Career Journey & Leadership Vision
You started your career in telecoms in the Netherlands, studied law and mediation, and then moved into executive search. How did that shape your vision on leadership?
My legal background taught me to listen carefully and recognize patterns in how people communicate and make decisions. Mediation gave me the insight that most solutions don’t lie in formal arguments, but in what happens beneath the surface. I now bring that into executive search: finding the right candidate isn’t only about CVs and experience, but mainly about cultural fit and the hidden dynamics within a team.
What brought you to Dubai in 2008?
Dubai was—and still is—a crossroads where Europe, Asia, and the Middle East come together. When I moved here, I saw huge opportunities to help European companies establish themselves in the region. It was pioneering, but also about building bridges between cultures. That energy really drew me in.
Vision & Strategy
How does the ENEX network help your work?
The ENEX network gives us reach: local knowledge combined with global scope. This means we can help a client in Germany who wants to expand in Dubai by immediately connecting them with the right expertise on the ground. It makes us not only faster, but also more consistent in quality.
You share impressive numbers on retention and referrals. What do they say about your approach?
They show that we work with care and precision. We don’t see ourselves as recruiters but as long-term partners. We spend a lot of time understanding both the client and the candidate. That creates a match that goes far beyond the job description. You can see that in the longevity of our placements.
Executive Search & Coaching
When is coaching more important than search?
Sometimes an organization realizes they already have the right people, but leadership or collaboration isn’t yet working at its best. In those cases, coaching is the key. We help people unlock their potential. Search and coaching complement each other: either you find the right person, or you create the right conditions for them to succeed.
How does your onboarding coaching work?
The first 90 days of a new leader are critical. We guide them through that period to gain faster traction with the culture, the expectations, and their team. The difference between someone who’s firmly established after three months, versus still finding their way, can determine performance for years.
Culture & Network
What are the biggest cultural differences when working with European clients in the Middle East?
European companies tend to be very process-driven and structured, while the Middle East can be more informal and relationship-oriented. We help clients bridge that gap: combining European efficiency with the relational strength of this region. Those who get it right win trust and market share much faster.
How do business schools like LBS and INSEAD support you in this?
Business schools are a meeting place for ambition, leadership, and diversity. As a coach at LBS, I see leaders from around the world broaden their horizons. That network is incredibly valuable—also for clients who are looking for international top talent.
Personal Reflection
What have mediation and coaching brought you personally?
I’ve learned that listening is more powerful than speaking. And that real change starts with self-awareness. I use that in my conversations with clients and candidates: by asking the right questions, you help people find their own answers.
Which leadership qualities have you developed yourself?
Patience and resilience. In this region you can make all the plans you want, but something will always change. I’ve learned to stay flexible and see opportunities in change. That mindset helps both me and our clients move forward.
Future & Growth
Which sectors are you looking to grow into?
Technology and healthcare are sectors with tremendous momentum here. We see a strong demand for international leaders who can accelerate innovation. That’s where we want to strengthen our presence in the coming years.
Where do you see Wise&Miller in five years?
We want to be the go-to partner for European companies entering the Middle East. Not necessarily the largest in numbers, but the most trusted in terms of quality and relationships. I also see coaching becoming increasingly important as an integrated part of what we do.