26 September 2023
Joris van den Wildenberg's story is an impressive example of pioneering, self-development and finding workplace happiness. Five years ago, he began the adventure of setting up AAE's marketing department straight out of college. He has since become an essential part of the marketing team. This is his story.
"Together with Manon Pijnenburg, it was our job to set up AAE's marketing department," says Joris. "Marketing was always there, but Manon was doing it alongside her job as HR Manager. With my arrival, and Manon's decision to focus herself entirely on marketing, there was suddenly a marketing department. Because we were starting from scratch, we knew we had to pioneer. Both internally and externally."
"One of their main focuses was social media. The days of AAE posting sporadic messages online had to stop. It was time to take a strategic approach and use the power of social media. From there, we, Manon and I, were able to build and expand very organically."
Getting the best out of yourself and your team
The work Manon and Joris have done has proven no bummer. Five years later, the marketing team has grown to eight employees, each with their own expertise. "For me, one of the most important aspects is that people are allowed and able to be themselves and that we at AAE let people have their own value. You achieve this by immersing yourself in the colleagues you work with. An occasional joke with colleagues, but also an in-depth conversation from time to time. As a result, you build something strong together, and you also go all out for each other at the times when this is needed.
" By building something strong together, you can also deliver ambitious results. Something that is highly valued by Joris. "I want the best for AAE and in this I go for 100%," emphasises Joris. "Everything has to be right, down to the last detail. In that last 5%, you make the difference and that's how I can make an impact. Maybe it's perfectionist, but I feel it's appreciated within AAE and that my work doesn't end up in a big pile. That makes me happy."
Personal growth
Not only is the marketing team at AAE growing, but on a personal level, Joris continues to make significant progress. "My greatest satisfaction comes from being creative and working out projects independently, from A to Z. But in this I sometimes face an inner dilemma: I want to tackle everything, but my pursuit of perfection makes me want to perfect everything down to the smallest details as well. Finding the right balance between these aspects remains a challenge I am working on. This is also where I get excited. My personal development does not stand still, and despite the sometimes difficult balancing act between versatility and perfection, I get a lot of happiness from my work."
Want to work at AAE just like Joris? Then take a quick look at our vacancies.
