What if the first step to changing the world is simply… seeing it?
Michelle van Tongerloo doesn’t just write books. She writes mirrors. Komt een land bij de dokter forces us to look at the people we’ve learned to ignore—the ones sleeping on benches, the ones we step around on our way to work. And here’s the hard truth: Most of us are closer to that life than we think. One missed paycheck, one health crisis, one bad break. Michelle’s work isn’t just about homelessness. It’s about what it means to care for a society where no one is invisible.
As a street doctor, Michelle doesn’t just treat wounds—she treats invisibility. She uses her platform, her voice, and her book to pull people out of the shadows. She doesn’t just raise money; she raises awareness. And in doing so, she shows us that caring for society isn’t just about charity. It’s about recognizing that we’re all part of the same story. When we ignore the most vulnerable, we’re not just failing them—we’re failing ourselves.
So what does this mean for YOU?
You’re building a business. But you’re also building a legacy. And legacies aren’t measured in profits alone—they’re measured in the lives you touch, the values you uphold, and the world you leave behind. Michelle’s lesson for entrepreneurs is this: Your business can be a force for dignity. Whether it’s through fair wages, inclusive hiring, or simply using your platform to amplify voices that are often silenced, you have the power to make sure no one in your orbit feels invisible.
Your Habit: The Daily ‘Who Am I Overlooking?’ Check-In
Here’s how to start: Every evening, ask yourself one question: ‘Who did I overlook today?’
Was it the quiet employee with the great idea? The customer who needed a little extra patience? The neighbor struggling to get by?
Then, pick one small action for tomorrow—acknowledge them, listen to them, or find a way to include them. Do this daily, and you’ll build a habit of seeing the unseen. Because in a world that moves fast, the most revolutionary thing you can do… is slow down and care.
Try the ‘Who Am I Overlooking?’ check-in tonight. Who will you see tomorrow?
Here is the book review we did on her book; it’s in Dutch:
Komt een land bij de dokter – Michelle van Tongerloo #boekencast afl 114
