Marianne’s career spans the dynamic worlds of consultancy and finance, with a strong focus on change, people, and building meaningful connections. With a background in Business Administration and Change Management, she has worked at all four major Dutch banks—leading complex projects, managing international teams and fostering growth. Marianne is a Managing Consultant at Firm C and a Project Manager at ABN AMRO, overseeing the BCBS 239 Granular Reporting project.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I studied Business Administration and completed a master’s in Change Management in Groningen. During that time, I worked at a student bar, which gave me a nice balance between structure and spontaneity. That combination still shapes the way I work today.
After graduating, I moved to Amsterdam and joined Solid Professionals as a junior consultant. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I was curious and open to new experiences. Consulting turned out to be a great fit—I enjoy change, meeting new people and navigating complex environments.
What brought you to Firm C?
After a few years at Solid Professionals, I was ready for the next step. Firm C offered the opportunity to build and shape something again, which really appealed to me.
What’s a project you’re especially proud of?
One highlight was at Rabobank, where I led a 25-person international project team in the modeling department. It was my first full project management role, during COVID, and the subject was completely new to me. Despite the remote setting and high expectations, we built strong collaboration and delivered real results—definitely a milestone for me.
Another project that stands out was at ING, where I had to transfer the work from Amsterdam to a team in Manila. We couldn’t travel due to COVID but seeing them succeed on their own was a proud moment. That experience also deepened my passion for facilitation and project work.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’m really into sports, especially skiing. I love being outdoors and active, then relaxing with friends afterwards. I also play 5-a-side football in Amsterdam and recently started tennis lessons. I use ClassPass too—trying different workouts keeps it fun and varied.
What do you enjoy—and question—about working in finance?
Finance is complex, which keeps me curious. I enjoy the challenge of not having all the answers and navigating both systems and people. But sometimes I wonder about the sector’s broader impact. With so much talent in one place, I think we have the potential to drive more meaningful change.
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
I don’t believe in rigid long-term plans. Every six months or so, I reflect and decide what I want next. Right now, I’m focused on growing into a role where I can create meaningful structures, support teams and shape strong HR processes.
What’s a typical workday like for you?
I’m not a morning person, so I ease into the day with meetings and check-ins. The rest of the day is filled with planning, improving our way of working and stakeholder management. A good day includes lunch outside and a workout before heading home—it helps me unwind and recharge.
What are your current goals at Firm C?
Now, I’m focused on my role as a manager. Leading more experienced consultants requires different conversations and leadership styles. I’m also working on improving our HR processes, ensuring that everyone feels supported in their growth.
How do you stay up to date with industry trends?
Every morning, I listen to the BNR News radio podcast while biking to work. It gives me a quick snapshot of both global and local news. I’d like to carve out more time to dive deeper into financial trends, but for now, it’s a great way to stay informed.
How do you experience working in diverse teams?
I love it. Different backgrounds always bring better ideas and richer discussions. At Rabobank, for example, I was one of only three Dutch people in a team of 25. I really enjoy getting to know what background a person has and what really motivates them. That diversity adds value to the overall results and makes working together more fun!