Tell us a bit about yourself: what defines who you are?
My life has been anything but predictable. From a young age, I had to stand on my own two feet, I’ve faced serious health challenges, and I’ve seen how quickly life can change in an instant. At the same time, I’ve been blessed with a wonderful daughter and a circle of loyal friends. These experiences have made me resilient and taught me that putting things into perspective, laughing, and enjoying life are just as important as perseverance.
For over nine years, I’ve worked with energy, empathy, and dedication in HR at Projective Group. What drives me? Building an environment where people feel seen, can grow, and where joy at work is central.
How did you end up in a leadership role at Projective Group, and what does your work involve?
For me, it has always been important to do what energises me, rather than chasing titles or status. The past few years have been intense: our organisation has grown and changed tremendously. That brought opportunities, but also friction at times. In such a dynamic environment, it becomes clear how important it is not to judge too quickly but to stay in real dialogue with each other. By working hard, staying curious, seizing opportunities, and remaining true to my values, I’ve grown into this role.
As the HR lead in the Netherlands, I work on future-focused HR policies, while ensuring a solid foundation with my team. My leadership style is people-oriented and results-driven: I listen carefully, align people’s needs with organisational goals, and translate that into concrete actions. Humour helps: it puts things in perspective and brings people together.
What is your vision for the future as a leader at Projective Group?
To me, leadership is about behaviour: being present, staying approachable, and showing courage, especially in a fast-growing organisation where autonomy matters. My ambition is to foster a culture based on trust, freedom, and ownership. A place where people are allowed to learn, make mistakes, and surprise themselves. Where giving and receiving feedback is the norm, and where saying “I don’t know right now” is okay.
I want to contribute to an environment that values results, but never at the expense of people. Where colleagues feel safe to share ideas and doubts, and where we figure out together what works.
What makes me proud? When people grow in ways they never thought possible—because they were given the space, and someone believed in them. My role is to help make that potential visible and let it take flight. Without fuss, with an eye for both the bigger picture and the individual.
What makes me proud? When people grow in ways they never thought possible—because they were given the space, and someone believed in them.
If you could give your younger self (or another woman) one piece of advice about taking on a leadership role, what would it be?
Don’t wait until you think you’re “ready.” You don’t need to have all the answers before you start. You learn leadership mostly by doing. Dare to take up space, speak up, and be visible, even when it feels a little scary. But above all, stay close to who you are. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and be open to keep learning.
Don’t wait until you think you’re 'ready.' You don’t need to have all the answers before you start. You learn leadership mostly by doing.
What’s your favourite way to relax and recharge when you’re not working?
My favourite way to relax is to be outdoors: at the beach, or out on the water sailing or boating - that’s when I truly unwind. Spending time with my daughter brings me a lot of joy. Her fresh perspective and spontaneity keep me sharp and help me put things back into perspective when needed.
I also really enjoy cooking and bringing people together. Long evenings with good food, conversation, and a glass of wine with friends give me energy. It’s in those moments that I reconnect with what I’m doing it all for - and create space for new ideas to emerge.
Inspired by Wieke’s story?
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