Building something that matters, not just something that works
I’ve always believed that everyone is a pioneer in their own way. For me, it started in 1999, just before the turn of the millennium. I had studied business engineering in Belgium, with a focus on logistics, and landed my first job in an IT company working on ERP implementations. People were panicking about entering the year 2000. What if the software stopped working? But of course, nothing really happened.
Still, it sparked something in me. I remember looking at those systems and thinking: What can you actually do with all this information? That curiosity stuck. As a 25-year-old, I didn’t even know what job I was supposed to look for, but I knew I wanted to work with data.
I joined a small tech company focused on business intelligence. It was a time when not many people had hands-on experience with BI, and I was the only woman in the company. Back then, you didn’t always get trusted right away. You had to earn your voice. I had the backup of the founders, and eventually, my work started speaking for itself. And when needed, well, my voice can be loud too!
The Nordic approach to work and life left a lasting impression on me
Fast forward a few years: I started freelancing and got a gig with IKEA. It ended up being a long one, over 10 years. It was a fantastic learning environment, not just for data and business strategy, but also in how people were treated. That Nordic approach to work and life left a lasting impression on me.
After IKEA and wanderings via BMW Financial Services and Volvo Group, I led data strategy and analytics at TVH, a company facing a huge digital transformation. We knew we couldn’t do it alone, and that’s when I came across Solita. I was looking for more than just a tech partner — I wanted someone to help us shift culture in the data mesh implementation I had in mind as the way forward. Solita brought a people-focused, design-thinking way of working. I really appreciated that. You can dream big, but you have to start small and build on solid foundations.
After several years in leadership, I needed a break. Managing strategy, mentoring, evolving tech — it’s a lot. I stepped back to work as an Enterprise Data Architect for a couple of months. But it was too slow-paced for me. I realised I needed more to feel fulfilled.
Joining Solita — building something new, with heart
I stayed in touch with some Solitans, and eventually, we started talking about potential career opportunities. The timing was right. I joined as Transformation Manager in August 2024, and I’ve been helping build a new business unit focused on design and strategy in Belgium. I love being part of something that’s still forming, where I can shape the business development and the way we create impact. Solita’s approach resonates with me: identify value, prove value, and scale it. We don’t do things for the sake of it — we always ask, how will we know this made a difference and what is the value we create?
We also have humane culture that encourages people to have lives outside of work. I’ve never struggled much with work-life balance, partly because of my choices. I don’t have children, so managing daily life and schedules might be a bit easier for me, and I’ve had the opportunity to prioritise work when I’ve wanted to. But I take care of myself. I have a personal coach, and I love cycling, long bike tours, repairing vintage bikes, making them cooler. I’m even taking a course on bike mechanics. I also love cooking, cultivating my own home grown heirloom tomatoes, eating, and traveling. These are things that give me energy. And curiosity keeps life interesting.
What I’d tell other women: Don’t wait for permission to lead
Throughout my career, I’ve often been the only woman in the room. And yes, my skills have been questioned. But I’ve learned to speak up and trust that my voice matters. I bring experience, not just opinions. A strong network is also helpful. Mentors, peers, and allies who support you when things get tough. Some of them have been men, and others have been women. It’s not just women standing up for women, it’s about all of us thinking differently about who gets to belong.
And society plays a role here too. How do we raise our sons? My hope is that the next generation won’t have to prove themselves in the same way. That we’ll attract more women into tech by showing that this work matters and that there’s a deeply human side to it.
If someone makes you feel like you don’t belong, don’t believe them. Just remind yourself that you do. I didn’t grow up with a lot of role models in tech, but I made it here. Find your people. Surround yourself with those who believe in you. And don’t forget to believe in yourself.
We as women bring something vital to the table: a human perspective and an ability to see several steps ahead. That’s part instinct, part experience. And it makes a real difference in transformation work. So keep showing up. Keep being curious. And don’t wait for permission to lead.
Would you like to work here too? Take a look at our open positions.