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.
