Working in Risk Advisory. Seven questions to Risk Project manager Laurens-Jan De Haes

Q1. Tell us something about your academic background

Laurens-Jan De Haes: ‘My academic journey began with a focus on marketing, where I studied consumer behavior and market dynamics. However exciting marketing was, I realized I didn't really want to work in that field which led me to pursue studies in finance, broadening my understanding of economic principles and financial management.'

Q2. Why did TriFinance appeal to you more than any other consulting firm?

Laurens-Jan: 'TriFinance stood out to me among other consulting firms because of its distinctive approach towards its employees. The company's ethos puts employees first. Compared to most other consulting firms, you get a significant amount of autonomy to shape your career. This philosophy aligns closely with my values, as I believe in an environment that fosters individual growth and empowerment.'

Q3. What was your ambition before you started at TriFinance?

Laurens-Jan: 'In my early twenties, I was unsure where I wanted to go. So I started to explore a diverse range of industries and businesses, driven by a desire to get firsthand experience across various industries. That allowed me to broaden my perspectives and improve my skills in a variety of settings.

Ambition is a continuous journey of self-improvement and development. It requires setting aspirational yet achievable goals, constantly seeking new challenges, and embracing opportunities for learning and development. Ambition is all about pushing boundaries and stepping out of comfort zones. '

Q4. What is your ultimate ambition?

Laurens-Jan: 'My ultimate ambition is to make a meaningful impact in the domain of risk management. I would like to leverage my expertise and experiences to help develop resilient and sustainable business practices, ultimately helping organizations navigate uncertainties with confidence and foresight.'

Q5. What does your growth path look like?

Laurens-Jan: 'I started out as a business controller for Transition & Support, moving towards roles that allowed me to drive process improvement initiatives. The switch to advisory, however, proved to be a better fit for where I wanted my career to go. At CFO services I got the opportunity to deepen my knowledge about risk management.

Along the way, I have taken on diverse risk projects, ranging from business analyst positions to project management positions, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for learning. And finally ending up in risk management, where I feel right at home. 

My ambition within risk management is to become a trusted advisor, guiding organizations towards proactive risk mitigation and strategic decision-making.'

Q6. If you could give your younger self some advice in one sentence, what would it be?

Laurens-Jan: 'Embrace uncertainty and view challenges as opportunities for growth; the journey may not always be smooth, but every obstacle is a chance to learn and evolve. Don't be afraid to take a leap into the deep to confront a challenge that you're unfamiliar with.'

Q7. What is your advice to new or existing colleagues who want to grow their ambition?

Laurens-Jan: 'Cultivate a growth mindset, embrace continuous learning, and proactively seek out opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Be proactive in seeking mentorship, leverage your strengths, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.'

Remember: growth is not just about climbing the corporate ladder but about becoming the best version of yourself professionally and personally.

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