“I find it absolutely fascinating to watch seeds germinate and eventually grow into beautiful crops”
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“I am most proud when I see that someone is experiencing growth”
For years, Maarten Vosselman had no real interest in working at De Bolster – the family business of his father and older brother – as a trainee movement scientist. What was he to do with those seeds, when he primarily finds people interesting? Until he starts his PhD research and realizes he misses the practical side of things. And so, he eventually starts working at the organic seed company, in the People & Culture department. A department where he feels completely at home.
Doing what makes you happy
That last part, feeling completely at home, is exactly what Maarten, in his role as a People & Culture specialist, also wants for the other employees of De Bolster. When he joins the company in 2014, the first thing he does is speak extensively with every employee. How are things? What are you running into? Where are your development opportunities and wishes? What do you need? Maarten explains: “We don’t work with performance reviews, but with growth conversations focused on people’s development. That fits our company much better.”
There are people who start at De Bolster as seasonal workers and grow into a role they absolutely love. And that is what Maarten strongly believes in: that you should do what makes you happy. “I also challenge colleagues to think about that. I don’t see it as management, but more as coaching. What are someone’s passions and talents, and how can they utilize them within our company? Give them autonomy and ensure they feel competent; that’s what it’s all about. I am most proud when I see someone experiencing growth. When I think: I remember that conversation I had with you, and look where you are now.”
More structure, less ad-hoc
In terms of structure, there was also much room for improvement when Maarten started 9 years ago. At that time, there were 15 employees and processes were not yet structured. Knowledge was kept in people’s heads, there were few regular meetings, and many things were handled ad-hoc.
Maarten: “I then started structuring things. Think, for example, of the entire life cycle of a new variety: what do we do in each phase, from development to sales, and who is responsible for what? Each department was on its own island, while we all have the same goal: making that one variety successful. We then set up crop teams, and that works very well.”
Flourishing teams
De Bolster has since grown into a company with about 60 permanent employees and its main goal is: to let organic agriculture grow and make it future-proof. Various things are needed for that, including teams that flourish. After all, they are the ones doing the work. Those flourishing teams are something Maarten is now focusing on, together with an external coach. “There must be safety and mutual trust, clear goals, a distinct division of roles, but also room to learn, celebrate successes, and have fun.”
Growing
The teams have undergone significant growth. They have more grip on their work and find it easier to discuss difficult topics with each other. Something Maarten applauds: “These types of developments take time; it takes a while before the energy you put in starts to show results. But if you ultimately achieve this, you also ensure that new talented people will find us. Only then can we continue to grow as a company and further strengthen organic agriculture, making organic vegetables available to everyone. Healthy for growers, consumers, and the planet.”
“I find it absolutely fascinating to watch seeds germinate and eventually grow into beautiful crops”
“With organic innovation, we help both organic and conventional growers move forward”
“With organic innovation, we help both organic and conventional growers move forward”
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“Thanks to the heated greenhouse, we can breed and react to the market much faster”
“Thanks to the heated greenhouse, we can breed and react to the market much faster”
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“A transition never happens overnight”
“A transition never happens overnight”
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“Organic growing comes from the heart, not just a business perspective”
“Organic growing comes from the heart, not just a business perspective”
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“The great thing about customer service is that in the morning, I don’t yet know what I’ll be doing that day”
“The great thing about customer service is that in the morning, I don’t yet know what I’ll be doing that day”
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