My first thought when I started at McKinsey
I thought McKinsey was so famous—they would already know all the answers, so why would they need me? It turned out the other way around. The team I joined was working in the Dutch water sector. They made me fully responsible for my own part of the project and urged me to go deep into the facts. Besides, they were interested in my opinion. For years, I got calls because I had become a “water expert.”
Proudest moment
The opening of the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. McKinsey people had been at the core of this initiative and teams were working on it for many years. I joined the team 100 days before the opening. When the lamp was lit, the faculty and students were very emotional. I was so proud!
Strangest place I ever had breakfast while at McKinsey
At the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, 200 colleagues were doing tai chi at sunrise at an office retreat. We had tea for breakfast afterward.
What next?
One day I would like to study again and obtain my PhD. Ultimately I would love to work as the president of a university.
Favorite Web site
Fastcompany.com.
My toughest moment
After 2 great years living and working in McKinsey’s Kuala Lumpur and other Southeast Asia offices, I decided to come back to the Netherlands with my family. Still the best decision at that time, but it was also tough to leave behind many friends, colleagues, and clients—and a fascinating continent.
Activities outside McKinsey
Playing field hockey, and black-and-white photography with my Leica.