Can you tell us about your professional background and how you got started in the HR field? .
My professional journey didn’t start in the traditional way. I had a passion for the outdoors, which led me to a career in the military. I served with dedication until an injury forced me into a period of reflection. Realizing our human vulnerability made me reconsider my future. It was time for a change, and I chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in HR. Later, I earned a master’s degree in Human and Organisational Behavior.
I see strong parallels between my military experience and the field of HR. Just like in military operations, business operations require a strategic approach, where anticipating change and overcoming obstacles are essential to achieving goals. It’s all about vision, mission, and mobilizing a team to achieve success together. The dynamic nature of HR in mission-driven organizations, where market conditions and human interactions are constantly shifting, really appeals to me.
With more than twenty years of experience in the field, I started as an employment agency consultant. From there, I found my way into (in-house) recruitment, managing a pool of temporary workers in a dynamic work environment. Over time, my role evolved into more general HR management within organizations. I’ve held nearly every HR role imaginable, from HR officer to senior HR business partner, manager, and director across various sectors and types of organizations. I’ve also led many improvement and change programs and projects, and gained international experience.
What drives you in your work? .
I want to help organizations take the right steps at the right time to achieve their HR goals. I’m passionate about creating teams and individuals who can independently deliver added value. When things don’t run smoothly, I step in and provide support. I strongly believe in the power of guidance and coaching.
I focus on creating a good flow and bringing all elements together, with a coordinated plan and clear reporting that shows what’s happening and when. In large, complex change programs, this provides structure and helps people perform and develop. Through thorough planning and thoughtful decision-making, I maintain control while staying aware of the opportunities and consequences of every choice.
How would you describe your impact as an interim professional? .
As an interim manager, I bring a different kind of energy. Still, I feel connected to the company and carry the responsibility to add value. It’s essential to quickly grasp the decision-making dynamics and understand the company’s language.
I focus on understanding the dominant dynamics and what drives stakeholders. My goal is always to bring out the best. I offer the company the freedom to choose between different options and explore which scenario best fits the organization’s culture and context.
What do you see in your future in HR? .
A role as a change manager, HR program manager, or a general HR management position in an organization that’s undergoing a lot of change really appeals to me. That’s also why I started working as an interim professional. In my most recent permanent roles, I became increasingly aware that my profile is a great fit for these kinds of roles.
Organizing goals with people is in my DNA. I’m used to working with a variety of personalities and see challenges as opportunities. My aim is to help people perform at their best and develop within both existing and new frameworks. In short, I see plenty of growth opportunities for myself in HR.
How has Successr helped you in your career, and what sets them apart? .
I got in touch with Successr through a connection, and it turned out to be a perfect match right away. What I particularly appreciate is the efficient communication. I can message them daily if needed, which makes the collaboration very smooth. I’ve also built valuable contacts through Successr. CEO Dorus supported me throughout the process and kept the connection warm.
What truly sets Successr apart is their ability to quickly understand what makes a candidate unique and how they best fit within an assignment. They interpret and grasp character traits quickly, enabling them to find the right match. As I look ahead to my next assignment, I’m excited to work with Successr again.
Do you also want to take on the most challenging roles in the HR field like Arjan and be part of Successr’s success? Apply as an HR freelancer!