IWD 2022: An Interview with Veronique Schaepman-Bressers

Arguably a leading in lady within the coworking industry, Veronique has had an incredibly diverse background before she joined Tribes Inspiring Workplaces! Working with leading financial companies across the Netherlands has given her incredible insights into professional standards, workplace expectations and the high paced world of the banking sector, a predominantly male led industry. But the inspiration doesn't stop there! From kickboxing to kindness, Veronique has proven herself as a determined leader from which we could all learn from! Veronique took some time from her busy schedule to answer a few of our questions for our ongoing coverage of International Women's Day 2022.

Introduce yourself for those who don't know you!

My Name is Véronique Schaepman-Bressers, and I am currently head of recruitment Tribes! It's my job to find and screen the incredible candidates who want to join us in our inspiring workplace mission.

Can you let us know about your previous roles in the financial industry?

I worked in the financial industry as a private banker. This was an incredibly exciting job, with many of my clients being the best and brightest across the entertainment industry, including football players, racers, models and also a few leading business people.

What was your experience like in the financial industry?

I had a wide range of clients, all from very different backgrounds. The financial industry can be seen as very male dominated, especially back then, so I learned to stand up for myself, be strong and achieve regardless of any obstacle. Throughout my time in the financial industry, I gained a lot of people skills, and my networking skills constantly grew day to day.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

I have a lot of respect for women who are continuing to make independent choices, and more importantly for those who give 100% when pursuing those choices. Around this time, I remind myself how proud I am of the 3 powerful women in my life: my mother and my 2 daughters!

How representative do you think Tribes Inspiring Workplaces is?

I am very proud of Tribes and what Tribes achieved over the past 6 years. I am always happy to highlight to peers in the industry just how representative we are. At Tribes, we love welcoming anyone who shares our aim to create inspiring workplaces. Currently, our workforce is female led and has been since our launch and this ranges from hostesses to management. We hope to continue to build on this year after year.

What entrepreneurs or business leaders do you look up to, and why?

I look up to my husband! His energy is endless, and he always has a positive approach to work, life and everything in-between. There is never a dull moment with Eduard. What he has achieved with Tribes is wonderful in my opinion, and it really offers the people of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany a truly inspiring place to work, develop and grow.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #BreaktheBias, what biases have you witnessed throughout your career?

I have to be honest, i think we can all fall victim to bias and being biased at different times. The best advice I can give regarding bias is for people to prioritize listening to others around them before jumping to judgements. Patience, respect and transparency are invaluable skill sets, which should be held in high regard.

What keeps you motivated week to week?

I motivate myself by doing a lot of sports beside work! A while ago I asked Eduard “When you are not motivated, what do you do?” and he said: “Just start”. So that’s recently become my motto when I am less motivated: “Just start”.

What are your hopes for your daughter's in the future?

The most important thing in my life is my family, so I have a wide range of hopes and dreams for them all. My specific hopes for my daughters is that they have a happy and healthy life with families of their own in the future!

Interested in joining the Tribes team? Well now you know who to speak to. Veronique is head of recruitment here at Tribes Inspiring Workplaces so if you fancy yourself as the new face of one of our locations, be that as a chief, hostess or in another role entirely feel free to reach out!