The very first WIFS Intermediary Event has taken place! We look back on an afternoon that exceeded all our expectations. Inspiring stories, valuable conversations, a delicious lunch and a fantastic view of Utrecht from the 25th floor of the Rabobank Tower.
Join us in reliving the day & watch the aftermovie!
A wonderful video was made of this day. It perfectly captures the energy, the connection and the warmth we shared with one another. We’re really proud of it. Watch it here!
Three outstanding women who made a lasting impression
Wendy Horsten opened the event on behalf of Rabobank Intermediair, a proud new WIFS corporate member, with a message that immediately set the tone: connecting, building together and setting a goal for the future.
Valentina Visser, COO of The Ardonagh Group and chair of the NVGA, spoke with typical Rotterdam candour about sponsors, role models and her mother, her greatest inspiration. ‘You are your own biggest sponsor. Say what you want and don’t sit back and wait.’ Put your hand up. Ask for that pay rise.
Marisa Lodewijks, CEO of Ingage-Aetos Franchise, challenged us to claim success. Staying active brings happiness. Soft skills aren’t a side issue; they’re your strength. Be good and let people know, and do it with a smile.
Claudia Max, CEO at Allianz Benelux, made inclusive leadership down-to-earth and concrete: not an ideology, but a business case. Diversity leads to better decisions; fair systems make performance sustainable. And: the conversation at home is the same as the conversation at work. 50-50 is the only way forward.
The question that set everything in motion
During lunch, everyone asked each other one question:
‘What moment in your life has had the greatest influence on where you are today?’
The connection that was formed there is exactly why we do this. At every table, people shared stories that you normally only hear once you’ve known someone for years. Stories about setbacks, choices, and people who believed in them. One of the attendees said it beautifully:
‘Connections aren’t made by exchanging business cards, but by sharing stories you’d normally keep to yourself. That’s what role models do: they show that it’s okay to do so.’