Inspirational Story: Hanneke van Strik - A Journey of Resilience and Support with PWN Dublin

Hanneke Van Strik Dutch-born Hanneke van Strik is a Process Improvement Specialist at ESB, driven by a passion for enhancing systems, simplifying processes, and delivering better outcomes for all. Hanneke’s career began in hospitality, where she worked as an Operations Director with some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, which eventually brought her to Dublin. 

After a career break to accommodate family commitments, she realized that the 24/7 demands of hospitality weren't sustainable and was looking to re-direct her career into a different field.  During the 12-year career break, Hanneke stayed engaged in various freelance and volunteer roles to keep her business acumen sharp. Recognizing her love for event management, she decided that these skills could transition well into project management, which also would allow for subsequent career growth. 

She rejoined the corporate world in 2020 as a Project Management Officer at ESB, a corporate partner of PWN Dublin. ESB supported the transition well and Hanneke quickly found her niche in organising and supporting project managers and Leadership teams. From this role, she upskilled in Lean Competency and Continuous Improvement, and separately in Innovation and in Sustainability, and was promoted to ESB’s Operational Excellence division, working across multiple areas of the organization.

Finding Support through PWN Dublin

Returning to work after an extended break, Hanneke recognized the importance of finding resources to help her navigate the transition. Unlike the early days of her career, when return-to-work programs were scarce, she noticed a growing number of support networks available. As a working mother with other commitments, she sought out a community that understood the unique challenges of balancing professional and personal life.

Hanneke discovered that ESB had a corporate partnership with PWN Dublin, and she quickly became involved with the organization. The timing coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which added complexity to networking. However, PWN Dublin’s shift to virtual events allowed Hanneke to participate in engaging online sessions, creating meaningful connections during an otherwise isolating time.

A turning point for Hanneke was joining PWN Dublin’s Group Mentoring Programme. She found the group setting less intimidating than one-on-one sessions and appreciated the opportunity to engage with a diverse mix of women. The program provided her with a safe space to rediscover her strengths and rebuild her career with confidence. For Hanneke, it wasn’t just about professional development; it was about connecting with others who truly saw and valued each other for who they are, both personally and professionally.

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman Returner

In our conversation, Hanneke reflected on the frustrations many women returners face, particularly being treated as if they’re starting from scratch. While their skills may need updating, women returners bring a wealth of experience, and perspectives shaped by their time outside the corporate world.

She shared a poignant analogy: 

“Think of a skier who only skis twice a year. Each time, they may need an hour or so warming up on the easier slopes, but they don’t need to relearn how to ski. After some practice, they’re back on the challenging red slopes and maybe even beyond, enjoying what they’re capable of.” 

This perfectly illustrates the challenges women returners face and how, with the right support, they can quickly regain momentum and excel.

Hanneke credits her involvement with PWN Dublin for helping her navigate her journey back to work. By openly discussing her experiences and hearing from others in similar situations, she believes that organizations can better understand what it takes to attract and retain talent from this often-overlooked segment of the workforce. In her role in ESB, she actively supports the ERG initiatives and believes it is important to continue to enrich and evolve the way we embrace women in business. 

The Value of PWN Dublin

When asked if she would recommend joining PWN Dublin, Hanneke didn’t hesitate: “Yes! Absolutely!” She explained that PWN Dublin provides more than just encouragement; it fosters empathy and understanding and encourages the desire to advance your career. The group mentoring programme offers growth on both professional and personal levels for a diverse range of career profiles. She believes it’s this diversity of thought and experience that fosters deeper understanding and creates opportunities for growth.

“PWN is not just about building individual resilience,” Hanneke emphasized, “It’s about helping women thrive together and face obstacles collectively. Making a wide range of topics available for discussion in a natural and informal space creates an amazing forum to learn from each other. The PWN Group Mentoring programme provided me with a tool kit that is entirely mine to use, but we built it together. It has given me the capability and the confidence to take on the next step in my career, and I find myself looking forward to that.” 

Conclusion

Hanneke’s journey with PWN Dublin reflects the importance of finding a supportive community, especially for women returning to the workforce after a break. Through PWN Dublin, Hanneke has rediscovered her strengths, regained her confidence, and connected with a network that empowers women to thrive together. For anyone considering joining, Hanneke’s experience is a testament to the value of being part of a community that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Published: November 2024
Author: Rebecca Fountain, PWN Dublin