Gijs Horn, Senior Manger Business Tax is part of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiative within Tax & Legal. ‘I share my story with new hires to emphasize that you have to take care of yourself, and that you should be able to come to work with confidence to be yourself. If I look back, I recognize the physical complaints I felt as a student as the pain I had during an assignment abroad where my workplace looked totally different. It got better several times, but when I started cycling long distances, the pain got worse. It turned out to be RSI – nowadays known as KANS – which means everything from your waist up can hurt: shoulders, arms, ribs and neck. The chronic pain mostly manifests itself in my hands.'

Deloitte offers support 'How do I combine the expectations and speed of the work with constant physical discomfort? The journey towards physical recovery is different for everyone, so I just had to try a lot of things. I noticed that I could still deliver quality if I adjusted my daily routine. Luckily, Deloitte offers a lot of related support. Equipment (e.g. desk, mouse and chair), guidance (e.g. health coach and recurring health check) and empathy (e.g. listening and providing time and space I need to cope when needed. It still sometimes feels like I'm playing a computer game in 'hard modus'. I constantly need to check how I sit or stand, I need to move to prevent having pain. But eventually, I know I always reach my goals.’

Perseverance and motivation Desmond Rozenberg, Senior Manager Audit and Assurance has travelled a long road through the educational system. He graduated from pre- vocational secondary school (VMBO), continued graduating from vocational secondary school (MBO), higher professional school (HBO) and university, eventually obtaining a postmaster register accountant diploma. I grew up in Amsterdam-West, and my mother raised my brother and me with limited means. It was not always easy, but it taught me perseverance and gave me motivation to reach my goals.’

Coaching youngsters I’m aware of where I come from and that keeps me motivated to get the best out of myself. For me, it’s essential to be yourself and be grateful for what you have.’ I have been connected to JINC via Deloitte: an initiative that organizes job interview trainings at secondary vocational schools (MBO). ‘I have seen how important motivation is to reach your goals, but also a push in the right direction can be of great value. Therefore, It enables me to coach and help youngsters. I want to share that it’s not impossible to challenge yourself and take small steps because eventually a lot of small steps can take you very far. Taking the first step is challenging, but everyone has to start somewhere.

Forced to think 'A physical limitation prevented Victoria Coady, Manager, Organisational Transformation, from doing what she thought she was best at. ‘A benign brain tumor caused me to lose my hearing in my right ear at the age of 28. Over a decade into my career in professional stage management for live entertainment, I found myself quite literally physically unfit for the work. I had to ask myself the question: what else can I do? After an interesting journey I was given the opportunity to work for Deloitte, and now after 6 incredible years I can’t see myself working anywhere else.’

Help others at all times During a multi-sport event I attended through Deloitte, a moment that stood out to me: a Polish cyclist whose muscle cramped up, two French racers who stopped and decided to position themselves on either side of him and physically support him to finish the race together. Experiencing this, I felt a shift within myself through being open to help others at all times, volunteering ignited a desire to maintain that level of emotional and intellectual availability when I returned to my work environment. I asked myself: ‘How can I foster a sense in others that I will show up for them when they need me?’ I strive to be the person my friends and family think of when they need help, support or a kind word. I want to be available to them. I have seen in practice that this works both ways.

CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT You will share your talent with the 7.000 colleagues of Deloitte The Netherlands various departments. At Deloitte you can explore your purpose, be the true you and never stop growing. View our vacancies [https://careersatdeloitte.com/vacancies/technology-transformation] and connect your future to Deloitte. View all vacancies [/vacancies]