Role Model
Lianne Boeljon-Kaat
“People have to take on responsibilities to make it happen.”
| Business Unit: | Laundry & Home Care |
| Division: | Laundry Leading Premium |
| Job title: | Manager Marketing Leading Premium BeNeLux |
Question 1
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was very little I wanted to be a doctor and take care of people. My mother and sister are both nurses and I have great respect for their responsibilities and their commitment to helping others. When I became a bit older I started to be interested in different languages and cultures and later on my interests became more concrete: international business and marketing.
Question 2
What has motivated you to take on a position of high responsibility within Henkel?
Even after more than eight years I still see opportunities for our laundry category in the Benelux region, and besides I like a challenge. I expect to be as valuable working part time as working fulltime in the organization and hence believe that I can make a significant contribution to reaching the targets of 2012. People have to take on responsibilities to make it happen.
Question 3
What were the milestones in your career and are there people or circumstances that have favored your career?
I started as an intern working on Persil and was brand manager during the Persil’s centennial jubilee year, which was a great experience. Then I took on responsibility for special detergents and FFI as a senior brand manager before going to Italy to work on the 111 years of Schwarzkopf campaign and the temporary store in the cosmetics department. The possibility of working internationally and for a different department really broadened my experience. I have been back in Benelux for almost two years now and have the role of Manager Marketing Leading Premium Benelux. During my time at Henkel I have had the opportunity to carry out great marketing projects, with the latest highlight being the Wash & Coffee in Amsterdam. This has only been possible thanks to the trust my superiors have had and continue to have in me, and that keeps the job inspiring and interesting.
Question 4
What is your advice to women seeking to build careers?
I do not believe in special treatment or tips for women, women can and should be as qualified as men for a job. This advice is thus not only for women, but for all young professionals:
- Be visible in the organization
- Expand your network within the organization
- Express your ambitions
- Lead by example