Thank you for joining Lucia with YP
The Young Professionals extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on December 13 for the Lucia celebration. Hosted by our member company Stromma at their stunning office in central Amsterdam, the evening was a magical celebration of Swedish tradition.
Guests were treated to a captivating Lucia procession by högtidskören, accompanied by candlelight, mulled wine, and gingerbread generously sponsored by Inter IKEA Systems. The festive atmosphere was filled with laughter, good spirits, and a shared appreciation for this cherished Swedish custom.
We thank Stromma for their wonderful hospitality, which made the event truly special, and to all attendees for bringing the warmth and joy of the season to life. Thank you for celebrating Lucia with us!
Image Credits: Sofia Sabel/imagebank.sweden.se
Would you be interested in hosting events or do you want to learn more about the Young Professionals? Reach out to our Young Professional Team at yp@swedishchamber.nl.
THIS EVENT IS HOSTED BY:
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY:
A big thank you to Svalner Atlas Group for opening their doors and hosting this memorable evening, complete with presentations, networking, and drinks. Special thanks to Anne van der Kooi, Vera Melsert, Shannon Ijpeij and Sharon Mannaart for the amazing collaboration in organising this event together.
It was a pleasure to get insights from our inspiring speakers:
Anne van der Kooi and Vera Melsert, Corporate Tax Advisors at Svalner Atlas Group, provided insights into Atlas’ operations, showcasing how the firm supports both individuals and businesses by managing their taxes, offering strategic advice, and handling tax return filings. They also explained how Atlas’ partnership with Svalner represents a strategic move for the future, set to make a significant impact.
Alexander Ljungström, Chairperson of the Young Professionals, shared updates on upcoming activities, including the exciting Mentorship Program 2025 and the upcoming Lucia Celebration on December 13.
Thank you once again to our amazing speakers and attendees, and to Svalner Atlas Group for their generous hosting of this insightful event.
Svalner Atlas Group
Atlas, the largest tax-only advisory firm in the Netherlands, has recently become part of the Svalner Atlas Group. From offices in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Turku, and Amsterdam, we provide integrated tax, legal, and financial services across Scandinavia and the Benelux. We offer in-depth expertise in both national and international matters for clients worldwide. With more than 270 professionals, we deliver innovative, entrepreneurial, and dedicated solutions, continuously investing in the future with new services, expertise, and technology.
Speakers List
Not yet a Member of the Young Professionals of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce? Click here for more information and to sign up
A big thank you to Handelsbanken for opening their doors and hosting this memorable evening, complete with presentations, networking, and drinks. Special thanks to Tom Koetsier, Kunwar Singh, and Frederique Otten for the amazing collaboration in organising this event together. It was a privilege to hear insights from our inspiring speakers:
Roland van Pooij, CEO of Handelsbanken, shared how the bank’s decentralized approach allows them to make local decisions that prioritize Dutch market needs, delivering personal, flexible, and stable financial solution.
Kerstin Gerlagh, CEO of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, gave us a look into the Chamber’s role as a unique networking hub for the Swedish-Dutch business community. Together with Alexander Ljungström, Young Professionals Chairperson, she introduced the exciting Mentorship Program 2025, which will be open for application shortly. Additionally, Justin Rundcrantz, Project Manager of the young professionals, held a fun and appreciated Sweden-Netherlands quiz to test our cross-cultural knowledge, covering everything from ‘Who drinks the most coffee?’ to ‘How many bikes are there in the Netherlands?’
Rebecca van Dorrestein, Business Development Manager at Heussen, with a master’s degree in International and Cross-Cultural Management, took us on a deep dive into the power of culture. An interactive presentation introduced us to the onion chart, opening our eyes to hidden layers of culture and equipped us with practical tools to adapt to and thrive in diverse work environments Thank you once again to our amazing speakers and attendees, and to Handelsbanken for their generous hosting of this insightful event.
Speakers List:
“Mastering Leadership for the Future – Evaluation and Final Dinner”
At our final session, we gathered for a relaxed evening of pizza and drinks while reflecting on the Mentorship Program. During this dinner, we took the opportunity to evaluate the overall experience, discussing whether the initial expectations were met and how to apply the lessons learned for future development and personal growth. It was a valuable session, filled with meaningful feedback and insights that will help us continue to improve the program.
Stay tuned for more information about the Mentorship Program 2025!
About the Swedish Chamber Mentorship Programme
The Mentorship Program was launched in October 2012. Since then, more than 100 Young Professionals of the Swedish Chamber have followed the program and benefited from their future personal and professional growth. The many Mentors have benefited from meeting the new generation leaders of the future and learning more about their insights and values. The Mentorship Program is made possible by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with AIMS International Netherlands B.V., a member of AIMS International. Read more here.
18.30-21.00
Venue: Swedish Chamber of Commerce
Fred. Roeskestraat 115
1076 EE Amsterdam
“Mastering Leadership for the Future – Business Culture”
Welcome to the IV Session of the Swedish Chamber Mentorship Program on September 19, 2024, at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce HQ at Edge Olympic Amsterdam. At this Session, the topic is “Business Culture”, and we are very pleased to welcome Keynote speaker Candida Snow, Director at Snow CC – Intercultural Management & Skills Training Specialists.
Candida will share how she and her team design and deliver tailor-made programmes for internationally operating clients and how to support better recognition, development, harnessing, and management of the potential of diverse individuals and (virtual) teams. She will also discuss how to identify and develop the competencies and skills crucial to success in a complex international business environment.
Program
18.30 Introduction Hendrik-Jan Guitink, Mentorship Program Director and Managing Partner of AIMS International Netherlands B.V. (Mentorship Program participants only)
19.00 Insightful Session with Candida Snow, Director at Snow CC – Intercultural management & skills training specialists
20.00 Break and drinks
20.15 Individual meetings Mentor/Mentee
21.00 End of meeting
Keynote Speaker: Candida Snow, Director of Snow Culture & Communication – Intercultural management & skills training
specialist
Candida is the director of Snow Culture & Communication and she is an intercultural management specialist with over 25 years of professional experience. She is known as an engaging and interactive speaker and facilitator. Candida designs and comfort and performance in their multicultural and international working environments. Delivers tailor-made interventions that support her clients to create trust and optimism. Her clients include major multinationals in the professional service sector, pharmaceutics, retail, high-tech fields, engineering, off-shore and industry, and non-profit organisations worldwide. She is a regular guest lecturer at several international business schools and universities.
Are you not a member of the Mentorship Program 2024 but would like to attend Candida Snow’s presentation? Send an email to events@swedishchamber.nl, and our Event Team will get back to you.
About the Swedish Chamber Mentorship Programme
The Mentorship Program was launched in October 2012. Since then, more than 100 young professionals in the Swedish Chamber have followed the program and benefited from their future personal and professional growth. The many Mentors have benefited from meeting the new generation leaders of the future and learning more about their insights and values. The Mentorship Program is made possible by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with AIMS International Netherlands B.V., a member of AIMS International. Read more here.
A sincere thank you for joining The Young Professionals Season kick-off last week! We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Strand-Zuid for hosting us at their amazing outdoor venue, and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for providing us with drinks and snacks.
We were grateful to kick off this fall with such excitement and energy alongside all of you in the Young Professional community! It was fantastic to see both familiar and new faces coming together, sharing insights, and building valuable connections that set the tone for an exciting season ahead.
Watch the video recap here!
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming business event, Young Professionals meets Handelsbanken CEO & Young Professionals, on October 30. Be sure to secure your spot!
The Swedish Chamber’s Young Professionals would like to thank everyone who participated in the Spring Season’s Final at Waterkant in Amsterdam. As always, it is great to see new connections being made and to come together to share experiences within the Swedish-Dutch network, inspire each other, and have fun!
This was the last event of the spring season. The Young Professionals Team would like to express our warm appreciation for the great commitment, thoughtful discussions, and knowledge shared by our YP members this past year and last but not least, our important partners and sponsors!
After the summer, the new Young Professionals team looks forward to meet you at the Season Kick-Off After Work on September 5. We wish you a wonderful summer until we see you again in September!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Moving beyond the WHY, this is HOW
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Swedish Chamber’s insightful Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast, hosted by KPMG Meijburg & Co. at its stunning Amstelveen headquarters.
“What matters needs to be measured,” said keynote speaker Ingrid Tappin, Founder and CEO of Diverse Leaders in Tech, as she explained the importance of collecting data in an organisation to move forward with a diversity and inclusion strategy. Ingrid also led an interactive workshop with table discussions to exchange knowledge on the topics.
Another highlight was hearing from Montae & Partners, where Victor Steenbakker, Senior Consultant Commercial Lead and Anne Smits, Reward Specialist, shared their work about the Gender and Equal Pay Gap. It was also very insightful to hear Marco Frikkee, Partner Sustainability Reporting at KPMG Nederland, give a presentation on sustainability reporting. We also thank Armanda Willems from Lime Technologies for the excellent moderating!
Thank you to KPMG Meijburg & Co. and Jan Hollemans for hosting this impactful event!
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER:
Ingrid Tappin
Founder and CEO of Diverse Leaders in Tech
“I believe that every individual has a part to play in shaping the future. Whether it’s in the workplace or in society at large, we all have a responsibility and a right to use our talents for good. It’s not enough to simply recognise the need for change; we must also take action to make it happen.”
Photo Credits: Fred Tigelaar
SPEAKERS:
- Victor Steenbakker, Senior Consultant Commercial Lead at Montae & Partners
- Anne Smits, Reward Specialist at Montae & Partners
- Marco Frikkee, Partner Sustainability Reporting at KPMG Nederland
- Moderator: Armanda Willems, Country Manager at Lime Technologies the Netherlands
DOING DEI RIGHT IS CRUCIAL FOR…
…Attracting and retaining the best talent
…Leading high-performing teams
…Creativity, innovation and problem-solving
…Scaling products to new markets
…Complying to new ESG regulations
…Developing responsible technology like AI
And so much more!
But DEI is not easy. Let’s be honest, DEI is hard work and comes with more complexity than most business capabilities do. And it is with that business lens, that Ingrid Tappin will shed light on how leaders can deal with these complexities and will offer a framework that can help companies amplify their DEI efforts and reap the benefits.
DOE THE DIVERSE LEADERS IN TECH: DEI-SCAN HERE:
Please complete this innovative pre-event survey to DEI-Scan your business and ensure a fruitful session.
- It will take less than 15 minutes
- It gives insights into what DEI areas make a real business impact
- Participants will receive their personalized results and action points
ABOUT DIVERSE LEADERS IN TECH
Spinning out of Techleap, Diverse Leaders in Tech is officially an independent social impact venture. With Constantijn van Oranje and Gillian Tans as founding partners, Diverse Leaders in Tech continues its mission to set the standard for DEI Excellence in European Tech. The DEI-Scan is a practical way of making this happen. We have taken care of any privacy concerns you may have. Find more information here.
The event is powered by
ABOUT THE SWEDISH CHAMBER DIVERSITY & INCLUSION BREAKFASTS
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce, together with its Diversity & Inclusion Committee, aim to provide a series of Diversity & Inclusion Breakfasts to discuss strategies with a focus on new perspectives of D&I, share real cases and research, and support you with concrete tools to increase and develop D&I within your organization. For more information about the Swedish Chamber of Commerce D&I Program and the D&I Committee, here or send an email to events@swedishchamber.nl
ABOUT THE SWEDISH CHAMBER TECH TABLES
Tech Tables is a platform for Swedish-Dutch tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to meet, learn, and discuss. At the Swedish Chamber Tech Tables, we aim to celebrate the latest in technology and discuss the latest trends, whether artificial intelligence, blockchain, or virtual reality. Click here to learn more about the Swedish Chamber Tech Tables series, or email events@swedishchamber.nl to hear more.
