Wouter (42) leads a diverse team of 35 professionals and knows how to motivate and inspire them every day. 'This role suits me perfectly. I enjoy working with people, and at the same time, I’m becoming a semi-skilled tech expert', he says enthusiastically. DevOps, which stands for software development & IT operations, was new to Wouter. However, with a big dose of curiosity, he mastered the field. 'I have a background in logistics, economics, and change management. But I’ve always had an affinity for technology and IT.'

Global impact Wouter’s DevOps team operates under Deloitte Global. 'Officially, our team is called EMA Global DevOps', he clarifies. 'Our management is based in the US, but due to access restrictions, the EMA region has its office in the Netherlands.' The team is responsible for maintaining and optimising applications that are crucial for Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance department. 'If we don’t do our job well, the applications falter. This directly affects Deloitte’s revenue and reputation', Wouter explains. The team ensures that audit applications like Omnia and Levvia continue to function and continuously works on improvements and automation. 'Our impact is significant, even though we often operate in the background. Nowadays, everything runs on software. You can think of it like a house. The architects design it, the developers furnish the rooms, and we ensure everything in the house continues to function properly.' The team’s diversity is remarkable. Wouter leads people from India, China, Russia, Georgia, Colombia, and the Netherlands, among others. Despite cultural differences, the team collaboration is excellent. 'There are no conflicts, and what makes us strong is that everyone is extremely helpful, flexible, and eager to learn. We are also increasingly working cross-functionally, which makes us even stronger. This way, we can take over each other’s work if needed. People can go on holiday with peace of mind, and we can quickly adapt to changing business requirements.'

Personal development at the core Deloitte places great value on personal growth and development, something Wouter also actively encourages within his team. 'I urge my people to reflect and continuously improve themselves. We work a lot on personal skills like communication, but also on technical development, such as learning other programming languages like Python and Bicep.' Wouter believes this focus on growth and development is essential for retaining talent. “I haven’t lost anyone in the past year, and that says something. People feel heard and valued here.” Finding the right balance Another important aspect of Wouter’s role is maintaining the balance between work and private life. 'I once heard someone say it’s about ‘work-life harmony’ rather than balance. I think that’s a beautiful idea', he shares. 'After all, you don’t turn off your personal life when you start working.' Deloitte’s hybrid working model offers a lot of flexibility, allowing Wouter to organise his workday in a way that suits him and his family best. 'I decide how I do my work and how I structure my day. I really appreciate that kind of freedom.'