Sanne is responsible for Valcon’s Consulting practice in the Netherlands and has a background of 15 years in organisational change and transformation, based in the Netherlands. Her career in consulting is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability and the willingness to embrace new challenges. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for problem-solving, Sanne has steadily climbed the career ladder at Valcon, demonstrating that success in consulting is as much about mindset as it is about expertise.
An interesting educational background
At school, I discovered a love of languages and culture, which led me to study Spanish at university. But a career in teaching, translation, or diplomacy wasn’t for me. Instead, I decided to follow my interest in analysing and advising, so I pursued master’s degrees in organisational science (change management) and intercultural communication. This switch led to my career in consulting.
First steps in consulting
My consulting career began early – while still completing my master’s studies, I took on a part-time junior consultant role. One of my first projects involved working within a recently merged hospital, analysing their processes, cultural integration, and ways of working. This hands-on experience ignited my passion for consulting – I found that I derived a lot of satisfaction from helping organisations evolve and operate more effectively. By the time I completed my studies, I knew I had found my calling and became a fully-fledged consultant.
Career milestones
My career has been shaped by my willingness to embrace opportunities beyond my comfort zone. I’ve always said ‘yes’ to a challenge, whether that was leading a client workshop very early in my career, managing one of Valcon’s largest accounts in an unfamiliar industry, or stepping up to lead the company’s Dutch change practice. Today, I lead Valcon’s NL consulting practice, a role that I tackled with the same resilient approach that has defined my career.
What has driven my success? The belief that new challenges – even those outside of my expertise – offer the most valuable learning experiences.
The value of mentorship
Mentorship has played a crucial role in my career. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to work with leaders who saw potential in me and believed in my ability to succeed. These voices of encouragement gave me the confidence to take on ambitious roles.
But mentorship isn’t limited to the workplace. My children have been my best mentors, providing a different perspective and grounding me during high-pressure times at work. Having children reminds me of the importance of balance and perspective in both work and life.
Advice for women entering consulting
For women embarking on a career in consulting, I offer straightforward but powerful advice. Firstly, be yourself – authenticity is key to success in any field. Secondly, recognise your value and appreciate what you bring to the table. Lastly, set clear boundaries – you need to be able to balance work and personal life. Whether it’s making time for family or personal priorities, setting boundaries ensures long-term success and well-being.
I also believe that consulting – even though it’s demanding – can be flexible, and consultants have the opportunity to shape their schedules in ways that work for them.
The future
My story highlights that career progression in consulting is not about having all the answers from day one – it’s about having the courage to take on new challenges, the humility to learn along the way, and the resilience to keep moving forward. I hope that my journey is one that many consultants starting out in the industry can take a lot from. Success is a combination of expertise, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Want to know more about Women at Valcon? Take a read here.
