Insights and inspiration for project professionals

Tell us a bit about yourself, personally and professionally

I’m originally from the UK and have been living and working in Belgium for many years. My career has been rooted in the pharmaceutical and vaccines industry, where I’ve spent more than 25 years leading complex programs across R&D, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and market access. I’m passionate about patient-focused innovation and about building strong, collaborative teams that deliver meaningful impact.

Alongside my professional work, I’ve always been drawn to roles that allow me to support others, whether through mentoring, teaching, or community-building. That’s ultimately what led me to PMI Belgium and what has kept me engaged as a volunteer for nearly a decade.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in several volunteer roles: Associate Director of Academic & Educational Outreach, VDAB trainer, Mentor, and Content Lead for the PM Fair and PM Summit. Each role offered a different lens through which to support our community, yet all were united by a common theme: creating value for others.

What is your role in PMI Belgium or what volunteer opportunity/opportunities did you already complete?

Since around 2015, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to PMI Belgium in several different capacities, each offering a unique way to support our community.

• Associate Director of Academic & Educational Outreach
  In this role, I worked closely with universities and students to help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world project management practice. It was incredibly rewarding to see young professionals discover how structured project management could shape their careers.
• PM training content development & VDAB Trainer
  Supporting job seekers through VDAB allowed me to share practical project management skills with people looking to re-enter or reposition themselves in the job market. Their determination and resilience were inspiring, and it reminded me how empowering our discipline can be.
• Mentor
  Mentoring has been one of the most personally meaningful roles. Working one-on-one with professionals navigating their own challenges and ambitions created space for deep, honest conversations. I learned as much from my mentees as they did from me.
• Content Lead for PM Fair / PM Summit
  Curating content for PMI Belgium’s flagship events was a chance to bring people together around ideas that matter. From shaping themes to selecting speakers, it was a collaborative effort that highlighted the strength and diversity of our community.
• Election Committee, Chair
• WiPM Lead
  I am leading the community of practice for Women in Project Management. The community is hugely rewarding through the inspiring colleagues I meet. It’s a chance to share, empower, and learn from each other.

Across all these roles, I’ve met dedicated volunteers, passionate professionals, and inspiring leaders. It’s our volunteers who give their time generously and who make PMI Belgium the vibrant chapter it is.

What motivated you to become a volunteer?

My motivation has always been that we grow together when we invest in one another. Volunteering is value-driven work in its purest form; it’s not about titles or accolades. The reward is helping others. In doing so, I help myself to become more understanding and accepting.

What have you gained from volunteering?

Volunteering has enriched me in ways I didn’t fully anticipate when I first started.

• A sense of purpose through work that aligns with my values
• A broader network of professionals across industries and backgrounds
• New perspectives from collaborating with diverse teams
• Leadership and communication skills strengthened through hands-on experience
• A deep sense of community rooted in shared commitment and generosity

What surprised me most was how energising it is to work in an environment where people contribute purely because they enjoy using their skills to support our Chapter. The PMI Belgium Chapter has always been a welcoming space to form genuine connections. There has always been a sense of belonging.

Why would you recommend others to take on a volunteer role for PMI Belgium?

Volunteering with PMI Belgium offers something rare: the chance to grow professionally while contributing to a community that thrives on shared purpose. It’s an opportunity to stretch your skills, expand your network, and gain experience that complements your career.

Beyond professional benefits, volunteering is hugely rewarding. It’s very satisfying when you have helped run successful and energising events like the Benelux Summit of 2025.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m deeply grateful for the many volunteers I’ve worked with over the years. My colleagues brought passion, creativity, and commitment to their roles. PMI Belgium is a community built on generosity, and being part of that has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my professional life.

Volunteering has taught me that giving back is not a detour from one’s career; it is an accelerator. It sharpens skills, builds confidence, and opens doors in unexpected ways. More importantly, it reminds us that leadership is not defined by titles, but by contribution.

As I look back on nearly a decade of involvement with PMI Belgium, I am grateful for every role, every collaboration, and every moment of shared purpose. Volunteering has shaped who I am as a project professional, and I hope my journey encourages others to step forward, get involved, and experience the same sense of fulfilment.

I look forward to continuing to contribute, to learn, and to support the next generation of project professionals who will shape the future of our discipline. Because when we give back to our profession, we don’t just strengthen our community, we strengthen ourselves.