"Networker, coach and sparring partner, I had never found that in one person."
Voormalige CEO Vanden Broele Productions versneld ingewerkt
Februari 2020
The Vanden Broele Group in Bruges has maintained solid traditions since 1957. However, the world around it has not stood still. To create more added value, the company appointed a new CEO for the Productions department in early 2019. His lack of experience in the world of graphics was never an issue. It even provided a fresh look on things. Els quickly introduced him to the sector. "She really is" Something Els ". She is literally something Els, something special. Many business coaches mainly work numerically, but her emphasis is on the human touch. That is something few can do,” says Dieter Dumolin.
Over the years, Vanden Broele Productions evolved from a mere government authorised printing press to the multifunctional player of today. Printing and communication assignments form an important part of our activities, but the company is also the market leader in the production of marriage certificates in Belgium. There has also been an increased focus on digital archiving. Additionally, the Vanden Broele Group assists in organising elections in our country, offering both analogue (paper voting ballots, polling stations design) as digital solutions (software). "The digital world is changing the graphics world," says Dieter Dumolin. “Our focus today is on innovation in leather printing and scan jobs, and we are looking for added value in the printing business. Because I come from a completely different sector, it was important for me to be "up to date" as soon as possible with how the graphics sector is structured. So, this has been a genuine steep learning curve for me.”
Introduction to the graphic industry
"At the same time, I'm in the middle of a business transformation process. In order to create new momentum, I need someone who sees the path ahead and can show it to me. Els introduced me to the graphic world. Many people have a LinkedIn network, but fail to exploit its full potential. However, if you're walking around with Els at a trade fair or networking event, you shouldn't be surprised that you have to stop walking every three metres because she really knows everyone there". (laughs) "That's how she put me in touch with the appropriate people and, as an entrepreneur, I quickly got to know the competition. What's more, she does this in a very people-oriented way, which few can pull off. By bringing the right people with the right needs together, she makes everyone stronger. Actually, she's a great source of inspiration."
Mile-high view
“Els is also someone who quickly understands the DNA of a company and has a great deal of knowledge of the graphic sector. She quickly sees the risks and the opportunities and perceives trends that we don’t immediately pick up on ourselves or that cannot be found in professional literature. Which is worth its weight in gold for our company. Els, however, is not the person who will get lost in detail in order to turn around established processes. Her strength is her mile-high view. She has a strategic vision, and can also roll it out within the organisation, almost like a real "co-entrepreneur". She doesn’t need hierarchy or a position of power to achieve things, but she attaches great importance to a good atmosphere, and she has a very large EQ. She enjoys helping people find their direction and with gusto. Networker, coach and sparring partner, I had never found that in one person. Moreover, her approach is in line with the company values "we own": if you hand over something to her, it will be addressed and executed immediately. "
Making herself redundant
“In the beginning Els came over three full days a week. She currently works half a day and we have very regular telephone contact. In this way we continue to rapidly take great strides forward. Els is not someone who clings to an organisation. When the predetermined goals have been reached, she moves out of the way. But we will keep in touch anyway, because we keenly feel her added value. For me, Els is the vital connection between the outside world and the inside of our company. If I ever go for a complete change of career again, I would undoubtedly look for someone like Els again who can show me around the intricacies of the sector.”
Vanden Broele – Dieter Dumolin