"Supporting colleagues’ growth is the most rewarding part of my role"
Curious about what it’s like to grow into a leadership role at Van Lanschot Kempen? Feyza Sen shares her journey from intern to Manager IT Engineering and member of the Digital & Technology management team. In this interview, she talks about her international background, her experiences, and the lessons learned along the way.
What is your full name and what is your position at Van Lanschot Kempen?
My name is Feyza Sen and I started working at Van Lanschot Kempen in September 2020 as a Digital & Innovation intern. I became the Product Owner of the Digital Adoption team after my internship and then Product Owner of our Omnichannel Brand Team. Since May 2025, I have been part of the management team of the Digital Innovation and Analytics department.
What does your new role as Manager IT Engineering at Van Lanschot Kempen involve?
In my new role, my main focus is supporting the colleagues I manage through regular check-ins and helping them set and work towards their goals. I also collaborate with fellow managers to make strategic decisions for our department, support HR with talent acquisition and events, and stay involved in ongoing projects.
What did you do before starting at Van Lanschot Kempen?
Before starting at Van Lanschot Kempen, I studied Communications in Istanbul, specialising in Advertising and Public Relations. During my studies, I interned at various organisations, from creative agencies to multinational corporations, focusing on diverse fields such as communication, media relations, and strategic planning.
Afterwards, I moved to the Netherlands to complete my master’s degree at Erasmus University Rotterdam in Media & Business, where I had the opportunity to explore how new digital technologies alter businesses. I conducted my thesis research on how companies use data to understand their customers.
You were a Product Owner for several years before you transitioned into management earlier this year. How did you experience that transition?
The biggest change for me has been the scope of the role—both in what I do daily and in how I see the results of my work. As a Product Owner, I was mainly responsible for maximising product value through the continuous development of our public websites. The results of this work were often visible within weeks through product deliveries. Now, as a manager, the impact is often less immediate, especially when it comes to supporting colleagues’ growth or recruiting new team members, but it’s very rewarding to see those longer-term results.
Which skills or experiences from your time as a Product Owner have been most useful in your management role?
Stakeholder management and communication skills. They’ve helped me to quickly connect with my teams and understand their goals and challenges.
What do you enjoy most about your current role as a manager?
What I enjoy most is helping others grow—seeing someone develop and knowing I played a part in that journey is incredibly fulfilling. The most challenging part is that, because working with people is unpredictable, not everything goes according to plan. I focus on what I can influence and learn to let go of what I can’t control.
What is your experience in working for Van Lanschot Kempen and what stands out to you?
What I like the most about working at Van Lanschot Kempen is the growth mentality that encourages continuous learning, fostering an agile approach through a ‘fail fast, learn fast’ philosophy where we are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. In addition, they also offer training opportunities in diverse topics, from bias awareness to data analytics tools.
How has your international background shaped your perspective and approach as a member of your department’s Management Team?
As an international and expat, I bring a different perspective on teamwork and communication. I find it important to make everyone feel included—when I joined, my management team was very welcoming and switched to English as the main communication language, which made a big difference. My background helps me be open to different cultures and ways of working, which I believe enriches our team dynamic and helps us better understand the diverse talent we work with.
What are you most proud of in your career at Van Lanschot Kempen so far?
I’m proud of having grown from intern to manager within five years, and of being the first international manager in our domain.
What advice would you give to anyone who aspires to become a leader in an international, fast-changing tech environment?
My honest advice is: own your career—no one will manage it for you. Support is a must, but at the end of the day, you’re responsible for steering your path. Take initiative, seek feedback, never stop learning, and stay curious.
