Where oceans converge
Rarely are people as diverse as James Pearson. He has lived in Denmark, Germany, Mozambique, France, Canada, and Belgium. He grew up in the village of Aarslev in Denmark with his Danish mother and British father.
Stepping beyond Denmark
In Denmark, many students attend a year of boarding school after finishing their 10th year, prior to embarking on high school. This self-actualization time is important in Danish culture as it prepares individuals to step into the world beyond boundaries. Around that time, James felt sure about getting more exposure to the world to induce a better balance in his life.
After completing high school in the fairy-tale city of Odense, James did a management traineeship in Germany and then moved to Aarhus, in Denmark, for his business administration degree. He joined AIESEC, and as part of his trajectory, he worked for an NGO in Mozambique for a few months. After swiftly rising through the leadership ranks in AIESEC, he moved to Brussels to manage their global partnership with PwC. Later, he worked for the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium before moving to Montreal, Canada, with his French wife. It was in Montreal that James began immersing himself in the world of entrepreneurship and early-stage tech startups. After a post-Covid-19 sabbatical, they re-settled in Belgium, where James joined imec.istart in 2022.
The law of Jante
Drawing parallels between denmark and Belgium while working with entrepreneurs, James noticed a common cultural trait. In both countries, there is a prevailing tendency to value conformity and avoid standing out. In Denmark, this is deeply ingrained in the culture through Janteloven, or the law of Jante, which is widely known. Similar to the Ten Commandments in the Bible, the ten laws of Jante are believed to hold the key to creating a content and harmonious society. Some of these laws include “You are not to think you are more important than we are”, “You are notto think you are good at anything”, “You are not to laugh at us”, and “You are not to think anyone cares about you”. James frequently encountered this mindset when collaborating with entrepreneurs, whose work inherently requires them to stand out and succeed.
Exploring Denmark: top destinations and hidden gems
Denmark is a great destination for seaside enthusiasts. For travelers looking to indulge in nature, art, and leisure, James recommends visiting Skagen. Situated at the northernmost tip of the European continent, a community of painters thrived during the late 1800s due to the exceptional light found in this petitecoastal fishing town. The town is most famous for the remarkable natural occurrence of Grenen, where the Skagerrak and Kattegat seas converge, and waves merge together. While Skagen attracts international art lovers, it also offers a delightful experience for seafood enthusiasts. Another of James’s personal favorites is Vejers Strand, where he spent many school holidays visiting his grandparents and enjoying the open nature of the sea and heaths. Vejers is a great spot for a relaxing holiday by the sandy dune beaches with family or friends. Interestingly the city is inhabited by less than thirty people but has an abundance of holiday homes.
James has a unique suggestion for visitors to Denmark: try Gammel Dansk, a bitter mead crafted from a blend of 29 distinctive herbs and boasting an alcohol content of nearly 40%. As a result, it’s typically served in truly small quantities. Traditionally Gammel Dansk is a breakfast drink offered to guests as a welcoming gesture.
Must see
Explore the picturesque beaches and dunes of Vejers Strand for a tranquil coastal getaway.
