Giel Kerkhofs: “I want to wake up every morning feeling that I’m going to make a difference that day”

Landing your first job, applying for a team lead position less than a year later, and actually getting it. It takes ambition, confidence and talent. But it also takes an employer willing to recognise potential and give people the opportunity to grow.For Giel Kerkhofs, Encon was exactly that employer.

Today, Giel has been leading the Wind team within Encon’s Renewable Energy department for nearly two years. Together with his colleagues, he helps develop wind energy projects tailored to each customer’s needs. “Our clients are mainly energy producers,” Giel explains, “but we’re increasingly supporting companies that want to generate their own renewable energy by installing a wind turbine on-site.” The team guides customers throughout the entire process, from the first feasibility assessment to the turbine’s construction. “We evaluate the project’s viability, take care of the permitting process, organise tenders with manufacturing partners and oversee the construction phase,” he says.

It’s a role that combines technical expertise with legal, strategic, organisational and communication skills. It even extends beyond project work itself. “We actively participate in industry associations and closely monitor developments in the market so we can continue providing the best possible advice to our customers.” Encon’s purpose is simple: Together, let’s make growth sustainable. So what does that look like in practice? We spoke with Giel about the role teamwork, growth and sustainability play in his day-to-day work.

Together

As Team Lead, Giel is responsible not only for the projects his team delivers, but also for the growth and development of the people within it.

“What I enjoy most about my role is helping people develop,” he says. “Whether it’s during one-to-one conversations, while supporting them on projects or by giving direct feedback, I’m constantly coaching and guiding colleagues in their professional growth.” Being available for his team is a key part of that responsibility. “When someone runs into challenges, I’m there to help. I try to take care of the peripheral issues so that everyone can focus on doing their best work.” One of the things Giel values most about working at Encon is the freedom he has to shape his own role. “I’m encouraged to focus on the things that give me energy. There’s a clear framework, but within that framework I’m given a lot of autonomy as a team lead. In a company with so many engineers, I initially expected things to be much more structured and prescriptive.” That freedom, however, never means being left to figure things out on your own. “Quite the opposite,” Giel says. “I receive a tremendous amount of support from both my manager and the other team leads. It’s a close-knit group with a strong sense of camaraderie, and people communicate openly and honestly with one another.” He experienced that culture from the very beginning. “Even during my internship, I felt supported. I learned an incredible amount from day one, and that support helped me develop important skills such as communication.”

When asked what makes an ideal colleague, teamwork is the first quality that comes to mind. “Sustainability is a fast-moving sector. Things change constantly, so it’s important that people are willing to help other teams when needed and can adapt quickly to changing circumstances.” Equally important, according to Giel, is having a growth mindset. “Technical skills are secondary,” he says — a statement that may sound surprising coming from an aerospace engineer. “You can learn and refine those skills here. What really matters is being eager to learn, staying open-minded and embracing change. In a market that evolves this quickly, flexibility and a willingness to grow are essential.”

And there is one final requirement. “A good sense of humour definitely helps,” he laughs. “And a healthy dose of competitiveness doesn’t hurt either. You’ll notice that during our annual team-building events.” Innovation is another key part of the job. “Wind energy is a highly technical field that is constantly evolving. For us, innovation means proactively finding new solutions for our customers. During the energy crisis, for example, we introduced medium-sized wind turbines, allowing smaller businesses to benefit from wind energy as well. Developing those kinds of solutions is very much a team effort.”

Growth

The way Giel approaches his role reflects his own mindset. Growth has always been one of his biggest drivers. “I’ve always been eager to develop myself,” he says. “In many different areas, but especially when it comes to communication skills.” That was already one of his goals when he joined Encon, and it’s something he has continued to work on ever since. “Because I’m in contact with clients on a daily basis, I’ve been able to develop those skills very quickly. Encon operates in a dynamic market with relatively small teams, which means you’re given responsibility and opportunities from an early stage.”

According to Giel, development at Encon goes far beyond soft skills. Employees are encouraged to broaden both their personal and technical expertise. “For example, I’ve received training in financial management. My background is in wind energy design, where finance wasn’t really a focus. In my current role, however, it’s an essential skill.” At Encon, personal growth is considered just as important as professional development. “That’s the only way people can continue to perform at their best and stay motivated,” Giel explains. “One of the most valuable things I learned through an MIT course was how to set personal goals. Where do I want to be in six months’ time, both professionally and personally? What am I doing today to get there? Am I still on track?”

He believes the close involvement of HR plays an important role in creating that culture of growth. “Every two weeks, we discuss people’s development, and as team leads we’re challenged to actively support that process. There’s a strong sense of trust here. People feel comfortable sharing their challenges and vulnerabilities, knowing that openness is never used against them.”

Sustainable

Freedom. Growth. Meaningful work. Throughout our conversation, Giel has highlighted several things that matter to him in a career. Yet the most important one only comes at the very end. “I wanted a job where I could make an impact,” he says. “I want to wake up every morning knowing that what I do contributes to something bigger. At Encon, that impact is tangible. You can actually see the difference you’re making.” For someone working in renewable energy, the results are often easy to measure. “Take a wind turbine, for example. From the moment it starts operating, it prevents thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year. That’s a very concrete impact.” Sustainability has been an important theme for Giel for quite some time.

“I think my generation is generally more aware of sustainability issues. For me, that interest really grew during my studies, when I chose Sustainable Electrical Systems as my minor. When it came time to look for a job, I deliberately chose a company that puts sustainability at the heart of what it does — and that approaches the future with optimism rather than doom-and-gloom scenarios.” For Giel, sustainability is not only about the environment. It also applies to the way people work. “During my studies, I had convinced myself that working 70 or 80 hours a week was normal. Encon gave me a completely different perspective on that. Here, sustainable performance is taken seriously.”

These days, he consciously creates space for a healthier balance between work and personal life. “I try to work from home one day a week. It may sound like a small thing, but it helps me disconnect more easily and enjoy my evenings and weekends. In the long run, that makes a huge difference.”

Looking for a job where you can make an impact?

Join us and help build a more sustainable future.