Based on Skills - Kevin van Windt

In this episode of Scaling with Purpose, host Mohamed Alkaduhimi speaks with Kevin van der Wind, founder of Based on Skills and the Improving Life Group. Kevin shares how he built a platform that is reshaping how Gen Z enters the Dutch labor market by shifting the focus from traditional CVs and work experience to soft skills and potential.

Kevin opens up about the classic chicken-and-egg challenge of building a two-sided marketplace, the costly mistake of prioritizing marketing visibility over targeted sales, and the hard lesson of watching a 2.2 million euro turnover get nearly swallowed by 2.1 million in costs. He reflects on how the lack of a mentor early on led to avoidable spending decisions, and why he now views those painful lessons as the foundation for a smarter second chapter.

The conversation also explores Kevin's unique origin story in skills-based hiring, from helping friends rewrite their resumes at age 16 to hiring over 30 people based purely on who they were rather than what their diplomas said. His personal track record is the proof of concept behind the very product he sells.

Whether you are a founder navigating the balance between impact and revenue, a recruiter rethinking how you evaluate candidates, or part of Gen Z looking for your first opportunity, this episode offers honest, practical takeaways.

Topics discussed: skills-based hiring, Gen Z and the labor market, two-sided marketplaces, startup mistakes, founder lessons, mentorship for entrepreneurs, soft skills vs. hard skills, recruitment innovation, social impact startups, scaling a purpose-driven business.