Daan van Rossum is the founder and CEO of FlexOS, an ASEAN-focused work tech startup that helps companies manage hybrid teams and offices with a focus on employee engagement.

They just raised $1M from investors, including Do Ventures, VIK Partners, Vulpes Ventures, Hustle Fund, Wing Vasiksiri (iSeed SEA), and Plug and Play Ventures.

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

Now that people can work from anywhere, a lot of companies struggle with getting people back together (preferably in the office.)

It's my job to make sure there are plenty of reasons for employees to get together with their colleagues – even when working from home is so comfortable. And, because of that, they have better work days and richer, more meaningful, and happier lives.

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

Even though we run a work tech startup, a lot of my job is not about tech — it's about people.

Understanding what makes them tick and what they would love to get out of their work lives if they could tailor it to their wants and needs. This requires a deep understanding of employees as people, especially for the Millennial and Gen Z generations, who are the biggest question mark for our customers.

Ah... is that why I'm spending most of my time on TikTok even though I'm almost 40?

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

There have been so many highlights! (It's what happens when you're old.) I couldn't really pick one, rather focusing on the great 'little' moments that happen every day.

My greatest privilege is that I get to do what I love with a group of very inspiring people I love working with.

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

Self-servingly, that would be the further rise of hybrid work. So many young employees are rejecting the status quo of going into an office and working on someone else's schedule.

Making work more personalized, customized, and tailored to each individual's needs, is a trend I'm very excited about. One size fits none!

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

I deeply believe that whatever you do, you need to have the right motivation for it.

Think about your Ikigai: can you say that what you're doing is something you love, something you're good at, something the world needs, and something you can get paid for? Then it's worth doing. Otherwise, keep searching.

Life is way too short to settle for any job you can't pour your heart into!

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

The Future of Work.

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

I've watched too much TikTok and YouTube to still sit for an entire movie. But I love Suits!

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Green Rice (Kem Cốm)