What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received, personally or professionally?
To quote Pippi Longstocking, a famous Swedish TV character from my childhood: “I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that!”
I believe that we are capable of a lot more than we think and often, we are our own worst enemies, holding back on new things simply because of our own insecurities and fear of failure. This quote always reminds me to try new things and to be open-minded about learning new skills, to look at challenges with excitement, and to believe in my own qualities.
What do you do to unwind after a long day?
Cuddle with my sweet fur baby Cookie and with my husband (if he is not away for work) - open a nice bottle of wine and watch my Dutch TV programs (ie in my own language).
What do you love most about your job, and why?
To be surrounded by an extremely positive, social, caring, and supportive team. Unfortunately, I experienced the opposite with previous employers.
Being an immigrant and having family and friends on the other side of the world makes it essential to work in a healthy workplace. For me, my personal wellbeing depends a lot on the environment that I am in and at SSE I feel there is respect for everyone even though everyone is different, and that makes me very happy.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Flying! So I could fly anywhere in the world and explore our beautiful planet more. And it would save me a lot of money on flight tickets!
What’s on your skills-building agenda for 2024?
It's not really a skill, I guess, but my main goal for 2024 is to get healthy. I am turning 40 next year so I set myself the goal to be healthy by 40. More working out, a healthy diet, and just generally taking control of my health. Healthy before 40!
Bonus round:
- Music or podcasts? Music
- Early mornings or late nights? This always used to be late nights, but getting older it changed to early mornings
- Cats or dogs? Both, but I am world's best cat mum for my little furry Cookie
- Solo or team sports? Solo
- Big or small gathering? Depends on my mood ;)
- Summer or winter? Summer!!!
- Horror or comedy movie? Comedy
- Walk slow or walk fast? Fast walker but slow hiker! I like to enjoy my surroundings when I am hiking.
- Go-to comfort food? Cheese (with crackers and a wine 😊)
- Reading the book or seeing the movie? Movie
- Favourite adventure/holiday destination? I love to travel and discover new destinations, too many favourites! But I have to say Patagonia is definitely one of my top favourites
