125: Life, Grief, and Inspiration with Mariska Kesteloo

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today we are happy to speak with Mariska Kesteloo, the President and Founder of Word of MICE. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mariska connects brands and influencers. In this episode, she talks about influencers and shares her unique and inspiring story of grit, grief, persistence, courage, and inspiring others.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We hope you enjoy listening to today’s heartfelt conversation with Mariska Kesteloo!</span></p> <p><strong>Bio:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mariska Kesteloo is an entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and board member. With more than 18 years of working experience in tourism and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) sector, she’s an authority in the industry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Passionate about storytelling, Mariska founded her company Word of MICE in 2017. Her company connects the MICE industry with the right storyteller and expert to spread the story of the suppliers in an authentic way to the right target audience. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In January 2020, her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and her personal life turned upside down. She decided to share her experiences in a book. Unfortunately, her husband passed away in July 2021. Despite the challenging circumstances, she began creating an association to inform, motivate and encourage patients and their loved ones who go through a similar situation. Next, she started a new company to support entrepreneurship and retain talent in the MICE industry. And she bought a camper and became a digital nomad in 2022. Her first destination is Poland. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She is a visionary, forward-thinking, and positive entrepreneur who loves new challenges.</span></p> <p><strong>Mariska’s story</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mariska started her career in the tourism industry. She moved to Belgium after falling in love with a Bel