Growth, Curiosity, and Connection: A Journey at TriFinance

“I’ve always been driven by curiosity,” Willem-Jan says. “That’s really what fuels everything I do.”

After six years at TriFinance, this has consistently guided Willem-Jan’s growth across various roles - from process and business analyst to project manager within the CFO Services department. But to call him a traditional project manager would be missing the point. “My goal isn't to just manage timelines and deliverables,” he explains. “I want to be someone who connects people, systems, and processes across the organization.”

That mindset has shaped his journey at TriFinance, where variety is the norm and learning is part of the daily rhythm. Whether exploring a new industry, working alongside a new team, or diving into an unfamiliar business process, Willem-Jan thrives on change. “Each project brings new challenges, people, and opportunities to grow. That’s what energizes me the most.”

Take ownership of your journey

For Willem-Jan, growth is a shared experience. “I love sharing what I’ve learned with others, but I learn just as much from them,” he says. Mutual exchange is something he values deeply, both as a mentor and as a team member. It’s no surprise, then, that he describes the company culture at TriFinance in five simple words: open, entrepreneurial, supportive, hands-on, and built on trust.

A few years ago, during a moment of professional uncertainty, that culture made all the difference. “I wasn’t sure if consulting was still the right fit for me,” he recalls. “That’s when my Care colleagues recommended I talk to an external coach. It wasn’t just a suggestion - they arranged it, supported it, and followed up.”

Those coaching sessions gave him the clarity he needed to reframe his strengths, explore new directions, and rediscover his motivation. “It made me realize that TriFinance doesn’t just listen - they support you and challenge you to take ownership of your journey.”

Valuing real human connection

Ask Willem-Jan what makes the team at CFO Services stand out, and he doesn’t hesitate. “Knowledge sharing,” he says. “Whether you’ve been here a week or a decade, your input is valued. Everyone has something to bring to the table.”

From informal Lunch & Learn sessions to co-creating internal trainings, the opportunities to contribute are noticeable and encouraged. That spirit of shared ownership reinforces a strong team bond. “We have a flat structure at TriFinance, with few management layers, and direct lines of communication. You always know who to talk to, and things move fast.”

That connection moves beyond the office entirely. One of Willem-Jan’s favorite memories is dancing alongside colleagues at Tomorrowland. “You suddenly see your team in a completely different light. It wasn’t just fun - it reminded me how much TriFinance values real human connection.”

Belonging, in Practice

To Willem-Jan, belonging means being able to align his interests with the impact he wants to make. “I’ve always been curious about how people, processes, and systems interact,” he says. That curiosity led him to experiment with Power Apps and automation tools - initiatives that weren’t just tolerated but welcomed.

“Not only did I get the space to explore them, but I was encouraged to use those skills to improve internal workflows and bring added value to clients.”

That kind of autonomy, combined with real support, has helped Willem-Jan carve out a role that feels fully his own.

Life Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Willem-Jan is just as adventurous. As a sports enthusiast, he’s tackled long-distance cycling, multi-day hikes, and once even spent four weeks solo-traveling through Colombia. “That trip was the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and pushing beyond my comfort zone,” he recalls.

These days, he jokes that most of his free time is spent chasing after his two-year-old son. “It’s a different kind of intense,” he laughs, “but incredibly rewarding.”

When time permits, he taps into his creative side by building websites - a hobby that blends structure with imagination.

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Willem-Jan is clear: he wants to continue growing at the intersection of strategy and operations, staying close to execution while contributing to long-term improvements.

“I’m not chasing titles,” he says. “What I want is to stay curious, stay connected, and keep learning, not only from the work I do, but also from the people around me.”