Martine Mertens
Project Manager
"I didn't stop learning ever since."
When did you start at Capgemini?
"That was nine years ago. I started with Capgemini in 1997 as a senior consultant. I had a previous working experience
at Euroclear, where I mainly learned about the financial markets. I started working on securities settlement, custody
and finally ended up doing business analysis. Then I left for the consultancy business. I wanted to learn and find more
variety in my job. Guess what, I found it!"
What was your first project as a consultant?
"My first project was a typical change management project. We were dealing with how people react on change. Later on,
I got the opportunity to take the lead in a project. Since then, I have been doing project management on a regular
basis. However, this does not mean that my learning curve has stopped. In 2005 I led a package implementation that
demanded a different approach. And in 2006 I have been working for the federal government. A completely different
setting and a different way of working, but a great experience."
How would you describe the Capgemini culture?
"As a culture in which I feel at ease. There's openness in the communication between colleagues, I get a lot of freedom
to do the things I like and I have all the opportunities to further develop my knowledge, competencies and skills. At
Capgemini there is a lot of team spirit, collaboration and support from management to develop your career. Not a lot of
companies can state that about themselves."
Now you are a senior manager, how did you evolve towards this level?
"If I compare myself with the person I was nine years ago, I can see an increased level of emotional intelligence. As
project leader, I am able to go into discussions with clients and make sure that we both come out of it in a positive,
enriched way. On the other hand, you need to draw the line from time to time and make sure that the project stays under
control. Firm decision taking is part of the job. As I take up the role of people manager at Capgemini, I also further
developed my soft skills."
How do you perceive the younger generation of consultants?
"I like to see them grow in their consultancy roles and make sure they can develop professionally. Bringing the best out
of people makes me happy. I am convinced that if people find a job that is fascinating and challenging, and if they can
work in a team that is motivating them, then we have found the key to success. At Capgemini we like to provide our consultants
with new challenges on a regular basis. That's the way how our consultants can grow and Capgemini as a whole."