RCD People

TALENT & EDUCATION

INTRO WITH HANS VAN OOSTERHOUT

The ‘War for Talent’ has been raging for a while now. Finding the right people who also are motivated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable is all-important for organizations. That’s why we’re devoting this issue to lifelong learning. Because, frankly, we’re never finished learning at any age! Hans van Oosterhout is a professor of corporate governance at Erasmus University’s Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), a setting where everything centres on learning and personal development. Having worked there for 29 years, he says he feels and shares the urgency to always keep investing in yourself.

HANS, THE MAIN FOCUS AT ROTTERDAM SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT IS ON TRAINING LEADERS FOR INTERNATIONAL CAREERS.HOW DOES THE SCHOOL APPROACH THIS? “Aside from training in the latest theoretical knowledge, RSM really focuses on relevant skills and attitudes, so also the ability to do practical analyses, execute plans and show leadership when it matters. We offer a whole spectrum of programmes, from bachelor’s degrees in English and Dutch – centring on basic business knowledge and skills that are crucial early on in a career – to RSM’s Global Executive MBA, which trains senior managers for strategic board posts. And then a variety of master’s programmes in between. Our full-time MBA enrols 97% students from other countries. With our programmes for everyone from starters to senior professionals, you could say we’re a one-stop-shop for lifelong learning.”

THE SCHOOL TALKS ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE DRIVING ACTIVITIES ACROSS ITS DIVISIONS OF RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND SOCIETAL IMPACT. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT? “Our school and degree programmes are highly attuned to society and the business world. We feel it’s hugely important to do all we can to give our students equal opportunities when they embark on their careers. As a business school, we also want to do our part to achieve the world development goals. Our academic research needs to meet the highest scientific standards but also be applicable in improving practice. RSM’s mission is to be a force for positive change in the world. For us, that means for example having a positive impact in Rotterdam as a city, on the performance of companies and workers and of course on our students’ development.” IN WHAT WAY IS RSM PLAYING AN EDUCATIONAL ROLE IN ROTTERDAM? “As well as offering our bachelor’s programme in English, we also still teach it in Dutch. This attracts 500 or more students, also from the city itself. We play a key public role in Rotterdam and the region, which is home to many immigrants and children of immigrants. That diversity is reflected in our classrooms. In the almost thirty years I’ve worked here, I have seen a very clear shift towards greater inclusivity at the business school. Another important facet for us is working with businesses that are based in Rotterdam. RSM has a Centre for Family Business, co-founded way back by locally based companies like De Kuyper Royal Distillers, Peterson and Van Oord to do research on family businesses and bring them to the attention of our highly sought-after students.”

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL’S VIEW ON TALENT IN ROTTERDAM? “We have a very international student body. Rotterdam itself is a very enterprising and dynamic city and that exerts a big pull on top talent worldwide. This is good not only for Rotterdam but also for our Dutch students, because it gives them a chance to collaborate but also forces them to compete with a highly select group of foreign talents.”

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL READERS OF RCD MAGAZINE? “Investing in yourself throughout life is hugely important. Not only around life-changing choices, but also within or even beyond your field of work. My involvement in putting together our new Global Executive MBA and training future generations of leaders has pushed me to keep on developing myself as well. RSM excels at working together with a very international and inclusive student population to educate the leaders of tomorrow.”

ILSE OVERWATER

Age: 41 Hobbies: Power Yoga & meditation Favourite spot in RCD: De Nieuwe Poort

COFFEE BREAKWITH ILSE OVERWATER

This spring issue shines a spotlight on growth, talent and education. Things that are important for us all! Ilse Overwater is the director of Private Banking at Rabobank. Having worked in the Rotterdam region for many years, the 41-year-old says growth and development are what fuel both her and her organization.

ILSE, CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

“I am originally from Hoeksche Waard, from a small village called Strijen. Growing up on a farm gave me a real freedom. My fascination for ‘growth’ started early on, with the crops we raised. In that sense, growth has been the common thread in my life. It led me to pursue several degrees, from Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Rotterdam through to the IESE Business University Barcelona. With my specialization in financial planning, going into banking was a logical choice. I’ve worked at Rabobank since 2010 and have been able to do some exciting things there. First in the regional HR department, covering operations throughout Zuid-Holland, and now in private banking in the province. For me, it’s all about creating movement. It can be a puzzle, with different teams every time, but it’s what I love.”

WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION?

“Companies need to develop on an ongoing basis and keep up with innovations. Human capital is the heart of a company, so you’ll always have to keep investing in that or you’ll wind up straggling behind. In my view, if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backward. I strongly believe we are heading towards a future of work oriented more around roles than titles. If we focus more on skills in diverse areas instead of pigeon-holing in job titles, teams and companies can be much more dynamic. At Rabobank, all of our employees get a personal development budget to spend on twelve skills as defined by the company. You can use it towards development for a future role but also for your existing role. Developments are going so much faster these days. Job descriptions can change completely in just five years, but skills almost invariably stay important. They keep their intrinsic value, so that’s what you ought to invest in.”

WHAT SHOULD COMPANIES BE DOING TO ATTRACT TALENT?

“Companies need to offer new talent opportunities to show their stuff, to develop further and show how they can make a difference in society. Companies need to be willing to step off the beaten paths to attract people. The war for talent is real. Rabobank is a mission-driven organization. Growing a better world together is something we apply both internationally and locally. So, taking this idea, something I’ve done based on my own vision and role at Rabobank was to start posting vlogs on LinkedIn, and that resulted in two new candidates.”

WHAT IS RABOBANK DOING TO PROMOTE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY?

“One way we want to make a difference with Private Banking is through an initiative called the Coöperatie Kring [‘Cooperation Circle’, ed.]. This is a foundation that brings together small donors, of say 1,000 euros, to achieve greater impact. Rabobank is a sponsor of this foundation, which is working for equal opportunities for children in Rotterdam as part of the greater Rijnmond region. The foundation is currently working hard to build membership.”

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH READERS OF RCD MAGAZINE?

“Socrates said: I do not claim wisdom, but only seek a true life. Always pursue truth. And then, if you accept that it’s important to keep learning and developing throughout life, stay open and inquisitive about everything and everyone around you. You can learn in small ways, too. What matters is staying open and true.”