Zip Zap - Laurence Estève's business lessons

I’m ending off this year’s Dynamic Business Owners series with the amazing Laurence Estève co-founder of Zip Zap Circus School.

Zip Zap is synonymous with fun, high energy, entertaining and very importantly social change and education.

Laurence and Brent van Rensburg co-founded Zip Zap 23 years ago (do make sure you get your hands on a copy of their 20 year anniversary coffee table book) 

Laurence shares her experiences of what it takes to run a successful socially responsible circus.

What has been one of the most important business lessons learnt since starting Zip Zap? 

Do not hire your friends. Zip Zap is not a business but a NPO (non-profit organisation). The main difference apart from not sharing profit (but investing it back into the organisation) is that we do not pay people the salaries they could make in the corporate sector. The challenge is to find people motivated to share your vision. Surround yourself with young dynamic motivated people who are willing to learn and not be afraid to try.

How does Laurence keep herself motivated? I step outside my office and watch the kids that are benefiting from Zip Zap. (*anyone that has not yet visited the Zip Zap Dome should definitely try and make their way there for a dose of inspiration!)

When it comes to strategic partnerships, Laurence admits that this is not her forte! So, let’s rather move to focus on marketing - we focus on doing what we aim to do. We didn't start Zip Zap to acquire a status so we never told anyone what we were doing and we got a bit stuck in that approach. Now we are learning that to attract like-minded people or sponsors we need to say (or  scream or shout) what we do and the changes we are bringing. Proof of impact is a valuable marketing tool for us.

What does integrity in the workplace mean to you? Integrity for Zip Zap is to keep the focus on our beneficiaries. Is what we are doing good for them? Integrity is a long-term quality. It will surface in the most extreme situations such as disaster or success. Personally integrity is embodied in my partner and husband Brent.

What frustrates you most about communication internally and externally within the workplace? With a smile, Laurence jokes, “my partner and husband’s lack thereof!” She adds, “why can’t everyone understand what we are doing from our one-liner: inspiring kids for life?”

What do you love most about running a business? It has become my life, my purpose. I don't go to work I pursue my mission. Oops that sounds scary. I do have other passions! What I love as well is the freedom of action, of saying 'let’s do it'.

You can catch the Zip Zap Circus School performing their amazing acts between the 15 – 23 December and 14 -16 January at 14:00 every day in the main amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront this festive season.

www.zip-zap.co.za