Candidate of the month (03/2022): Iris Lentjes, HR Expertin

seniors@work: Iris, as HR manager and member of the management team in a whole series of well-known companies such as Livit (Uto Albis), MSC, Bombardier and Weka Business Media, you can look back on an impressive career. And long before you retired, you also worked independently as a leadership coach and HR consultant. Today, at 69, you are more active than ever. What is your secret?

Iris Lentjes: I really enjoy working with people, learning new things and being able to help shape change. There is no "expiration date" for this. It is a great feeling when my clients achieve their goals with my help and I notice that I am needed. It is particularly advantageous when you have extensive life experience when you coach managers.

seniors@work: What are the major differences between employment and self-employment?

Iris Lentjes: As a freelancer, I can organize my time relatively freely, which is a big plus. And I feel more valued than I did when I was an employee. This direct, positive feedback from my customers is an important motivator. Otherwise, I am and will remain a service provider.

seniors@work: It sounds like “serving” people is really a passion for you?

Iris Lentjes: You could say that! Up until now, only my first training had little to do with people. I am a trained reinforced concrete draftsman and already in the first year of my apprenticeship I felt that this was not a good fit for me. Because contact with people is incredibly important to me. After completing my apprenticeship, I immediately changed careers and concentrated on human resources. After various further training courses and lots of personal training, I then worked successfully as a human resources manager in several service companies. And for 20 years now I have been self-employed as a sparring partner for managers and as a human resources manager in an SME (at mandate level) - always close to people!

seniors@work: How much do you work at the moment and how long do you plan to remain professionally active?

Iris Lentjes: I currently work around 30 hours a week and enjoy both work and free time. Because I don't have to work, I want to work! I will continue as long as I am healthy and able to learn - and of course as long as the customers want me!

seniors@work: You were already self-employed long before seniors@work existed. What prompted you to register with us?

Iris Lentjes: The platform is a great offer and Alexis, the founder, is very committed. I think it is very important that people have the opportunity to take on exciting professional tasks after they retire.

seniors@work: Today is International Women's Day. Based on your professional experience, do you have any advice you would give to younger women?

Iris Lentjes: For me, it's always primarily about people, not so much about gender roles. For me, working together is key - not against each other! I can recommend to all younger women: If you want to lead, it has to come from the heart. Love people and don't bend yourself. And take yourself just as seriously as the others.