Paulien Hu

“That career change was a huge decision”

• What’s next

  “I was an auditor for 18 years. I made it to directorship, and was looking at further promotion. My career was moving fast and I loved it, especially my own development by continuously challenging myself. It’s what kept me going to the next level. I always thought, ‘Oh, this is nice, but what’s next?’.”

• A big step

  Then Paulien started to re-evaluate her career direction. “I realised I wasn’t completely happy with what I was doing, even though it looked nice on paper. My next step would have been partnership, but I only loved part of what I was doing: leading my teams and the interaction with clients.”

  This led to a big decision. “I decided to quit. It was a huge moment, because I didn’t know what was coming next. I was far outside my comfort zone, maybe a bit nervous, but it felt pretty amazing to take the risk.”

• New horizons

  After taking this step into the unknown, Paulien received a call about a gift wrap manufacturer that needed some help. “They told me their former CFO had left, and asked me to interview that very same day. I decided to help them on a temporary basis, but after a few months I was asked to stay permanently. I thought, ‘Well, I’m not finished here yet’ – in this creative and entrepreneurial environment at DG.”

• Dive in at the deep end

  Paulien likes to find success in unexpected places. “I just dive in at the deep end,” she says. “When I was young, my mother asked me if I wanted to play an instrument. I said, ‘I think I’ll go for the violin, because everybody says it’s so complicated’. I’ve always been up for taking a risk.” Paulien’s advice to up and coming entrepreneurs is to “believe in your own strength, it’ll get you to where you want to be.”

• Learn more

  Inspired by Paulien’s move to IG Design Group Europe? Learn about our Caring for people programme:
  https://sustainability.igdesigngroup.eu/people/