Kamar and Lisa: a golden duo
They haven't even been working together that long, but they already can’t do without each other. Kamar Larouz and Lisa de Ligt are jointly responsible for the secretarial support of the Board of Directors at Ballast Nedam.
Lisa started as an executive assistant to the Board of Directors in May 2021. Kamar actually applied for a different position but eventually became an executive assistant as well, for the same board.
How does that work exactly, Kamar?
‘In 2021, I applied for the management assistant position at one of the business units. During the interview, I had a great conversation with the former team leader. She felt the role of executive assistant suited me much better – and as the conversation went on, I actually started to feel the same, but Lisa had just started in the role at the time. A year later, I got a call that Ballast Nedam was expanding and looking for another executive assistant for the Board of Directors. That's how I ended up at Ballast Nedam in September 2022.’
‘In 2021, I applied for the management assistant position at one of the business units. During the interview, I had a great conversation with the former team leader. She felt the role of executive assistant suited me much better – and as the conversation went on, I actually started to feel the same, but Lisa had just started in the role at the time. A year later, I got a call that Ballast Nedam was expanding and looking for another executive assistant for the Board of Directors. That's how I ended up at Ballast Nedam in September 2022.’
Lisa, how did you feel about suddenly having a close colleague?
‘It felt familiar right away. And I was really happy with the extra set of hands because on my own, it was really too much – especially because I started working less after my maternity leave. With Kamar’s arrival, the work-life balance is much better. We share a room and work together on Tuesdays and Thursdays; on Mondays, I’m on my own, and on Wednesdays and Fridays, Kamar is on her own. So there’s always someone in the office.’ Kamar adds, ‘If one of us is off or sick, the other picks up the work so it doesn’t pile up. It's great that we can rely on each other and that we’re so well attuned to each other.’
What does your working day look like?
Lisa: ‘That varies a lot and ranges from managing agendas, maintaining mailboxes, booking business trips and organising meetings to answering questions from colleagues. Sometimes they queue outside our room – for example, to chat or discuss who they should contact about a particular topic. The Board of Directors is often in meetings, so we try to think along with people and help them the best we can.’ Kamar adds, ‘Yes, that’s getting easier now that we’ve been around a little longer and also know the members of the Board of Directors better.’
‘It felt familiar right away. And I was really happy with the extra set of hands because on my own, it was really too much – especially because I started working less after my maternity leave. With Kamar’s arrival, the work-life balance is much better. We share a room and work together on Tuesdays and Thursdays; on Mondays, I’m on my own, and on Wednesdays and Fridays, Kamar is on her own. So there’s always someone in the office.’ Kamar adds, ‘If one of us is off or sick, the other picks up the work so it doesn’t pile up. It's great that we can rely on each other and that we’re so well attuned to each other.’
What does your working day look like?
Lisa: ‘That varies a lot and ranges from managing agendas, maintaining mailboxes, booking business trips and organising meetings to answering questions from colleagues. Sometimes they queue outside our room – for example, to chat or discuss who they should contact about a particular topic. The Board of Directors is often in meetings, so we try to think along with people and help them the best we can.’ Kamar adds, ‘Yes, that’s getting easier now that we’ve been around a little longer and also know the members of the Board of Directors better.’
Did you have any previous work experience in the construction sector?
Kamar: ‘I once worked for a construction company, but before that, I worked in facility services. So that was something completely different, although I did have a similar role.’ Lisa: ‘I hadn’t had any experience in the construction industry. I worked at Rabobank and Douwe Egberts for a long time, and then I lived in England with my family for three years. While there, I worked as an executive assistant to a CFO. When I returned, I applied for the executive assistant position after hearing about it through a friend who was already working at Ballast Nedam. After the first interview, I was immediately enthusiastic, especially because of the international aspect.’
So, are you in the right place here?
‘Yes, definitely. We have wonderful colleagues, the atmosphere is great, and our job is really varied. Every day is different, and every board member is different. As an executive assistant, you need to be flexible, stress-resistant and decisive,’ says Kamar. ‘Are we a golden duo? You’d have to ask the Board of Directors, but we definitely think so!’ laughs Lisa.
Kamar: ‘I once worked for a construction company, but before that, I worked in facility services. So that was something completely different, although I did have a similar role.’ Lisa: ‘I hadn’t had any experience in the construction industry. I worked at Rabobank and Douwe Egberts for a long time, and then I lived in England with my family for three years. While there, I worked as an executive assistant to a CFO. When I returned, I applied for the executive assistant position after hearing about it through a friend who was already working at Ballast Nedam. After the first interview, I was immediately enthusiastic, especially because of the international aspect.’
So, are you in the right place here?
‘Yes, definitely. We have wonderful colleagues, the atmosphere is great, and our job is really varied. Every day is different, and every board member is different. As an executive assistant, you need to be flexible, stress-resistant and decisive,’ says Kamar. ‘Are we a golden duo? You’d have to ask the Board of Directors, but we definitely think so!’ laughs Lisa.
Are you also interested in working at Ballast Nedam?
At Ballast Nedam, you can develop and become a little better every day. In the Netherlands and abroad. Together with almost 2,000 colleagues, we are committed to a future-proof living environment. Will you join our team to contribute to this?
