Henriette Claus about working at Amsterdam Data Collective
Henriette Claus joined Data Collective three years ago and then moved on to the Strategy & Innovation Manager. Consultancy.nl asks her questions about her career with the company so far, and about the development opportunities she can develop at the agency.
How is your career at ADC progressing?
“I started working at Amsterdam Data Collective a few years ago, following my completed master’s degree in econometrics. After that, I grew into the role of Strategy and Innovation manager. In the meantime I have the opportunity to work on different projects, including on several pro bono projects. By diversifying my work, I quickly learned what I find most interesting.”
“Strategy and strategy appeal to me, because I like to pursue a broad career, instead of focusing solely on financial and technical advice. I like that strategy changes and changes quickly, which helps me maintain my entrepreneurial mindset and step out of my comfort zone.”
“My time at Amsterdam Data Collective has really pushed me to pursue a career path that I find both interesting and challenging. This allows me to continue to learn and grow in the long term.”
How does Amsterdam Data Collective distinguish itself in its work for customers?
“We attach great importance to being transparent about what we can and cannot do. We are not looking for projects that take many years to see results. Instead, we prefer how we can add for a customer in the short term and gradually build on that later.”
“We also attach great value to open communication and honesty. We find it important that our customers are satisfied and that every project is delivered on time with the highest possible quality. When we commit to something, we not only make sure that it happens, but that it is done right.”
You also participated in an internal project: the expansion to Denmark. What did that mean?
“When Amsterdam decided to launch Data Collective, I wanted to be directly involved. Together with a team of ten people, we researched which city would suit us well. we have chosen. The company’s core values: quality of work, direct communication and honesty are all values deeply rooted in Danish culture.”
“In addition, we analyzed the job market in Copenhagen and concluded that there is a high demand for data science experts.
“It was a great opportunity to be involved in ADC’s business development through the Copenhagen expansion. Together with a senior leader, I made several trips to Copenhagen to achieve a smooth market entry. This really illustrates one of the best sides of working at Amsterdam Data Collective: if you have a good idea and take the initiative, you will always get support.”
How does Amsterdam Data Collective support the personal and professional growth of its employees?
“Amsterdam Data Collective attaches great importance to developing its employees and expanding their capabilities. We like to work as a team and help each other grow. I try to create my team members by making them think about the potential implications and the “what if” questions around a project.”
“In addition, ownership is very important at Amsterdam Data Collective. I immediately had a lot of responsibility when I started, so I tried to do the same for my team members. When you’re given responsibilities, you feel like you’re part of the team. That contributes to a sense of community.”
“Furthermore, we can have a ‘Secure Base’, that is, we have a culture in which it is not only okay to make mistakes, but it is also done. Mistakes are seen as learning moments instead of something to be punished for As a manager, I want to create an environment where my team members are challenged to step out of their comfort zone and feel safe doing so.”
“Amsterdam Data Collective supports this perspective by organizing biennial training days. They challenge us to talk about our vulnerabilities and ambitions in both our work and private lives. This can create such a strong bond between everyone within the company.”
How would you describe the company culture?
“There is a good mix between hard work and being social. Personally, I always look forward to the ski trip and the collective week. These are all very important to our corporate culture; they offer us the opportunity to grow together as a group and to build relationships with our colleagues. This helps us stay aligned on our goals.”
“We are all very ambitious and the result of making real, substantial impact through data science. It’s to work with people who are great for what they do. This is not just any job for us; we want to have an impact and change the world.”
Finally, how do you stay with Amsterdam Data Collective?
“Amsterdam Data Collective is growing fast and constantly changing; your goal is really no longer the company from six months ago. We add as much talent and clients as possible, change management and processes, and take on new bigger projects. Working in such a dynamic environment makes it impossible to get bored.”
“This means there are many opportunities to change and develop myself into a more versatile employee through training, new projects and collaboration with new team members.”