Can you introduce yourself, how long have you been working for Water Alliance?
My name is Marloes Ritmeester, 43 years old, married to Edwin, we have 2 daughters aged 11 and 15. I joined Water Alliance in January 2013. At that time we had a much smaller team compared to now. When I started it was just 3 colleagues and we are now at 16 colleagues in total.
What do you do at Water Alliance?
My position entails office management together with colleague Yolanda Bouw. As I work 3 days a week we complement each other. As office manager my work is very diverse and that’s what makes it so fun. No two days are the same! Some of my tasks include arranging business travel, supporting our HR manager with administrative tasks and facility matters such as IT management.
What drives/motivates you?
I love to support my colleagues so that they can do their job even better. That gives me great satisfaction.
So Marloes, what makes Water Alliance distinctive?
Water Alliance is a unique company to work for. Water Alliance helps companies solve global water problems. Not just the big players, but also the SMEs and start-ups that are still developing their technologies. Together with Wetsus, CEW and CIV Water, Water Alliance forms an innovation chain for water technology.
What do you like most about your profession?
Especially the supportive role and the diversity of tasks. If I had to describe my job in just a few words it would be something among the lines of first-class organizer some would even call it mission control. ????
Where do you want Water Alliance to be in five years?
It would be great if we could get to be even more visible on the international map. The continued support of our members is our main focus, and we will certainly continue to do so in the coming years.
Can you tell us something about your current schedule, a meeting, what are you looking forward to and why?
We will soon welcome 2 new colleagues, I am arranging things for them so they can start. We also have a teambuilding day coming up and I’m busy making a programme for that.
Do you have any pro tips/inspirational insights?
Change begins at the end of your comfort zone, I like that statement. Always keep challenging yourself.
What is the latest movie you watched that impressed you and why?
The Shawshank Redemption. I have seen that movie several times and it remains, in my opinion, one of the greatest movies. In the movie, the protagonist, Andy Dufresne, is sentenced to life in prison while being innocent. Andy used to be a banker and with his knowledge manages to get a job with the head guard. Eventually he manages to escape. What appeals to me so much about this film is his enormous perseverance and creative way of thinking. Also the beautiful friendships that he develops during incarceration are beautiful to see.
After hours: what do you like to do in your spare time?
One of my favorite things is to go horseback riding, hang out with the family or go to the gym, but I also love watching a good series on the couch. We have been close knit with Loop Leeuwarden over the years, either running or walking, one of the events I really enjoy personally but also as a team. Are you joining in on May 15th?
