Marloes Kramer-Hammenga has been working as a senior consultant and trainer at WesselinkVanZijst since April 2025. With twenty years of expertise as a community relations manager and political experience, she knows better than anyone how to align interests—and why that’s always worth the investment. 

Hi Marloes, nice to speak with you. Are you happy at WesselinkVanZijst?

“Absolutely! I've known the organization for at least ten years and have always thought: when I grow up, I want to work there.”

Why the desire?

“Because I really want to work in a team where everyone is incredibly good at their job. And furthermore, I looked forward to working in an organization where I could utilize all my qualities as an environmental manager. Additionally, I really enjoy training to give. I now spend every hour of my workday on strategic environmental management and notice that my analyses and advice to clients are more complete. In my previous role, I didn't always have the opportunity to carry out strategic environmental management so thoroughly. Whereas clients specifically approach WvZ for that thoroughness.”

You are also a member of the Provincial Council for the province of Drenthe. Does your SOM expertise come in handy in politics?

“Yes, because in politics, too, I look for ways to connect interests. I always try to get a clear picture of the issues at play and who has what stake in them. If you have that insight, you have a good starting point for consultation and cooperation. What I find unfortunate is that in politics, and also in the media, there is often a focus on contradictions. That is contrary to the way I prefer to work. I am convinced that focusing on connecting interests contributes to finding solutions for the complex challenges in our society.”

What do you think is typical of WvZ?

“The issue-based approach, an approach I really believe in. For instance, I'm currently working with Water Board Friesland on a dike reinforcement project. You could think: we're dealing with the province, Rijkswaterstaat, and municipality X, so we need to talk to those parties. But it's much more useful to ask yourself: where is the tension in this process? What issues might arise? If you conduct a thorough analysis of that beforehand, you'll be faced with fewer surprises later on. You increase predictability. In this way, you can inform and advise the administrator about developments in a timely manner. And you'll know in good time that, for example, the nature conservation association also has interests. And the farmer who owns land there. The issue-based approach provides a realistic picture of what's going on and what's needed.”

How do people characterize you?

“What I often hear back is that I make contact easily. I recognize that. I respect people, regardless of the level at which they operate – nobody is more important to me than anyone else. A while back, I worked with a group of farmers. The province had asked them to contribute to the sustainable development of the area. Different stakeholders had to find a balance between agriculture, nature, and liveability. An incredibly interesting assignment, because how do you put the farmers”

What do you prefer to sink your teeth into?

“I prefer to work on societal challenges. This can be about anything: water, security, defense, rural areas. I would also like to work on social issues, such as poverty reduction and the reception of asylum seekers. That can be much more humane and fair. Next year I will work an extra day for WvZ. Then my term as a Member of the States will end and I will leave politics, as much as I regret it. But I've thought about it carefully and believe I can make the most societal impact in my work as an environmental consultant.”

Maybe you'll also get a little more free time.   

“Maybe then I can pick up my saxophone again. Or pick the strawberries in our vegetable garden before they wilt.”

And what do you make time for?

“Eating breakfast and dinner with my husband and our sons, aged 11 and 13. Starting the day together, even if it's just for fifteen minutes. And consciously disconnecting after a day of school and work. No work or phones at the table, but attention to each other. Friday evening is the highlight. Then we cook something more elaborate or make our own pizzas and ease into the weekend, chatting and enjoying ourselves. Wonderful!’

Will you have time to read too? Do you have any recommendations?

“Yes, wonderful! My first tip is ”Addicted to Being Right" by philosopher Lammert Kamphuis. He advocates for flexibility in our thinking, for reasoning less from our own bubble. Because that bubble prevents you from being open to others. The second recommendation is "Embrace the Chaos" by transition expert Jan Rotmans. His long-term perspective on transition is so important in a world where time and money seem to be the most urgent matters. We need to reflect more often on the question: what is the impact of what we are doing now on the future?”

We haven't even talked about what your workday looks like yet...

“So that starts with the family breakfast. Then I get in the car or train to a client or to the office. Fridays are office days at WvZ. It's nice to see all colleagues then and to think about our work together. And it's also a very fun day! In the car on the way home, I often call colleagues or listen to a podcast, about the news or politics. Or one from my colleagues. Highly recommend it!”

Working at WesselinkVanZijst
We are always looking for driven professionals to join our team. You will help our clients with issues that have a significant social impact. Want to know more? Email us at info@wesselinkvanzijst.nl or get acquainted with one of eleven people.

Senior consultant

Marloes Kramer-Hammenga