Was leadership always your ambition?
“When I was studying, I never thought: I want to be President of the Executive Board at VU Amsterdam, or Chief Technology Officer at FrieslandCampina. What I really enjoyed was learning something new all the time. Doing things I wasn’t really sure I could do, but which seemed pretty cool and which meant making an impact.
“I think that was often about bringing complex issues together, creating an overview and establishing a vision. Then at some point you end up in managerial positions. I find it very interesting to enable people and teams to develop to the best of their abilities. To not only develop a strategy, but also to see how people can get the best out of themselves and how you can help them with that.
“I also have a background as a scientist; I have a PhD in food technology and I worked in R&D for many years. I think it’s important to keep a connection with the subject matter. At VU Amsterdam, you come across all kinds of subjects that make you think: wow, I’d love to know more about that.”
What characterises VU Amsterdam? And what do you want to develop further over the coming years?
“It’s a very special organisation because of the interdisciplinary way of working at the university. The VU Amsterdam community really wants to make a difference in the world, and I find that very appealing. The great thing is that you really get to do this based on your values – based on who you are. I think we can make an even greater impact in the future and grow that interdisciplinarity even further.
“But as an organisation, we must also continue to look carefully at where people’s strengths lie and how we can bring teams together. You can have a beautiful new research building or a campus park on your doorstep, but ultimately we’re all working here as colleagues. So we don’t just want to educate and develop students, but all groups within the university.”
What do you think of gender (in)equality and diversity at VU Amsterdam?
“I see many inspiring examples of strong women within the organisation. From professors to PhD candidates, lecturers and students. But I also admit that it could be better. The proportion of female professors within the university is 30%, and that is really not where we want to be.
“What I would like to see is an organisation that’s representative of our target group and society. That means that you’d expect more women in a large number of positions, but also people with different cultural backgrounds. I realise that this involves all kinds of things, but I would like to contribute to speeding up that development and removing the barriers that stand in the way.”
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
“I get a lot of energy from my work, but I also need time to clear my head. What I love is working in the garden, with my hands in the soil. Or running in nature. That’s why I don't live in Amsterdam, but with my family in the Betuwe. And I also really like art and visiting museums. I also enjoy traveling, going to the cinema and having a delicious dinner with family or friends.”
If there’s one thing you could say to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
“Enjoy the journey and your successes. I tend to conclude things quickly and move on, but sometimes you should reflect on what you’ve achieved, and you’re also allowed to enjoy the journey along the way.”
