Analyst, Dutch Greentech Fund, Rabobank Private Equity
What is the best thing you have learned from your McKinsey time? That is without a doubt how to develop relationships. As an engineer, I hardly ever really focused on these skills. I strongly believe that these skills are more valuable than extraordinary brain power. At McKinsey a larger part of the official and on the job training is about how to influence people, how to solve conflicts, how to make someone successful, and how to develop a good team.
If there’s one thing you would like to have done when you were at McKinsey, what would it be? A project in a developing country in the clean-tech or telecom industry. Since I volunteered in Kenya, I have a strong conviction that there are many business opportunities in developing countries. I would have liked to contribute my small part as a McKinsey consultant to realizing these opportunities.
What advice do you have for someone considering McKinsey? It is a unique opportunity to work for leading companies in many different industries. Together with the strong focus on relationshipl skills, McKinsey will provide you a wealth of knowledge and experiences. However, as an old Dutch saying goes: ‘A good start is half the work’. So really think about what makes you go that extra mile; being a management consultant at McKinsey is not really a nine to five job.
What do you do today? Currently I work for the Dutch Greentech Fund, a new early venture capital fund investing in green tech start-ups. The fund is a partnership of the Rabobank, World Wildlife Fund, Wageningen University, and Delft University of Technology. This job has the unique combination of entrepreneurship, technology and diversity.
Is your McKinsey background relevant for your current career? I am certain that having been a McKinsey consultant is one of key reasons I am where I am. It introduced me to an industry I became passionate about, the network to find my current opportunity, and the skills to become successful. Analyzing start-up companies is far more a strategic market analysis than a financial one (there are hardly any financials) and the key asset you invest in is the management of the company. Being able to discern good management from less good management is crucial.
Where do you want to be in 10 years from now? In Brazil! After leaving McKinsey, I took some time off to go surfing in Brazil. Besides that I love the people, the climate, and the natural beauty of Brazil. I also believe that the business opportunities there are amazing. The upcoming world cup (2014) and Olympic games will certainly provide a catalyst to the economic growth. Additionally Brazil has a huge amount of resources key for green technologies. My ambition is to start a similar fund as we are now managing, targeting start-ups in Brazil and other countries in South America.
Janneke left McKinsey as a fellow, and has an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering, Delft University.