The Interview Blogs highlight the experiences of Global Shapers: Generation 2018, the workflow coaches, executive and senior leadership team members, and a board member from The Lovinklaan Foundation. The #ShareTheStory team interviewed these individuals with specific interview questions geared towards their unique experience during the face-to-face program, October 13 – 17, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Today, an interview with Joep Heerings, part of the Global Shapers Organizing Team and workflow coach for the workflow #ShareTheStory, and Annabelle Ceñir (GEC Manilla), Global Shaper of Generation 2018 and workflow captain for the workflow #ShareTheStory.
How did you get involved with Global Shapers?
JH: Fresh Forces is a partner of Arcadis in designing the Global Shapers program since the beginning in 2012. I’ve been involved since March this year with Global Shapers 2018, so I’m as new as Generation 2018.
What does #FutureCities mean to you?
JH: What I really like about the theme this year is that it’s approachable from a professional perspective, for each and every one of you – some of you truly have experience in sustainability and resiliency for example. But it’s also approachable as a citizen, what do you personally believe. Many people live in cities: how do you envision your city of the future that you want to live in. That’s what really excites me, in cities everything comes together because it’s living, working, recreating. How do you make this all work, since the world is getting more global and digital? It’s super interesting how #FutureCities will look.
Tell us about your #ShareTheStory workflow team.
JH: Since this was my first year working with Global Shapers and as a workflow coach as well, there was an interesting mutual learning experience. How do you set people up for success? When do you step up and when do you not? Because you want to give the workflow captains the opportunity to develop and showcase their leadership skills. I think at first there was a very natural struggle – the theory of team forming has forming, storming, norming and performing – but these are the phases teams go through. It’s super nice to experience that; I’m truly proud of what’s happening right now. I think the vibe over there is so good, people come to ask how to contribute and are doing so from their own strength. I see three interviewers in front of me, from three different countries working from their own strengths. I’m proud.
Tell us about your #ShareTheStory workflow.
AC: The #ShareTheStory goal is to have a ripple effect during and after the Global Shapers Generation 2018 journey. Our task to make sure that other Arcadians will have a glimpse of the activities and work done in Boston. We create a legacy for Generation 2018; we create the toolkit which all Shapers will use to #ShareTheStory to their region and inspire other early career professionals. It’s about promoting all aspects of the GS2018 experience.
How do you feel about working in a multi-cultural environment?
AC: Working in a multi-cultural environment is a major challenge because of the different cultures, beliefs and work practices. As a team captain, I’ve learned to be a good listener, respect other peoples’ ideas before deciding to the best solution. It is about embracing diversity to have a harmony within the team.
How will you create a ripple effect after you get back?
AC: I want to become a GEC Manila Ambassador by promoting Global Shapers to future aspirants and by sharing the experiences learned from the program. I want to live out the Arcadis values and behaviour.
What’s the one thing you want other people to know about Global Shapers?
AC: Being a Global Shapers means having a chance to make a change and be heard. It’s not just about work deliverables but the experience of working within a multi-cultural environment. But also, not forgetting to have fun and meet lots of friends.
The Interview Blogs were powered by the #ShareTheStory workflow and the blog interview team, including the Shapers that were virtually present at the f2f program.
