Yvonne Schreuder

Freelance investment writer, proposal marketeer and (financial) journalist specialized in Investments. Experience with online and print media, video scripting, RFP-writing and Pitch Advisory.

Were you troublesome or sweet as a child?

I am afraid the answer will greatly depend on whom you ask. As a young child, I was sweet, stubborn, quirky, loud, caring and ambitious. In brief, I was mostly a lot – and everything all at once. During my adolescence, this was quite difficult for me. At the time, I struggled to determine my own position in relation to others and what kind of adult I wanted to become.

What drives you?

I love to tell stories. From bad jokes, bragging about my kickboxing training and my son’s adventures, to impactful stories about innovative investment strategies and sustainable propositions that stand the test of time.

Originally, I told those stories primarily through writing. Later, other forms of content were added, such as video, podcasts and presentations. Touching someone with their own story gives me a kick. I also find it challenging every time to step into the shoes of a target audience, because that’s what it’s all about, if you ask me.

I have been telling stories about the world of institutional investments for more than 10 years, with a focus on retirement and sustainability. I am still not bored with this world where it is all about big social stakes, unimaginable sums of money and complex investment solutions. All the more so with the current transitions in terms of the new pension system, truly impactful investing, social developments and the realization that we finally have to be more careful of our planet.

Is this your ideal profession?

At this point in time, I can wholeheartedly answer “yes” to that! Since the beginning of this year, I have been working independently, which gives me the opportunity to fully focus on inventing and creating. I was going for less corporate dynamics and more creativity, and I succeeded.

In addition, my current way of working gives me the opportunity to enjoy mothering and watching my son grow into a headstrong and terribly funny toddler. That’s worth an awful lot to me.

A big plus of having your own business is that it gives you space to dream and to do so together with like-minded people. Dreaming about grand and compelling content productions, blazing concepts and inspiring collaborations.

Are you an idealist or an optimist?

After many years, I am now ready to admit that I am an idealist. Until recently, this was not exactly something that was welcomed in both personal and professional circles. As a native of Groningen, I was brought up with the idea that you should be pragmatic and down-to-earth.

Fortunately, this is changing. The world is on fire and we to step up. This realization is breaking through in more and more circles. The rapidly increasing focus on impact investing is a great example of this. In this whole development, I feel motivated to do my part to create a new narrative.

What do you bring to a team?

On my own website I phrase it as “spicing things up” or “lighting a fire under it”. I think that’s pretty accurate. From my own experience I know that there are so many smart, talented and hardworking people in the financial sector, there is no shortage of them. Often though, there is a lack of time and space to reflect and come up with new things from. In the midst of all the hectic activity that’s going on it is so easy to forget celebrating successes and talking about the things that matter. That is a real shame, because it is those stories that make you stand out. I help organizations and teams to tell those stories. I can do that as a booster, supporter, coach, creator or writer.

Why are you a Friend of Stark?

Over the years, I have worked with Stark in various roles. Even at times when there was less collaboration, we continued to share knowledge and spar about industry developments. I have always found that to be enormously valuable. It also gives me a lot of energy to look at our sector as like-minded people and to think about how we can contribute to it.