Damla was attracted to the company's entrepreneurial culture, commercial momentum and heritage. "It's really quite something to exist for almost 300 years," she says. "And there's a high level of risk awareness in the organisation: we know how serious our societal impact is, and that our risk and compliance culture is essential to our licence to operate."

lndith works in the Non-Financial Risk Management department, and this impact is also what attracted her to the firm. "Besides my role as an operational risk manager, I have additional responsibilities in various sustainability projects. These are all based on my personal interests, which I've been supported in pursuing."

Since joining the Management Board in June, Damla's first impressions are even better than she expected: "I've had the opportunity to work closely with our colleagues in different parts of the organisation, from our bankers and portfolio managers to IT colleagues. At every layer, I've found so much passion and willingness to learn and help each other. It feels like home."

lndith shares this sentiment after two years in the company. "Van Lanschot Kempen promotes knowledge and growth for those who want to develop. This goes for both professional and personal skills. I've become more decisive, more confident and more understanding of others in my time here."

Looking ahead, Damla's vision is to build on our solid foundation. "With various new regulations coming up, we want to remain compliant and make sure compliance stays embedded in our DNA. We're also looking at where automation can support our people - as people power our success."

lndith recognises the key role of people in facing future challenges: "In our ever-evolving industry, with developments in automation, Al and sustainability, the risk domain needs people who are confident and decisive but also caring and open. Damla's fresh perspective and relatively young age compared with her peers have inspired me to take ownership of my career. With the values we carry and the way we approach the challenges that arise, we'll reach new heights together."