporary happiness. Find true happiness. I see a lot of people around me searching for that new Porche or new Mercedes and think this will make them happy. It won’t and it never will. It’s only the crave of desiring it will be satisfied. True happiness lies in experiences among other things.
Overall I am proud of myself and the life I have built in the Netherlands in the past 14 years. I came here by myself in 2003 with a scholarship. I had no idea how things would work out. I had a 4×4 m2 studio, some books and a laptop.
Fast forward today, I formed my own family, I bought my own house and I got a promotion last year. I think I’m on the right track in my life at the moment.
I try to relax as much as possible and come up with a new strategy. Relaxing can be anything from reading motivational articles or get some coffee somewhere or running. I’m also considering meditation.
Great question! I’m considering to write an autobiography later. How about these chapters?
I wish I knew more about investing and how money actually works when I grew up. I think parents can’t start early enough to teach kids of this generation. It will teach them to be responsible while building something for the future.
A good life for me is a life of fulfilment. Where you feel loved by your closed ones, in balance with yourself and enjoying the ventures you take. A successful life is for me is a life where you can add (tangible) value to other people’s lives, a life of purpose that is bigger than your own.
I do- they say “smooth seas do not make good sailors” It’s in time of true adversities when we form our real character.
There is so much problem in the world right now, but I would solve Poverty first- I think everybody should be able to eat and have clean water and a (decent) shelter in this World no matter where you come from or in what circumstances you live in. I’m still staggered by the fact that now, in the year of 2017, with so much wealth so many people (children) around the Globe go to bed with empty stomachs and have to travel miles for clean water.
My dreams and goals were like my flashlight in a dark cave, they guided me to find and stay on the path I wanted to be and not deviate from it. They have also kept me focused to be a better me.
I enjoy shopping from time to time (sneakers, clothing) I watch some good series or I play a game in Virtual Reality, It’s a completely another world (haha) I enjoy trying new recipes (mostly Jamie Oliver) and test it out on friends too.
The 4 -hour workweek by Timothy Ferriss. It was the first book that ignited a change in the way I viewed some aspects of work and life. F.e the concept of work and retirement or escaping the “rat race”. It also gave great tips and insides on experiencing high-end world travel while living more and work less.
I think I have great analytical skills, I’m good with numbers and I have a keen eye for details.
I’m reading a lot lately, not only work/career related but also interpersonal skills as a father, husband etc. But I’m also trying new things, trying to live healthier, exercise and live a balanced life. I try to ask people around me for Feedback on my behaviour/skills. On a more educational level, I am in the process of getting my Master degree in 2018.
haha, I like the expression “You didn’t make the Forbes List so get up” I have it in my personal banking app and read it every day for motivation. Imagine answering ’to that one day: I made it to the Forbes List so let me sleep!
Currently no place, but not consciously though. I just think it went into the background as I grew older. I was raised in a really religious family.
I think teleport. Imagine not having to sit 15 hours on a plane but just Teleport to another part of the world. The possibilities are endless!
I think my current manager has been the greatest influence on my career. She gave me an opportunity 6 year ago and believed in me from the start. She’s still helping me on my journey.