The domain landscape continues to evolve and, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Openprovider, is ready to lead this exciting new era for the industry. We sat down with Eline Verhek, Openprovider’s new Chief Operating Officer to talk about her background and how she views the future of Openprovider.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am originally from the Netherlands and am back living in Rotterdam after 20 years of living and working in Paramaribo, Suriname. My time in Suriname was an intensive and educational journey that I look back on with great pleasure and a warm heart, a period during which I adapted to a complex society and very multicultural environment.
In terms of my professional background, I spent approximately a decade in HRM functions and, during the past 20 years, I have worked in management operations (COO) functions with final responsibility for organizations on a local level. In previous roles, I was involved in Corporate Social Responsibility projects, something which is a real passion of mine. We were able to celebrate things such as Museum Night, Pride Month, and anti-plastic use initiatives. We also assisted young people in developing their digital skills, helping to set up the ZapLab and the introduction of the national typing competition. In addition to my work, I have been active in board roles for the ICT Association, Children’s Museum, and I am still an active board member for a platform that supports Surinamese students in their study success in Suriname or the Netherlands.
My passion is to work on a consistent, high-quality service in which employees gain ownership, and where they can develop themselves further professionally and personally. I am proud to have been able to contribute to the transformation and modernization of businesses while also overseeing development in the areas of work happiness, employee development, and sustainable business practices in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Your Openprovider story began several years ago – can you tell us about your previous experience with Openprovider and also about the new role you have just taken up?
From 2005 to 2010 I worked as Managing Director for Hosting Concepts in Suriname.
The mission that we set out and accomplished was to open an office for the support team in Paramaribo and to develop the internal organization to a more professional level. Openprovider was one of Hosting Concepts’ brands.
My role now within Openprovider is Integrator as part of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework. I am responsible for leadership, management, and accountability, removing barriers, developing the business plan, and special projects like CSR.
What kind of changes have you seen in Openprovider since you last worked with the company?
A lot! I’ve seen a lot of good changes. There is a strong international culture of working together and a system of work based on EOS with a structure to achieve goals. The growth in recent years means that everything operates in a much larger context with more clients, registrars, and collaborating partners. And, of course, with fully remote operations there are more than 100 team members working from home across more than 20 countries. The team is able to do so while maintaining a good atmosphere. This is a great, modern environment to be working in.
What excites you about being back at Openprovider?
I really appreciate being given the opportunity to contribute to the development of Openprovider and Procys, to help these organizations reach the next phase of further professionalization. I know where the organization has come from, and from my own experience, I understand the intention and mindset behind the years of development. Openprovider reaching 20 years is special – it has required a lot of courage, trust, perseverance, and quality across the entire organization to be able to get where it is today.
What people have had an impact on you as a person and professional?
I would say Gea Peper of the HappinessBureau. In 2018 she introduced and supported me on how to implement happiness at work in my previous company. The results were there for all to see: Alembo was MVO (26000) certified during the last four years and during the last two years it was the first company in Suriname to be recognized as a Great Place To Work (GPTW).
Can you tell us about a proud moment in your career?
Two moments immediately spring to mind:
1. The transcribing of one million (!) forms by 275 team members (10,000 hours) with a quality of 99% in the space of four weeks in addition to maintaining existing busy operations. It was a super big challenge due to the sheer volume of forms involved. The moment the last form was processed when the team member clicked ‘ENTER’ – that was a party moment. Such a relief – we did it!!
2. Being allowed to receive the Matie Award by Pride Suriname on behalf of Alembo in October 2023. The company had supported the LGBTQ community for years in a very active, visible, and fun way both internally and during Pride Month.
What things do you like to do to disconnect from work?
I like to be outdoors (diving, traveling, giving swimming lessons to young children), and being involved in social activities and projects.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a tech leadership position based on your own experiences?
I think that all professionals, whether in an expert or management role, should develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills so that they can take ownership and continue to grow. It’s also important to provide your people with the support and resources needed to develop their knowledge, to create a culture and mindset based on professionalism.
I believe that it’s important to gain good insight into your talents so that you can develop yourself from your authenticity. You will then work from your strength and it will continue to give you energy. People should dare to approach situations – no matter how new, no matter how complex – with the mindset that you may (must) make mistakes to learn from.
In Dutch there is a saying: “without friction no shine!”
Let’s shine!
