Invited as a Speaker at ABN AMRO MeesPierson
Thursday 26 June 2025
Invited as a Guest Speaker at ABN AMRO MeesPierson: My Entrepreneurial Journey
On Thursday, 19 June, I had the honour of speaking at an exclusive business event hosted by ABN AMRO MeesPierson at Central Park restaurant in Voorburg. In an inspiring setting, I had the opportunity to share my story with a select group of 30 ambitious entrepreneurs.
It was a unique moment to reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur, my vision on leadership, and the power of investing in people and technology.
From Vision to Responsibility
During my presentation, I spoke openly about:
- Who I am and what drives me as an entrepreneur
- How I lead an organisation of more than 1,700 employees
- Why I make decisions every day with a focus on sustainable growth and agility
In a world where legislation changes rapidly and technology evolves at unprecedented speed, leadership goes far beyond steering the business. It’s about anticipating the future, making decisive choices, and—above all—bringing people along with your vision.
7 Leadership Lessons I Shared
Here are the key insights I discussed during the session:
- Navigating changing regulations
Flexibility and expertise are essential. We continuously develop processes that are agile and compliant with the latest standards. - Keep investing in technology
Technology is not a cost, but a lever. It enables us to work smarter and respond faster. - Think alongside your customers
Real value emerges when you understand what your customer truly needs—sometimes before they even realise it. - Encourage employee-driven ideas
Give your people the freedom to create. The best innovations often come from within. - Offer opportunities to loyal employees
Growth is a team effort. If someone trusts you, return that trust through long-term perspective. - Build a committed team
Job satisfaction and loyalty are priceless. Involve your people, celebrate successes, and stay personally engaged. - Solve problems together, every single day
No day is the same. But the will to find solutions together—that remains constant.
My Message to Entrepreneurs
“Invest in your people. Give them trust and opportunities. Only together can you achieve sustainable success.”
These words are reflected in everything I do. I am proud of what we have achieved as a team. Every milestone is the result of collective effort, creativity, and persistence.
A Personal Note of Gratitude
My sincere thanks go to Erik Zwart and Sophie van der Giessen for their invitation, trust, and hospitality. And of course, to ABN AMRO MeesPierson for providing this valuable platform for entrepreneurs.
Lastly, I am deeply grateful to my parents. Their life lessons—overcoming challenges, persevering—continue to shape the foundation of my entrepreneurial mindset.
Success Is Built Together
Whether you're leading a start-up or a company with thousands of employees, sustainable leadership requires human choices. Invest in technology—but above all, invest in people. Because with a strong team, you are always better prepared, no matter what tomorrow brings.
Invited as Speaker at ABN AMRO MeesPierson: My Entrepreneurial Story