Name: Mark Moeremans
X: @markmoeremans
Instagram: @markmoeremans
Website: www.thejourneyventures.com
Age: 33
Title: Managing Director
Married/Single: Single
City you live in: Phoenix
I was born… In Manchester, CT
My favorite thing about Arizona… Too many to list, but a few highlights are the access to the outdoors, our incredible food scene, the big city / small town feel, the Suns. Probably my favorite part is how open the state is to newcomers – if you’re capable and hardworking you can build the life you want for yourself here.
I’m listening to… Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, “Guts”
My family… is complicated, but despite the challenges – they sacrificed to give me opportunity and they have always believed in me.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Barack Obama
One thing I cannot live without… good sleep. The physical and mental health benefits are endless, and it’s when I’m able to process a lot of information.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a lawyer, no offense to lawyers but I’m glad that didn’t pan out.
I’m inspired by… nature. Whenever I’m hiking it’s almost like meditation, and it’s easy to be struck by the desert’s beauty. It helps keep things in perspective about the world and our role in it when we are standing by the Grand Canyon.
The one person who motivates me is… more than one person but my classmates from my MBA program at Stanford. Working with celebrities, speaking at global forums, growing unicorn startups, leading IPOs and ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. It’s not a competition – but when you have friends and peers who are off changing the world – you don’t want to be the slouch who didn’t make the most of the opportunities they were given.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… transitioning everything to renewable energy.
The perfect day would be… having all of my friends on a private catamaran or sail boat in the Greek islands…has never happened, but wouldn’t that be perfect.
My first job was… A paper boy! Talk about a lost art. I was 15 and wanted to start saving money, my poor parents had to wake up at 5 am on weekends to help drive me to certain neighborhoods.
My favorite escape… Any international trip. I think I’m my best version of myself when I’m traveling abroad. I can be adventurous, creative, and curious and is a different type of excitement and rejuvenation.
My life… Is one big adventure. It’s nothing like how I thought it would be and yet in many ways everything I’d hoped for. Most importantly, it’s just getting started, plenty of chapters left to write and I hope they are all as exciting and different as the ones that have come so far.
I’m currently working on… Growing The Journey. Our mission-driven venture studio partners with diverse entrepreneurs to launch new healthcare startups. Our goal is to close the racial and gender opportunity gap in venture and through our “Founder-in-Residence” program we provide underrepresented entrepreneurs access to tools, networks, and coaching to prepare them to step into the CEO role of their own startup.
Always… dream big
Never… stop learning and growing
Favorite Quote… “Be the change you want to see in the world” —Gandhi
Biggest Dream… Is constantly changing – dare to dream! Right now, I think I would love to host a TV show, maybe a travel show or as the next great interviewer. I’m ready to host New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen!
My Pet Peeve(s)… Self-limiting beliefs, clutter, narcissists, and people who lack curiosity. Time is our most precious resources…we only get one life, don’t waste it.
