“We don’t see a generation gap, we value each other’s strengths”

In 2024, Maarten started as project lead on the Finance project. “The goal is to speed up the handling process – from defining the scope and legal validity of requests to review and publication. This helps the ministry meet the statutory deadlines more easily. I oversee the entire project, develop the vision and involve the right stakeholders. Beau joined after the start-up phase. She supports the teams developing all the software, bringing it together into one workflow and ensuring it integrates smoothly with the internal case management system and the external portal where citizens submit and track their requests.”

From the very start, Beau saw working with Maarten as a great opportunity to learn from his 30 plus years of experience. “At the same time, I also wanted to choose my own approach, for example when defining functionalities together with the teams and in alignment with users. And to stay in control of the development and implementation of the software. Even though that approach is different from what Maarten was used to in this case. I discussed that with him and he was open to it. In fact, from the very beginning he gave me the space and trust to work in my own way.”

Beau and Maarten had not worked together on content before, but they already knew each other as colleagues within the Digital Strategy team at Conclusion Consulting. “For me, it is important that you have a good connection,” Maarten explains. “We are working in a complex IT environment. I feel responsible for the project result, and for an enjoyable and successful collaboration. That connection was there from the start. I quickly realised that Beau has a strong understanding of IT and technology. And that we both have experience with service and customer focused working. That creates a solid foundation for success.”

Maarten genuinely enjoys working with younger colleagues like Beau. “She is confident and understands that sometimes it helps to step into the spotlight. She has, so to speak, a Pippi Longstocking mindset: I’ve never done it before, so I think I can do it. I love seeing how Beau, with her energy, enthusiasm and lightness, can convince a group of a plan. That is why, when it comes to presentations, we do not look at role or responsibility, but at who can best connect with the group to achieve a good result.”

Beau nods. “Suddenly I found myself presenting to a ministry board, instead of Maarten as you might expect from a project lead. Really great and educational. Not everything always goes right straight away, and that is of course okay. Then I can spar with Maarten to put situations into perspective. He taught me a fantastic skill, that people always respond to content, process or emotion. If one pillar is not working well, you use the other pillars to adjust. I have used this skill many times since, it really works.”

According to Maarten, Beau and he are complementary. “That is because we see each other’s strengths and dare to trust them. Take the 7 step method Beau developed to pilot and implement software. I understood her line of thinking, so we tried it. And it works incredibly well! But we also strengthen each other because of the age difference. Take the Finance department’s party after Prinsjesdag. I speak informally with my contacts there. While Beau, by coincidence, is networking in front of the mirror in the ladies’ restroom. That way, together we reach every corner of the organisation. Yes, that is teamwork!”