He lived in Barcelona for the better part of a decade. He travelled the world for two years after that. Now he’s embarking on a new adventure: becoming a Chapter Lead at ING. In this article, Lode Devloo gives some insights into Projective Group x ING’s Lead The Way programme and what the kick-off weekend has taught him about himself.
Lode Devloo studied business psychology and moved to Barcelona, Spain, before the end of his Master’s. He stayed in Barcelona for several years, working mainly in tech. He had worked for start-ups and multinationals alike, when he and his girlfriend decided to give up their life in Spain and travel the world. “We gave up our jobs, our apartment, sold our furniture, and embarked upon an adventure outside of Europe,” says Lode. “We travelled through South-America, Central-Asia and Australia. But after a two-year career break, we felt ready for another change.”
We travelled through South-America, Central-Asia and Australia. But after a two-year career break, we felt ready for another change.
The couple decided to move to Belgium. “It was nice for me to be closer to my family again after so many years,” says Lode. “We now live in Brussels, which is still a bit away from Ypres, where I grew up – but it’s a lot closer than Spain.”
After settling in Brussels, Lode started his journey at ING through Projective Talent. “I felt positive about Projective Talent and Projective Group in general from the beginning. I had a good connection with the people I spoke to during the recruitment process. Initially, we were looking at a different project, but after a few conversations, we pivoted towards the Lead The Way programme because they thought it would be right up my alley. And they were right! I really like that about Projective Talent: they’re not just trying to fill a position, they’re trying to find you the best possible match.”
Lode preferred us over other employers for two reasons: the challenge, and the investment in personal development. “I was looking for projects in the technical field with plenty of variation, and those projects were there. Even more importantly, Projective Talent offers more than a job. They invest in your growth. I was convinced by the focus on personal development, through coaching and a challenging training track.”
Lode joined the second wave of the Lead The Way programme, which kicked off in October. “I’m currently a Change Expert at ING, but the point of the programme is to level up into a Chapter Lead function and whatever is next,” says Lode. “The scope and complexity of my role will gradually increase over the next two years. Meanwhile, I’m being prepped for a leadership role with more responsibilities through the intense training programme that Projective Talent has designed in partnership with ING.”
I’m currently a Change Expert at ING, but the point of the programme is to level up into a Chapter Lead function and whatever is next.
That training programme kicked off with the Lead The Way Weekend in the Ardennes. The Lead The Way group, consisting of internal ING employees and external consultants from Projective Talent (on track to become internal employees as well), spent three days in the great outdoors to learn about feedback and leadership through activities facilitated by Outward Bound. “The weekend was very intense. We had a lot of fun, but I also learned a lot,” says Lode. “Being away from the office and spending three days together, evenings too, helped to get to know each other better and build trust within the group. It was good to step away from corporate hierarchy and expectations, sharing intense learning experiences as well as everyday responsibilities such as making dinner or doing dishes.”
The goal of the weekend was for each participant to discover their own leadership style, and to learn more about group dynamics. Each challenge or activity required for somebody to take the lead. Afterwards, there was a feedback session to discuss what went well and what can be improved. “I appear to be good at bringing energy to the group and offering a structured approach with good ideas. But I need to learn to take a step back from time to time, to give someone else the opportunity to step forward,” Lode learned. “Thanks to the activities and feedback, I realised that you can facilitate growth in your team by giving everyone the opportunity to take responsibility, instead of focusing only on efficiency and results.”
Thanks to the activities and feedback, I realised that you can facilitate growth in your team by giving everyone the opportunity to take responsibility, instead of focusing only on efficiency and results.
The Lead The Way weekend was also a great networking opportunity. “We’re all in different departments within ING. Without Lead The Way, we would probably not even know each other – now we are a lot more connected. It’s nice – and helpful – to form deeper connections with people in different departments.”
The three days concluded with a general feedback session where everyone’s leadership style was discussed. “This came at a good time, because the earlier task-focused mini-feedback sessions had already created psychological safety in the group,” says Lode. “That makes it easier to accept feedback from your peers, because you know it’s coming from someone who has observed you, who appreciates you and who is invested in your growth. Feedback is a gift from somebody who cares enough to not only compliment you but also tell you where you can do better. It’s meant to build you up, not tear you down. That’s how you should always look at it.”
Feedback is a gift from somebody who cares enough to not only compliment you but also tell you where you can do better.
This kick-off weekend was only the beginning of Lode’s growth. Over the course of the Lead The Way programme, there will be more Outward Bound sessions focusing on group dynamics – something that Lode is already looking forward to. “Hats off to Diederd and Sanne from Outward Bound,” he says. “I think they did an amazing job. The weekend was structured but flexible enough to adjust to the unique opportunities of the moment, the context, and the group. I’d also like to thank ING and Projective Talent for making this happen. It’s a great luxury to have an employer who is that invested in your growth, and I definitely do not take that for granted.”
I’d also like to thank ING and Projective Talent for making this happen. It’s a great luxury to have an employer who is that invested in your growth.
At Projective Talent, we believe that everybody can learn and grow, regardless of their experience and expertise. We guide graduates through the first years of their careers, but we also have tailored training programmes for more seasoned professionals who are ready to take on a leadership role, like Lode.
Lead The Way is a variation of our Grow Smart Programme, in collaboration with ING. Do you want to be part of this too? Or learn more about our other programmes? Get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
As part of Projective Group, Projective Talent connects ambitious professionals with leading financial services companies, opening doors to career-defining opportunities. Whether through traineeships that transition into long-term roles with our clients, or missions that offer flexible assignments, we ensure the right fit for both candidates and businesses.
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