Name: Arend Janssen

Title: Sustainable Finance & Climate Action Expert

Organisation: Janssenomics

Excited to introduce myself as an experienced international sustainable finance and climate action professional! With a track record in font-line finance operations, sustainable development and climate action policies, I have successfully fostered relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders from the public and private sector. Looking forward to connecting and cooperating with fellow professionals in the field.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Arend's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

First of all, thank you very much for this interview opportunity. As a leader, I would think it is most challenging to balance the needs of the people I work with and the overall goals of the organization. It is important to make decisions that benefit both the individuals on the team and the company as a whole, while also creating a positive and productive work environment. Additionally, it is important as a leader to ensure that you are providing the necessary support and resources for a team to succeed in their roles.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I have never held a formal leadership position, however I have contributed to significant decision-making processes and initiatives during my time working in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General and the European Investment Bank. While I didn't have direct reports, or only a few people reporting to.

My roles mostly involved providing input to briefings, reports, strategies, and organizing meetings, all of which played a part in guiding others towards making informed decisions. I believe that leadership is not just about managing people, but also about influencing and inspiring others through meaningful contributions and helping them achieve collective goals. In this sense, I feel that I have become more of a leader through these small yet impactful actions.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I typically wake up around 8 a.m. and begin my day by preparing breakfast for my son and enjoying a cup of coffee. Once he's at daycare, if it's a day he attends, I focus on my job search, aiming to submit at least one job application daily. I also allocate time for studying for my Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and carrying out minor home renovations. Throughout the day, I also assist with childcare as needed or have lunch with my wife or some others. In the evenings, from time to time, I work part-time at a tasting locality for Jenever, a traditional Dutch spirit, where I serve drinks and food. Otherwise, I would spend time with my family.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Recently, I've been reminded that it's more important to do things the right way, even if the results aren't as successful as originally hoped. As a leader, it's crucial to prioritize ethical decision-making, integrity, and following the correct processes, even if it means facing challenges or setbacks. Ultimately, focusing on doing things the right way not only builds trust and credibility, but it also sets a strong foundation for long-term success and sustainable growth. This lesson has reinforced the importance of upholding high standards.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

A book worth mentioning is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. It is a widely acclaimed leadership book that focuses on personal and interpersonal effectiveness, offering timeless principles for achieving success in both personal and professional contexts.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

My advice to a young leader would be to prioritize learning and collaboration. Take the time to understand and appreciate the perspectives of those around you, and actively seek out opportunities to work alongside and learn from others. This can provide invaluable insights and skills that will better prepare you for assuming a leadership role in the future.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One meaningful experience that comes to mind from my time as a leader is when I had the opportunity to mentor an intern. I made it a priority to share my experiences and insights and to guide them in their professional development. Witnessing his growth and success was truly rewarding, and it reinforced the importance of continuous improvement and the value of passing on knowledge within a team. You should always try to become better at what you are doing and share your experiences.