My oikos’ experience
I joined oikos Brussels at ICHEC Business school in 2002-2003 upon the recommendation of a fellow student. We were a small group of motivated students trying to change the mentalities in our “classic” Business school. Passionate about sustainable development and environment, I found in oikos a great platform to exchange ideas and organize events for our student community. I am thankful to Anne, Aude, and Sébastien for the great moments we spent together.
My best memory is the organization of a conference about ethical banking and microfinance including a fierce debate between academics, bankers and NGO members. My role was to contact the speakers and moderate the debate.
Today oikos Brussels counts many members and is more active than ever at ICHEC and beyond.
Connecting the past and the present
Over the last 8 years, I have been working at Triodos Bank as a Senior Relationship Manager and team leader. My job consists of structuring and managing sustainable loans for Healthcare and SME clients.
Triodos Bank only finances sustainable projects with a positive impact on society. I have the chance to work for a sustainable bank which is transparency and fully corresponds to my values. This is the job I was dreaming about when I was a student 15 years ago. And guess what… several colleagues are former oikos Brussels members.
My clients are active in the organic food industry, circular economy (including start-ups), hospital and elderly care sectors (Real Estate projects). Helping them to realize their projects is a great source of motivation.
Today there is much more consciousness about sustainable development and about the need for a transition. A lot of students and professionals have a personal interest and wish to contribute to SDGs.
I was invited by oikos members and ICHEC to testify in front of students and to represent Triodos Bank in several public and academic events. At the office, we also welcomed students for their thesis and training periods. These were enriching experiences.
A tribute to Muhammad Yunus
Peace Noble prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, father of Microcredit, is my source of inspiration.
I have admiration for his determination to transform finance in order to improve the lives of millions of people. Starting from zero with a simple idea: trust between people is the most important thing.
So my final words would be: trust yourself and others, follow your dreams and never give up.
