Why go on a journey?
“At first, when I was invited to this expedition with Better Future, I was sceptical. The inspirational but vague descriptions and mentions of diversity and inclusion had me wary—was this just another corporate box-ticking exercise? Was I about to be tokenized? Thankfully, I was wrong—the whole program was centred around the future of Van Lanschot Kempen. Still, I had another worry: that it would be your typical corporate workshop—made up of presentations and sticky note brainstorming sessions. Instead, we kicked off the program with something completely unexpected: a high school field trip for professionals, by bike through Rotterdam.
On our bikes, exploring the city together, we weren’t just seeing new places—we were seeing each other differently. Our assumptions were put to the test, leading to some of the most engaging and honest conversations I’ve ever had with colleagues.
What stood out for you?
“One moment that really stuck with me was our visit to a mosque. As a Muslim, I felt both excited and nervous. Would my non-Muslim colleagues feel uncomfortable? Would they even care? My assumptions were challenged the moment I saw their genuine curiosity and engagement. And then, the unexpected happened: our speaker wasn’t who anyone imagined: a traditional man with a beard. She was a Greek Orthodox woman who had converted to Islam. That alone sparked conversations that might never have happened otherwise—about faith, choice, and identity. It was eye-opening, for all of us.
Another standout moment? Meeting Tim from RRA Works, an organization that helps dropouts get back on track through boot camps, training basic social skills and connecting them with job opportunities. His practical, straightforward approach, to really help these youth find new perspectives, resonated with me.”
What I started doing differently?
These experiences sparked something bigger. I realized that just by being visible in my role within Van Lanschot Kempen, I could help break down assumptions—especially the ones I had grown up with. As a student I found out about Van Lanschot Kempen and I saw it as a bank for the elite, where someone like me wouldn’t fit in. I never saw enough representation to challenge that belief. Now, I make sure others do. I go to career fairs, standing there as living proof that people with diverse backgrounds can thrive here.
At my first career fair, I went with a ‘white’ colleague. Ethnically diverse students walked right past my colleague and straight to me. At one point, I had a group of kids gathered around, firing off questions, eager to hear my story. The best part? A few months later, I ran into one of those students again—this time at our office, applying for an internship at VLK. That’s the power of visibility. That’s why representation matters.
Early in my career, I noticed the cultural gap between my colleagues and myself. While they shared stories about their student fraternities and clubs over lunch, I sat quietly, unfamiliar with their shared experiences. During my student years, I worked almost full-time and lived at home with my parents – a different path entirely. Yet despite these differences, my colleagues always made an effort to include me, and I never felt judged for my background. I’m different than most of my colleagues, but my career success does not have to be different.
Leaning into my ‘different-ness’ has been a game-changer.
One defining moment? A dinner invitation. I had been invited to a dinner by a Turkish entrepreneur that we connected with during the expedition, and I extended the invite to senior management. As a courtesy, I included our CEO, never expecting him to say yes. Half an hour later, my inbox pinged—he was in.
I won’t lie—I was nervous. Was this a mistake? Would he feel out of place? Would he regret coming? As we drove to the dinner together, I had no idea what to expect. But the night was incredible. He wasn’t just present; he was engaged. He shared his own story with honesty and vulnerability, connecting with the group in a way that was inspiring to watch.
That night confirmed what I had started to believe—leaning into what makes me different doesn’t just work; it opens doors I didn’t even know existed.
This program didn’t just change me—along the expedition, around 60 people got involved and it created a bigger ripple effect. What made these ripples even stronger is the fact that senior management fully immersed themselves as individuals, not just as executives. Their willingness to engage on a personal level added real momentum to the movement, proving that when leadership shows up with genuine commitment, real change happens. Sparking new perspectives on our hiring, business, and how we contribute to society.
And here’s what I learned: real change doesn’t happen in boardrooms or PowerPoint decks. It happens when we step outside, walk the streets together, and challenge our assumptions. It happens when we listen, when we share, when we truly see each other. And that? That changes everything.”
