RV FEATURE

Speaking up was not an easy decision.

For a small, family business, legal action is deeply personal. Every dollar spent on lawyers is money that could have gone into stock, staff, product development, or family. I was told very clearly that if the matter went all the way to court and we lost, it could cost the value of my home.

That is a terrifying risk to carry, especially as a single mum and a business owner responsible for a team. But staying silent would have carried its own cost too. In many ways, I felt stuck.

I thought about Flat Out’ s late founders, Peter and Lenie, and the legacy I am now the custodian of. I fought for them. I thought about my son, and the future I need to keep building for him. I fought for him too. I thought about friends in the industry who have had their ideas blurred in the market and did not have the ability to fight. I felt it mattered to stand up for them as well.

The more of us who stand up for our principles, even when it is risky, the less likely these things are to happen in the first place. I have always tried to stand firm on my ethics and beliefs, but this one was harder than usual because the financial risk was so real.

At one point, I thought about what would happen if we lost. Then I realised that life is to be lived, and what is the point if we cannot live it in line with what we believe is right?

I did not take action because I wanted a fight. I took action because I believed it was the right thing to do.

My brother often calls me his‘ brave sister’. I haven’ t always seen myself that way, but perhaps he’ s right. I tend to take risks when there’ s potential for growth, for change, or for something more meaningful to come from it. Maybe that is what bravery is. In this situation, at least, I’ m glad I chose to be brave.

– Zoe Van Mill

36 \