Episode 208: The Joy Is in the Journey With Belgian Boys CEO Anouck Gotlib

What would happen if you let go of control and embrace life no matter what comes your way? Serendipitous moments have the power to shape your destiny.  Meet Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys, who shares how a fortuitous seating arrangement on a plane ride from Belgium to New York led to meeting her husband, building a multi-million dollar company, and becoming the proud mama of two adorable boys. Anouck was born in Belgium, studied Fashion Design and then worked at fashion houses in NYC. After meeting Greg, she stepped away from fashion and stepped into entrepreneurship full time.  Today, Anouck leads a passionate team dedicated to creating joy for customers and spreading sweetness in people's lives. Her leadership has fueled the exponential growth of the company, brought in high profile investors, and gained recognition as one of the fastest growing companies on the Inc 5000 list. Anouck is on a mission to turn up the happy - one sweet moment at a time. Belgian Boys is in the business of fun, offering a delicious assortment of breakfast, sweet treats, and desserts available in 5000 stores and online. Anouck believes that the key to joy is to embrace the journey and trust the timing of your life knowing that the universe has your back.  Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Anouck. Highlights: [02:31] The creation of Belgian Boys [04:06] How Anouck met her husband & their life together [05:58] Where Belgian Boys is today [07:35] Anouck’s superpower [11:35] Overcoming fear and self-doubt  [16:07] Belgian Boys is a family affair [18:09] Anouck’s success habits [21:13] Balancing work and family [24:58] How becoming a mom changed Anouck’s perspective  [27:50] Alignment of values with your investors [35:54] The importance of giving [38:36] Where to get Belgian Boys delicious treats [39:11] Lightning round questions Quotes: “Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s all about knowing who to ask for help.” – Anouck Gotlib “Mindfulness changed my life. It is something I embrace. It is something I bring into my every day.” – Anouck Gotlib “You’re the center of your kid’s universe. And it doesn’t need to be complicated, just take the time to read a book with them.” – Anouck Gotlib  Lightning Round Questions: What book has greatly influenced you? The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying? “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”   What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself? Happiness Spreader What is one change you've implanted that made your life better? Mindfulness. Bringing that into my life has changed who I am. What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?  “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest About Anouck Gotlib: Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys, is on a mission to turn up the happy - one sweet moment at a time. Launched in 2015, Belgian Boys is in the business of fun, offering a delicious assortment of breakfast, sweet treats, and desserts available in 5000 stores and online. She leads a passionate team dedicated to growing more than just a revenue-driven business - creating joy for customers and spreading sweetness in people's lives. Anouck was born in Antwerp, Belgium and studied Fashion Design before working at fashion houses including Zac Posen and Natan. A fortuitous seating arrangement on a plane ride from Belgium to New York put Anouck in touch with Belgian Boys founder (and her eventual husband) Greg. Anouck spent long nights and weekends working to launch the brand before stepping away from fashion and into entrepreneurship full time. Anouck and Greg live in Brooklyn, NY with their two sons who start each day with Belgian Boys mini pancakes. Links: Websites: https://www.anouckgotlib.com/ https://www.belgianboys.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouck-gotlib/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/belgianboys/  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/belgianboys  https://twitter.com/AnouckGotlib Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Belgianboys/