Gabriel Goldberg
Business Mentor | Entrepreneur | Investor | ex-Google | Public Speaker
at HAKACIA
In three words: Vision, Strategy, Connecting
I love coffee. To fully appreciate its aromas, I have it as a strong espresso, without sugar, of course.
This interview has been translated, the original language is: French
Short introduction
- What are you proud of?
- At the beginning of my journey at Semetis, I was often seen as a challenger, or even an idealist. Today, my greatest pride is having built a strong ecosystem and being able to work with all market players, bringing together diverse profiles and expertise. EXTRA: Note from the Retrievermedia.be Editorial Team; The responses to the former 'Describe yourself in three words' question were particularly detailed and informative. Therefore, our editorial team has chosen to present this full description here: 1. Vision – I want to anticipate the evolutions of digital and entrepreneurship. 2. Strategy – I help businesses structure their growth and positioning, particularly in the service sector. 3. Connecting – Whether through my role as a coach, my collaborations with startups, or my engagement in entrepreneurial ecosystems, I create connections and facilitate opportunities.
- In your free time, what do you like to do most?
- To truly disconnect, I love traveling and discovering new cultures. Exploring new horizons, understanding different ways of thinking, and immersing myself in other atmospheres is what recharges me the most.
- Did you know that I…
- Did you know that since stepping down from my operational role at Semetis in 2019, I have supported more than 500 entrepreneurs? Each exchange has taught me as much as I have shared with them.
- Where would you go in a time machine and with whom/why?
- I would go back to the 2000s, when digital was starting to explode, but with the experience and vision I have today. I would love to relive that era with my Semetis team, to see how far we could go by anticipating market evolutions even better.
Gabriel's Recommendations
- What is your favourite movie?
- Le Grand Bleu (French film by Luc Besson). A true must-watch! It reminds me of the importance of following your own path, even when everyone else thinks differently.
- What book would you recommend?
- I love biographies; they allow me to draw inspiration from economic or political leaders. Books like Elon Musk's biography or The Everything Store by Jeff Bezos are treasure troves of information and insights into the vision and determination that shaped these giants.
- Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- In Amsterdam vond ik MR PORTER erg leuk. De sfeer is top en de kwaliteit van de steaks is uitstekend. Een perfecte plek voor een elegant diner, met een prachtig uitzicht over de stad.
- Do you have another cool tip for us?
- A good tip to follow is to always keep a long-term vision, even when challenges seem insurmountable. Building something solid takes time, and patience is often the key to success. It's important to stay true to your values and not be swayed by immediate successes that do not align with a sustainable vision.
Last but not least
- What is your favourite quote?
- The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Who would you like to see in this section?
- I would like to reconnect with Nicolas Debray, my longtime business partner. His entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision were essential to our shared journey, and discussing our past experiences with him would always be enriching.
