I used to think that I’d simply stumbled into the field of learning and development. But when I reflect, I realise I’ve been committed to helping others grow my entire life, whether that’s my friends, family or colleagues. I enjoy making a positive difference in someone’s development, and it’s always been part of who I am. 

 

Van Lanschot Kempen is an organisation that truly offers space to take ownership. We have the space to learn, grow, explore and experiment, and not only within our own field. For example, we can work on projects that span teams and business lines, sometimes cutting across all hierarchical boundaries, or shadowing other departments. These projects often involve collaborating with people who bring diverse interests, skills and backgrounds. This helps to create an environment rich in ideas and opportunities. 

 

Training is essential for maintaining this environment, strengthening our risk awareness and achieving continuous improvement. Ongoing learning helps us better serve clients and adapt to a changing world. At Van Lanschot Kempen, we constantly review and enhance our approach to professional development. Recently, I worked with colleagues from Learning & Development, Compliance, Internal Control, and Project Management to update our mandatory training in the light of recent regulatory and technological developments.  

 

This collaboration spans data, digital integration and process improvement, enhanced reporting and dashboarding, as well as content creation, communication and stakeholder engagement to build support. It’s a significant and wide-ranging initiative, and I’m proud of the cross-functional collaboration and rigour with which we’re shaping it. 

 

My commitment to learning and development extends outside of work into the sporting world.I coordinate goalkeeper training, enabling a team of seven coaches to train around forty goalkeepers from non-academy squads. I also serve as Head Coach for two under17 teams, working with a staff of four to train thirty 16-year-olds twice a week. And as Technical Youth Coordinator, I help shape the player pathway and officiate matches as a referee.