We sat down with Martijn van Amersfoort (senior account manager, Amsterdam) to discuss how his mentors and surroundings inspire the work he does every day.
What is your role and how long have you worked at Edelman?
I started my journey at Edelman in 2014 and have grown into a Senior Account Manager. Over the last year, I’ve moved from Senior Account Manager into my current Strategy & Planning role. The fact that I’ve been given the opportunity to shift roles shows what’s possible at Edelman. The versatility of clients, colleagues and kind of work makes me want to work at the firm for many years to come.
What are the characteristics of the best manager you’ve ever had? What made him or her great?
- Has a vision and communicates it
- Able to see the big picture and the company's goals
- Shows leadership and inspires me
- Passionate about the work we do and ambitious to what else we can achieve
- Takes time to understand me
- Challenges me
- Fosters an environment of open communication and empathy
- Great bonding skills
I’m lucky enough to work with some of the best people in the network and each of them brings something special to the table. They are true consultants to their clients and top-notch communicators. Moreover, I'm surrounded by inspiring leaders who've taught me a lot about business development.
What is your personal mantra?
Be the best version of yourself—personally as well as professionally.
What makes (industry you work in) effective and impactful?
We help bring out the essence of the organizations we partner with and by doing so we have a positive impact on society.
What takes a campaign/project from good to great?
A strong strategy built on insights and data, executed by brilliant people who want the best and are driven by passion.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From everyday things, actually. Amsterdam is so inspirational because of its scenery and people. I feel like I’m exposed to its brilliance every day during my commute to work (via bike, of course), but also in shops or at the gym. At work, colleagues often challenge me which fuels my creativity and gives my work that extra bit of flavor. For me, the key is to be openminded and simply let it come to you!
Checking out work on Contagious.com also helps and colleagues often challenge me which fuels my creativity and gives my work that extra bit of flavor. For me, the key is to be openminded and simply let it come to you!
If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?
Design skills. In my new role, there’s a lot that happens under the surface, being able to tell that story both intelligently and simply is key.
What is the best thing about where you live?
Living in Amsterdam is like living in a dream – a cold windy dream, if you will, but a dream nevertheless. Here, the lively city buzz and a myriad of things to do and see are balanced out by the calmness of green parks and picturesque streets that run alongside canals. Amsterdam has all the cultural benefits of a capital city, including world-class museums, concert halls, great restaurants and bars, but it’s still small enough to just hop on your bike and visit a friend for a quick coffee.
Of all the things the Netherlands excels in, it’s the work-life balance and Edelman is not any different in that. Don’t get me wrong. We work hard and days can be quite hectic but I can get to have a good and healthy work-life balance. I’m ambitious and Edelman is the best workplace to express that side of myself which also being able to enjoy my friends and family.
Inside Edelman is an ongoing series that spotlights colleagues who are doing extraordinary work across our network.
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