What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months? 

We have acquired a monastery in Eke. We are currently redeveloping it in close communication with the congregation to house a programme consisting of offices, as well as social and community functions. This project demonstrates the diversity my role currently offers me: as Triginta is an investor and developer, I can assist in the various fases of this type of project, from acquisition to providing support during its development and commercialisation where needed.  

Additionally I have managed and assisted in a highly complex post closing action list related to the acquisition of the most durable and biggest privatly-owned focus clinic in the Netherlands.  

Finally, a number of projects in our portfolio are currently being developed or are moving towards construction/realisation. Throughout these processes, we provide assistance with the various types of agreements concluded with our partners in the construction team. These projects involve the development of religious and heritage sites.  

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

As an in-house lawyer, you never work in a vacuum. Your work, areas of focus, priorities and action points are determined by the overall strategy, operational activities and growth of the organisation. That is why I believe it is important not only to be flexible, but also to be familiar with the overall strategy and have a firm understanding of the impact and key focus points in order support the realisation of that strategy and the projected goals. Additionally, communication and connection with the various operational teams is key in order to stay attuned to the practicalities and the questions or challenges they face. Based on this, I periodically assess whether and to what extent certain matters need to be adjusted or approached differently, always keeping those checks in mind. Working on raising awareness among team members about certain developments within the market at sector level, but also in aspects of the job they fulfill that may have legal implications, is also one of the points of attention so that – when it comes down to it – the approach is correct and the interests of the organisation are safeguarded in any situation. Awareness and small adjustments in communication (without getting overly ‘legal’) may prevent and avoid many discussions and in turn helps to keep focus in the operations. 

Clear and short lines of communication are essential in all of this, so that the right information reaches the right people at the right time. In addition, in times of instability and crisis, focus is all the more important to avoid losing energy and resources in matters which distract from the core matters in implementing the strategy.  

Finally, active participation and input during strategy updates and sessions by the CEO is also key in keeping communication and focus aligned and safeguarding agility and resilience of the organisation. 

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I cannot point to one single event or experience as standing out as unique or particularly interesting. Of course, these situations have happened, but, for me, the uniqueness and interesting aspect of the job lies in the continuous growth, how embedded my job is in understanding the company’s operations and strategy, the new aspects and issues presented (which can vary in line with growth and market conditions) and the fact that every event and situation contributes to further insight and a range of new avenues of approaching (legal) issues and challenges. You see the cross-pollination between the different phases that projects go through in our organisation, which enables you to optimise processes and approaches.  

I am lucky to be able to practise my profession in close contact with the ‘real world’. You see, first hand, the impact of every decision, every strategy implemented on the company, its people and its stakeholders. Legal issues are not theoretical challenges and you are challenged to think about the bigger picture and think strategically and creatively.  

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Something that is close to my heart is health, both physical and mental. I don’t have one particular cause or business that I am passionate about, but I try to implement my view and passion in my daily life with my family, the people in our team, daring to question conventional thinking, remaining open-minded to alternative approaches and building your own path. I love to see people building confidence, overcoming obstacles, embracing their strengths and embracing constructive discussions to build their own opinions and views while remaining open to diversity of opinions. It truly gives me energy to see people thrive and I try to contribute to that in any small way I can.