Candidate stories: Roxanne Kruijsman
Gepubliceerd op 01-06-2022
Roxanne is not afraid to take risks and proves that with her ambition and forward-thinking vision. As Head of Sales, she leads a team of six in a coaching capacity and aims to expand internationally in the near future, setting up and managing sales teams. In 2020, with the help of Women in Sales, she made the transition from an international telecom company to cybersecurity. We spoke with her about her experience.
You’ve been working at Eurofins for a while now. Can you tell us more about your role and the company?
“I started at Eurofins in cybersecurity on September 15, 2020. The best part of my job is its diversity. I’m involved in everything from sales strategy and organizational growth, working closely with marketing and operations, to expanding the sales team. The goal is to ensure the team’s success so we can reach new clients and markets, while maintaining excellent service for our existing customers. The role is diverse, which makes it very challenging, and I love that!”
“If you truly want something, you have to push through and not let anything hold you back. Turn fear into strength and just go for it! No excuses, just action!”
You're now the Head of Sales at Eurofins, but how did your career actually begin?
“My first job was in IT by coincidence, selling software licenses. I didn’t have any expectations going in, but a friend of mine was a recruiter and really needed someone for the role, so I decided to give it a try. I ended up working with an all-male team in inside sales. The job was much more enjoyable than I anticipated, and that’s how I continued in IT. At the time, I didn’t realize how uncommon and even unique it was to be a woman in the IT field!
Before my current role, I was an Account Director at CenturyLink (now Lumen), a global telecom company. I was responsible for 15 global accounts, supported by a team of five people, each with different specializations. Since I frequently encountered cybersecurity issues, I felt that transitioning into cybersecurity and moving into a leadership role was the right next step. Around that time, I connected with Women in Sales.”
How did the process with Women in Sales go for you?
“I remember it clearly. I was at CenturyLink’s office, constantly hearing customers talk about security solutions. It got me thinking, and that’s when I realized I wanted to explore this field further. At some point, I came across an ad on LinkedIn for Women in Sales, which I hadn’t heard of before. I found it interesting, looked at the vacancies, and decided to call them. I had an immediate conversation with Elles, and she initially mentioned Accenture. I don’t come from a Big Five consulting firm, which was seen as an obstacle by some there. Then Elles called me back with exciting news: she’d had a great conversation with a company she thought was perfect for me—Eurofins. And that’s how it all began.
What I really appreciate about Women in Sales, and this is something I noticed with Elles, is that she truly focuses on the person in front of her and can make the right match. She also looks further. If I had been looking for a specific role, Elles would carefully consider who I am and what I want. She is very candidate-focused. I felt like she really understood me, and I think the client saw that too. I appreciate her direct approach.”
This might sound cliché, but what does the future hold for you?
“I used to have my path mapped out—ideas like leading a certain number of people by a specific age. Now, I’m focused on excelling in this role and establishing myself. My goal is to ensure we achieve solid profits, because I believe success leads to more opportunities. What I would still love to do is work internationally. For example, if Eurofins wants to open an office in Brazil, I would love to be responsible for setting up a well-functioning office, with strong sales and operations. Ultimately, I’d like to be responsible for the global sales department.”