How do you apply your expertise from your Arcadis role into your role as a Board member for Lovinklaan (or vice versa)?
In my Arcadis role as Vice President of Operations, one of my responsibilities is to work with teams that provide EHS&S services that are not only diverse, but commonly needed across clients and geographies. Similarly, in my work with Lovinklaan, we work to provide diverse opportunities for professional development to our Arcadis colleagues across the globe. Specifically, I was focused on leading programs related to innovation and digital.
Would you recommend applying for a board position, and if so, why?
I would strongly recommend Arcadians to apply for a board position if the opportunity is presented. From my experience on the board, I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about Arcadis, our global business, and Lovinklaan’s role as the major shareholder of Arcadis. I had the opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world and understand first-hand how the Lovinklaan Foundation could offer programs to meet their professional development needs. I also had the opportunity to take what I learned from the Arcadis senior leadership and our colleagues and impact Lovinklaan programs to meet these needs.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a Board member?
The biggest challenge I faced as a Board member was balancing my commitments of my Arcadis role with the demands of my Lovinklaan Board member role.
How was your experience participating in Expedition DNA?
I had the pleasure of being the Lovinklaan leader for Expedition DNA throughout my time on the Board, which has allowed me to witness first-hand the development of the program and success of the Arcadis team leading the program. It was fantastic to see the level of interest in Basecamp modules and the success in driving the digital transformation across Arcadis colleagues globally. I was also fortunate to have been able to participate in both a face-to-face expedition as well as a virtual expedition. Both Expeditions were memorable experiences that I will not forget! I met colleagues globally both in person and then virtually that I now consider my friends. My knowledge base and network are forever expanded!
What’s your top tip for working from home?
My top tip for working from home is to put boundaries around your workday to maintain your work life balance, whether that be guidelines for starting or ending your day, or taking time to take a walk or a lunch break during the day.
What is your most fond memory from your time as a Board member?
I have had so many phenomenal experiences that it would be difficult to pick one. One of the best things about being a board member was meeting people from all over the world and learning about them personally and professionally.
Has the existence of a foundation like Lovinklaan impacted your view of Arcadis and if so, why?
The existence of the Lovinklaan Foundation is unique. I have not ever heard of another company that has a major shareholder that takes the dividend from their shares and reinvests back into the company. Arcadians are lucky to have such a Foundation as a major shareholder, a shareholder that cares as much about Arcadians as Arcadis does! I deeply appreciate the solid relationship between Arcadis and the Lovinklaan Foundation and the resulting partnership in the execution of employee programs.
