"A dream job where I continue to grow every day"

Nicolette (58) has been hearing impaired since she was twenty and lives with tinnitus daily. But that doesn't stop her from living life to the fullest. "Besides work, I especially enjoy nature – whether it's in the woods, on the beach, or on the golf course," she says. "During the coronavirus period, I worked on an online project for ING through Ctalents. After that, Ctalents gave me the opportunity to work at Van Lanschot Kempen as Manager for the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. A dream job where I continue to grow every day." 

Rolf knows better than anyone how important it is that people with disabilities are given a fair chance. "I have a physical disability myself and know how difficult it is to find your place in society, simply because not all doors are open. That's why at Van Lanschot Kempen, we open doors to talent in all its forms."

 

"That's when I knew: she's the right person in the right place."

It was late 2021 when Nicolette's profile came to Rolf's desk via Ctalents. The first interview took place via Teams. Rolf: "Her last work experience was partly IT-related, but when I looked further at her resume, it became more interesting: international experience, volunteer work, and working with volunteers... That's when I said: 'I don't really think you're a specific IT person at all.'" 
 

What Nicolette didn't know at the time was that there were plans to further grow the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. "For that, we needed a strong personality, someone to lead the Foundation. When I told her about the role, I saw the twinkle in her eye. That's when I knew: she's the right person in the right place."

 

 

"When I see what she's accomplished so far, I can only be proud."

In her new role Nicolette quickly proved to be a natural talent. "Right from the start, she was on the ball," says Rolf. "She took charge and had a clear goal in mind. The Foundation popped up everywhere within the organization, colleagues joined in, and the growth in employee participation was enormous. All donations made by the Foundation are accompanied by involvement of our own employees. Every employee is allowed to spend 8 hours per year during working hours on activities for the Foundation – and thanks to Nicolette, that's becoming increasingly successful." 

 

Colleagues describe Nicolette as an enthusiastic, personal connector. "She's a real spider in the web," says Rolf. "I think she knows the most people of all my colleagues, and her external network is also extensive. When I see how much work she does and what she's accomplished so far, I can only be proud."

 

"Everyone has limitations. Don't you think so? Then it's because of your disability."

Nicolette looks back with gratitude on what Ctalents meant to her. "They helped me to formulate my qualities and ambitions more clearly. Thanks to their network, I discovered that large corporate companies are also a good fit for me. They gave me the confidence to present myself powerfully there." What she takes with her from that time is an attitude towards life: "Don't see any limits to your possibilities – even if you have a sensory challenge. Be open, believe in yourself, and: just do it! As Rolf always says: 'Everyone has limitations. Don't think so? Then it's because of your disability!' I carry that mindset with me every day." 
 

A decade of difference

For Nicolette, attending the Ctalents Diamond Awards ceremony was a symbolic moment. These awards are presented to individuals and organizations that make exceptional efforts to promote inclusivity, particularly in increasing job opportunities for sensory talent. "The inspiring stories and positive energy there show how special the Ctalents team is – for each other and for others." 

 

On Ctalents' tenth anniversary, she has a wish: "In the current climate of so much hardening and polarization, I hope that Ctalents continues to fight for inclusion and the utilization of unique talents. It's because of their challenges that people can make a difference within organizations. The perspectives and strengths they bring are invaluable. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary – here's to many more years of talent being seen and heard." 

 

And Rolf? He secretly hopes that Ctalents will no longer be needed in ten years. "That would mean we'd offer everyone an equal job. But until then, I say: ‘Keep up the good work!’