What’s your role?

 

I’m a Director for a consultancy that tries to change the world. In particular large global systems like the energy system, circular economies, materials and everything related to land use. I’ve spent the last four years reforming the plastics system in Indonesia.

 

What was going on for you with your work that inspired you to join the programme?

 

I'd just moved back from Jakarta to Amsterdam and was in the middle of reorienting my career. I had some questions about who I was professionally and what to focus on. I was also pretty overworked, I really needed to figure out a way for my work to be more sustainable day to day.

 

How were you feeling at the outset?

 

I felt lonely and lost. I was quite heavily overworked and close to burnout. 

 

How are you now?

 

The big difference for me is that I was doing the programme while recovering from being overworked - the programme helped me supercharge my recovery. So it was time extremely well spent. It’s not just a matter of taking a break but also of setting up my working day very differently so I can have more productive time.

 

I’ve also gotten to know myself, how I sabotage and judge myself. Being able to pinpoint that in myself and others is hugely valuable. 

 

What's your biggest takeaway?

 

I had two questions, how can I make my working days more sustainable? And, what should my career focus be? Getting really clear answers to those two questions was definitely most meaningful.

 

And the most fun and enjoyable part was meeting the other participants, we really grew to a group of friends. 

 

Any examples of what's tangibly different for you?

 

Just today, I realised I needed a little break. So instead of just filling the 20 minutes between calls with work, I went out and listened to the tram passing by, I heard a car brake. I listened to the birds. And I would have absolutely never done that before. It really helped me just centre and clear my mind. Just by doing that I added half an hour of productive time to my working day .

 

Any last thoughts?

 

Ask yourself, “Am I serious about wanting to think really deeply about the way I work? And what would I like to do? Am I ready to answer some big questions? Yes or no?”.

 

Do it at the time you have the real willingness to do it. I wouldn't necessarily say you need to have the headspace or time. Because when I did the programme, it was one of the most heavily overworked periods in my life. If this is a priority for you, definitely do it. 

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