International growth is a spearhead for Achmea. The cooperative insurer wants to enter new markets with online insurance, among other things. ‘We are at the forefront of digitalization in the Netherlands and see opportunities in other countries,’ says director Robert Otto.

The careers of Sander Dekker (Maasstad Hospital) and Maarten Otto (Alliander) are in the public sector and thereby at the heart of society. Decisions in 'The Hague' impact them as well, and in these turbulent times, both leaders are facing a significant societal undertaking. How do Dekker and Otto deal with these challenges? ‘Leadership is about endurance, offering a clear perspective, and optimism.’ 

Resi Becker has been CEO of energy supplier Essent for almost three years. Previously, she held various executive roles at PostNL for an extended time. Now, she wants to use her insights as a supervisory board member. This has earned her a spot in our Top-100 Supervisory Board Members for the first time. Not that she wants to shift to a full-time supervisory role: 'Certainly not – the CEO role suits me well. But my supervisory roles help me stay sharp.'

Grid operators and network companies in the Netherlands are pulling out all the stops to connect a more sustainable Netherlands to the electricity grid. Meanwhile, the industry itself is grappling with massive personnel shortages. The three executives at our roundtable are positive about the energy transition, even though their job roles have changed beyond recognition. To achieve what seems like an impossible task, innovation, speed, and bold choices are essential. ‘We simply have to achieve it. We need to push forward.’

Change rarely fails at the drawing board, but often falls apart in practice, because leaders place themselves outside of the change process. They think that change is something the organization has to do, not them. However, without the involvement and ownership of leaders, even the best-developed strategy will not come to life, observes Eva den Hartog of Boer & Croon.