Very nice: the MT always fully involves us in the choices of the organization, for example at staff meetings with an explanation of the course. Often prepared in working groups that are allowed to provide input. The MT will never say: this is what we are going to do, good luck with it"!
"I'm busy every day trying to generate interest in the Northern Netherlands as a place of business among foreign companies. Preferably companies that match the sectors we focus on: energy & green chemistry, agrofood, water technology & maritime, life sciences & health, ict & htsm (high tech systems and materials). When you read that list like that, you think: basically everything that matters anno now."
You have plenty of room to develop both personally and in terms of content.
"I love connecting people. So that a company that is going to settle here already knows the right people in the region. Conversely: that everyone sees the added value of their coming here. These can be all kinds of companies, from large, established companies that everyone knows (the Google data center in Eemshaven!) to young start-ups. Since 2022, we have focused more on those start-ups. With success: in 2023, the first foreign start-up decided to come to the north of the Netherlands, a very serious one right away: IKI.AI (ICT and artificial intelligence, that is)."
"I appreciate the collegial and open working atmosphere at NOM. It is also an employer that pays attention to the work-life balance. You get all the freedom you need to do your own job. Very nice: the MT always fully involves us in the choices of the organization, for example at staff meetings with an explanation of the course. Often prepared in working groups that are allowed to provide input. The MT will never say: this is what we are going to do, good luck with it!
I first discuss my trips abroad (Korea, Japan, Denmark, Portugal) with the team; we also discuss everything within the other regional development companies (the ROMs). Of course, they should not be easy "candy trips," you choose your travel destination deliberately and efficiently. The first goal is for companies to choose the Netherlands; we don't want to turn it into a battle between regions. That would be shooting yourself in the foot. As soon as we know more, we will make a solid proposition together for several regions with the usp's per region. Such a company with interest can then make a targeted choice!"