Big-picture vision with an eye for detail
Nicole Simons is an experienced implementation managers and an expert at optimizing processes. After completing her study in Biochemistry she made a surprising switch to the banking sector. At the ABN Amro bank, where she started as an account manager and worked for over ten years, she implemented many operational changes, predominantly in the customer contact center. She also took a course in personal development and effectiveness. In her years as an independent contractor, she’s fulfilled various roles in diverse organizations. All these experiences have given her a broad perspective, so that she can easily put herself in difficult situations and meet the client’s specific needs.
Customer-focused from the start
“I was born behind the counter,” Nicole says jokingly about her early youth. At a very young age she was helping the customers of her family’s pharmacy. These experiences shaped her, and instilled in her a genuine desire to satisfy customers. The client or customer always comes first for Nicole.
Open and goal-oriented
Nicole’s work distinguishes itself thanks to its open character and goal-oriented methodology. Nicole has a wide perspective and guides the change process step-by-step. Always curious and not easily satisfied, Nicole translates changes into the new status quo, together with the employees. Her motto is “if you can’t explain it in simple terms, it’s probably too complicated.” In other words: keep it simple. She communicates openly and directly, and encourages others to do the same.
Becoming the best version of yourself
By combining her experience as a coach with the methodology of practical implementation, Nicole embraces the principles of continuous improvement. By continuously switching between questions like “what’s the goal?”, “how can the work processes be smartly designed around this”, and “is everyone still involved?”, she experienced that even the most difficult implementation issues have a great chance of succeeding. This does assume that employees take responsibility and continue to optimize. The process of continuous improvement challenges people to being our the best in both themselves and the organization. This also goes for her personally. Learning every day in order to become the best version of yourself is a noble goal, in her eyes.
The common thread: it’s about people
Nicole wants to help organizations achieve their results smarter. Organizing smartly gives you more time to make real difference where it matters: by paying attention to customers and employees. In change and implementation projects, people and data are equally important, but they’re rarely given equal focus. Nicole is always looking for the right balance by directing the process, steering towards the end goal, and coaching behavior. Thanks to her open approach and by asking many questions, Nicole creates an atmosphere where employees feel invited to follow the change. This encourages them to work towards the best results, together.
Strength in numbers
As an independent entrepreneur, she started the Office Sharing Zuidpoort project: an office where self-employed people can work together in the same space. This has grown into a group of entrepreneurs from various sectors who share a space, so they can call on each other’s expertise and enjoy the social benefits of working with colleagues. This is where Nicole feels at home. She regularly organizes activities and workshops in the office building in Arnhem.
Meet Nicole
Feel free to contact Nicole for a conversation about process optimization or continuous improvement in your organization. What do you want to achieve? What’s the best approach? How can Nicole support you as an experienced Lean consultant? She’s eager to talk to you.
