Preparing for the Future

Juliette (36) recently developed a digital strategy and launched a transformation for TU Delft. 'I mainly work with large operational organisations. How do you structure things to ensure they remain viable for years to come? My focus is more on the early stages, determining the strategy. However, it’s not just about drafting strategies but also considering how to put them into practice. A project team of juniors and seniors then takes it forward. As a manager, I help develop the team, coach juniors, and think about professional development and recruitment.'

Joining a 112-Emergency Call Centre Shift

Creating change is a challenge. Merel explains enthusiastically: 'You work in a world that, in some areas, can be quite rigid. It often helps to deeply understand why things work the way they currently do. For instance, I might join police officers during a shift, spend time at a 112-emergency call centre, or participate in a defence exercise. This allows me to later convey the need for change more effectively to key decision-makers.'

Proud of Their Work

The projects led by Merel and Juliette have a significant and urgent societal impact. Juliette shares: 'The police had a large-scale programme for a new system, but it wasn’t going as planned. The Dutch Parliament asked questions about it and called for an independent investigation. I eventually delivered a final report, which was presented to Parliament, including concrete recommendations that the police could immediately act on. That’s incredibly rewarding – to make an impact on the work of police officers on the street.' Merel adds: 'Hearing that end-users are happy with the results is probably the greatest compliment you can get.'

Connecting with Clients

Leading a diverse team requires strong leadership skills. 'Our work also demands analytical abilities, strong communication skills, and the ability to connect with clients. Moreover, political sensitivity is crucial since we deal with politically sensitive matters', says Merel. 'At Deloitte, we receive extensive sector-specific training, and I’m also part of Deloitte’s European Defence Centre of Excellence. Here, we exchange knowledge and experiences internationally. Security challenges don’t stop at national borders, and defence organisations face similar issues worldwide. As a result, I spend two days a week working abroad.'

Learning on the Job

Juliette recognises the value of learning on the job: 'I have many conversations with company CIOs and always learn a lot from them. Since we work in multidisciplinary teams, I often collaborate with security experts or specialists in cultural change. It’s fascinating! I travel far less than Merel, which suits me because I have six-year-old twins and a 2.5-year-old toddler at home.' 'Ultimately, the most important thing is to do what you enjoy”, laughs Merel. “It might sound simple, but it’s true. You spend most of your week together. Luckily, I really like my colleagues.'