When you think of Pim Vinks, you see a man with an enormous passion for HR and IT. Born in Geldrop, he has earned his stripes in the world of people management and organisational science. But what really defines him is his entrepreneurial mindset and his drive to build bridges: between people, systems, and even national borders. Meet the director of Popay Netherlands, who brings together HR, IT and employees.
Pim, you know a lot about HR and IT; where does this combination come from?
“I studied Human Resources & Organisation, and my working life began at an organisation that focused on HR and IT. I was one of the first team members with an HR background, and I went out together with IT specialists to better understand clients with HR questions. I was allowed to come along to discover what the client really wanted. That’s where my role as a bridge-builder between HR and IT began. I got the chance to translate complex challenges into practical solutions.”
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Wonderful experience! And how did you end up at Popay?
“It was a leap into the deep end. I had never really thought about entrepreneurship, but the challenge appealed to me. At the time, Bert and Thierry asked me to lead the Dutch branch of Popay. It was an opportunity to build something new within an organisation that already had clients. That gave me confidence. Now, 14 years later, I look back with pride. I haven’t regretted it for a single moment.”
16 years is a long time; tell us briefly how the organisation has developed?
“We started small, with a strong focus on Oracle products. But we soon grew into a broader range of services. Now we offer much more. Our three pillars are HR transformation, system integration and software development. The Dutch market is very different from the one in Belgium or Africa, where Popay is also active. We have always charted our own course. That was exciting, but also incredibly enjoyable. By now, we work more and more closely together within the international organisation.”
How would you describe your role within Popay?
“I keep a lot of balls in the air. My days are a mix of operational work – helping clients and steering projects – and thinking about the growth of our company. Although I try to be less and less involved in the day-to-day operations, I simply find it too enjoyable to let go of that completely. At the same time, I work on the vision and structure of Popay: how do we make sure we keep growing, not only in the Netherlands, but also internationally?”
So anything is possible. What else characterises your way of working?
“Freedom and trust come first for me. I like to throw people into the deep end, but always with the assurance that there is somewhere they can turn to for help. With us, you are allowed to be yourself, make mistakes and grow. It’s about working together and learning from one another. And that applies not only internally, but also towards clients: we listen carefully, we are critical when we need to be, and we do everything we can to make complex matters as simple as possible.
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How would you describe the working atmosphere within your team?
“Very good. We spend so much time together that you really have to dare and be able to be yourself. That is essential. Everyone gets the space to simply try things out. When it comes to working hours and leave, I also give a lot of freedom. You coordinate it with the client and your colleagues, and beyond that you arrange it yourself. That trust works. It creates an open atmosphere in which we grow together, strengthen one another, and enjoy what we do.”
Sounds like a great place to work. What else gives you the most energy?
“Drawing-board sessions, absolutely. Working out an idea together with clients, being the architect of a solution, and figuring out how we can build it under the hood. That creative process gives me an enormous boost. What I really can’t stand? Injustice and distrust. We work with the best intentions, and when that is called into question, it hurts. Fortunately, that has happened only very rarely over the past 16 years.”
Ouch, thank goodness. What are you most proud of?
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have built. Some clients have been with us for more than 16 years, right from the start. That says something about our quality and the relationships we build. Many clients see our employees as their own colleagues, and that’s wonderful.”
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Finally, Pim, what is your ambition for Popay?
“I dream of a true unity: One Popay. Colleagues in the Netherlands, Belgium and the various African countries are working together more and more, but we still have steps to take. At the same time, we are working on our own growth, both in terms of team and structure. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a stronger international Popay, where trust and collaboration form the foundation.”