Bridging Gaps Is In My DNA

Born in 1980, I’m considered either a Millennial or a GenX. I have the honor to relate with both generations. I can relate to the challenges of working with colleagues who were either from an older generation or aged within the organization. They were often stuck in time and not willing to let go of the past.

Working with different generations wasn’t easy, especially when I was the youngest. I had to build credibility and acceptance, get a voice and a seat at the table and learn how to navigate through resistance while I was running out of time to reach my deadlines.

Sometimes it was overwhelming, and other times exciting. I went through that rollercoaster of emotions my career journey brought to me, so I could learn the importance of connecting with my multigenerational team. The key was becoming a compassionate leader, and aligning my head, heart and intuition for successful results.

I was born and raised on the island of Curaçao and have lived for about a decade in the Netherlands, where I’ve obtained my Human Resources Degree. At the age of 26, I started my leadership career as an HR Manager at a global organization established in Curaçao.

Being just on the edge of a millennial and a Gen X probably explains my edgy leadership style.

After spending more than a decade in the corporate world I’ve founded True Potentials B.V. to enable leaders to produce high-performing multigenerational teams.

HERE’S A BIT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LEADERS ARE OUT OF TOUCH 

Learning how to manage the rollercoaster of working with multi-generational teams, and the importance of connecting led to my success as a Director of People & Communications position at a private company owned by international shareholders.

Recognized for my leadership, communication, coaching, and emotional intelligence skills I’ve consistently showcased my passion, knowledge, and expertise in the corporate world.

As an HR leader with a Degree in Human Resources I had the privilege to work with different generations, different cultures and different mindsets. I was able to witness many leadership styles and could see what worked and especially what didn’t.

The corporate world served as a tremendous learning school for me. After a while I could tell instantly when the leadership approach was working for or against the company’s success.

It was simple: Non-effective leaders showed up without understanding how to work with multiple generations’ needs and expectations.Here are some of the side effects I observed when leaders were blind to generational differences:

• Their team members did not show a high level of commitment and so were not engaged to their role
• They could never understand their team
• The environment in the department was a toxic one
• Leadership by force was the daily practice in order to get things done
• People were doing what they were asked for and not a single bit more
• They were unhappy and unfulfilled instead of being passionate about their job
• High performing employees left the company…or actually their Manager

These employees were actually “Quiet Quitting” (long before that was a catchphrase).

As a Leadership Transformation Coach I am here to help leaders bridge the gaps of the different generations for happier workplaces.

I do this by helping managers and directors one by one to take off their masks and do the real work.