Hilde van Pelt
Consultant
I find it remarkable to see, time and time again, what people can achieve when they work together towards a shared goal. Understanding what people need to work towards individual and collective goals, and how best to support them, is what initially motivated me as a physiotherapist, then as a scientific researcher and now as an organisational consultant.
As a physiotherapist, I worked in several hospitals and in rehabilitation care. There, I experienced first-hand what it means when there are structural shortages of staff, time or financial resources. Engagement and dedication can take you a long way, but as an employee, you also need the support of your colleagues and the organisation to make a difference together.
Having worked in different organisations, I have gained insights into a variety of working environments. I also learned just how much an organisation’s structure and management influence the way employees perform. Driven by the belief that healthcare could be improved, and a desire to make a positive contribution myself, I completed a Master’s degree in Evidence Based Practice in Healthcare before moving into scientific research.
I now draw on these diverse experiences in my organisational consulting and research projects. Healthcare remains close to my heart, but I also enjoy working in other sectors. It is precisely the combination of insights from different worlds that makes my work so interesting and helps me approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world." - Margaret Mead"
What makes you stand out?
My diverse experiences allow me to look at an organisation from two perspectives. I understand the realities of day-to-day work and the people involved, while also being able to step back and take an analytical view of opportunities for improvement that can help an organisation move forward.
What characterises your approach when working with clients?
For me, the most rewarding assignments are those where we learn together. The client remains in the driver’s seat, bringing their knowledge of the organisation, while I offer a fresh, critical perspective and, as an outsider, ask questions that can be more difficult to raise from within. A successful working relationship requires regular contact and the freedom to be curious and constructively critical of one another. To me, these are the essential ingredients for leaving both the organisation and the client in a slightly better position than when we started.
What is your vision for your work?
The world moves too quickly these days. We all want quick answers, fast results and to move straight on to the next step. As an organisational consultant, I help organisations accelerate where possible, while also creating calm and clarity where needed. Complex challenges, in particular, sometimes require us to slow down and give them the attention they deserve before moving forward.
What do you value most in life?
I live by the motto: ‘Don’t spend your time escaping the life you have, but building the life you want.’ Time is the most precious thing we have, and I believe it is important to spend it consciously. Of course, that can also mean making a deliberate choice to relax on the sofa for a while!
