‘Because of my financial inclination, I like to get straight into the details and examine the complexity. But the trick is to reduce that complexity to something understandable, so that you can make a connection with the rest of the organisation. I’m open to other people's opinions and factor them into my decisions – both to ensure I make good choices and to generate support in all parts of the organisation. I believe it’s important to continually explore what connects us. I’m convinced that’s how you achieve the best outcome. The financial picture never tells the whole story: the big picture is all about balance. And to ensure that balance, you have to try to understand each other’s perspectives.’

‘I also teach at Nyenrode Business University. It keeps me sharp, because I’m in touch with young people and stay up to date on the latest developments. I really enjoy making tough theory digestible. The enthusiasm to completely dive into something and get as many people involved in it as possible – I’ve always had that. Once, during a class in my third year of high school, I basically explained the whole economic crisis to all my classmates!’

‘I’m very proud to work here. Witteveen+Bos’s engagement with society appeals to me a lot. It’s an organisation that really stands for something. You feel that as you walk through the corridors and you notice it in the way people treat each other. It’s not exactly typical for the organisation to bring someone in from outside to fill the position I’ve been given, but I’ve experienced an open and interested attitude from all my colleagues. That note during the training is a perfect example.’