Tom Dalderup chose the MBA at Business School Netherlands (BSN) to elevate his leadership and make a real strategic impact. For him, it wasn’t just about gaining theoretical knowledge; the programme offered a unique opportunity to develop his skills and have them objectively assessed. Tom was looking for a programme that valued personal growth as much as academic depth, aiming to enact meaningful changes in his field.
A Rich Journey Full of Challenges and Inspiration
Choosing BSN turned out to be a perfect fit for Tom.
BSN stood out to me because of their focus on Action Learning, where practice and theory seamlessly align with my creative approach to complex challenges.
Thanks to this approach, Tom was able to apply his problem-solving skills directly in practice, achieving results that extended beyond the classroom.
Tom describes his time at BSN as an intense and enriching journey. Although the path was far from smooth, the challenges and moments of uncertainty perfectly matched his evolving needs at each stage of the study. These obstacles were crucial for his growth; they provided him space to learn from mistakes and continually adapt with new insights gained.
This dynamic helped me not only become stronger but also more flexible in my work.
Another powerful element in his education was the diversity within the MBA student group.
The interaction with my fellow MBA students, each from different backgrounds, was a huge source of inspiration and energy.
This exchange of experiences and perspectives not only enriched his knowledge but also motivated him to develop further and be open to different views and approaches.
One of the biggest surprises for Tom during his MBA was the versatility of the learning process. He discovered how to apply his creativity and problem-solving skills in entirely new ways.
It was refreshing to directly test my intuitive approach against theoretical models.
This combination led to decisions that were not only made faster but also more substantiated. The diversity of topics, from strategic government projects to technical AI innovations and staff development, offered Tom a wide spectrum of learning experiences.
Through these varied themes, I had the chance to develop different skills and apply them in various contexts.
The MBA programme also taught him the importance of flexible thinking and the crucial role of creativity, whether facing small or large challenges. These insights have significantly strengthened his ability to work effectively and strategically.
Action Learning: An Indispensable Method for Sustainable Solutions
For Tom, Action Learning has become an indispensable approach in his work as a consultant at Humanissimo. During his studies, this method helped him apply theoretical knowledge directly to concrete issues within organisations.
The power of Action Learning lies in the reflective process, where learning and improving take place in real-time.
This enabled him and his classmates to integrate the learned theories directly into their daily practice.
During the programme, Tom delved deeper into this approach and achieved certification as a Qualified Action Learning Coach (QALC). This qualification now allows him to effectively guide teams and organisations in solving complex issues using the Action Learning process.
In my work as a consultant, I regularly use this methodology to assist clients in analysing problems and implementing sustainable solutions that are both strategic and practically feasible.
Action Learning has not only strengthened his professional approach but also increased his impact within organisations.
Impactful Projects: Innovation and Efficiency for the Public Sector
During his MBA, Tom worked on a series of projects that tested and honed his leadership and change-management skills. One of his most impactful projects was at Rijkswaterstaat, where he optimised the publication process for the Open Government Act (OGA). By revising inefficient workflows and implementing new tools, he managed to make significant improvements.
Redesigning these processes gave me valuable insight into how small adjustments can yield significant efficiencies.
Another highlight was his work at the Dutch National Broadcasting Corporation, where he was involved in executing AI projects, as well as his efforts to establish privacy-by-design processes for a government agency. Tom also worked on strategic personnel planning for a municipality and on strengthening international cooperation between the Royal Dutch Touring Club and its European partners. These diverse experiences confirmed for Tom how crucial human-centered, technological, and procedural changes are for truly advancing organisations.
These projects have shown me that innovation should not only be technical but also procedural and people-oriented to be sustainably successful.
His project at Rijkswaterstaat made a deep impression and brought about significant improvements. By redesigning workflows and implementing effective management tools, he significantly shortened the processing times for OGA requests. This led to better transparency and strengthened collaboration between different departments.
A concrete result of this project was that the organisation now proactively deals with document publication.
This change had multiple benefits: it reduced legal risks and decreased the workload on involved departments. These results not only demonstrate the value of process optimisation but also how well-thought-out strategic interventions have a lasting impact on efficiency and internal collaboration within an organisation.
The methodologies and solutions Tom developed during his project at Rijkswaterstaat have the potential to add value to other government agencies, especially where transparency and workflow efficiency are central.
The success of the project at Rijkswaterstaat shows that a proactive approach to legislation not only helps meet legal obligations but also leads to structural improvements in work processes that can be applied on a larger scale.
These insights are not only useful for Rijkswaterstaat but also for other institutions facing similar challenges. By optimising workflows and building more transparency, government organisations not only work more efficiently but also promote a culture of proactivity and collaboration. Tom’s work thus offers a model that is broadly applicable within the public sector.
A New Path to Freedom and Meaningful Impact
Throughout his studies, Tom always reminded himself that this MBA was his “ticket to freedom.” The programme not only provided him with the knowledge and skills but also the objective confirmation of his professional level. This allows him to clearly demonstrate to clients the level at which he operates and assure them that they are working with an experienced professional.
This certainty not only gives more confidence to my clients but also gives me the freedom to chart my own course and choose projects that really suit me.
The new roles and opportunities Tom Dalderup has gained are a direct outcome of his MBA and have significantly enriched his professional path. With the knowledge gained and extensive network, he can now make a broader impact across various organisations and sectors.
My MBA has given me the opportunity to contribute on various levels, not only as a consultant but also as a mentor and speaker.
This versatility in his work offers him the chance to apply his strategic insights and leadership skills in a meaningful way.
Deep Growth Through Self-Reflection and Strategic Insight
Tom’s MBA experience has had a profound impact on both his personal and professional development. Personally, the journey has significantly strengthened his ability for self-reflection and analytical thinking, which helps him face complex situations with more confidence and flexibility.
The MBA has taught me to critically evaluate myself and approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
Professionally, the MBA has made him much more strategic in his approach. He finds that he is increasingly asked to address strategic issues within organisations, involving complex challenges that require deep insight into both the business operations and the broader context in which these organisations operate.
Thanks to my MBA, I am better equipped to contribute to strategic decision-making and support organisations in navigating complex problems.
This shift towards strategic work confirms the impact of his MBA education and the value he now adds to organisations at a higher level.
Would you also like to experience the impact that Action Learning has on your way of thinking and acting, and would you like to get to know our MBA? Join one of our Information Sessions, or speak to our Programme Advisor and discover if this programme is right for you.
