Introduction

Claudia Stolk has a long and successful professional history in the maritime industry.

During the restructuring of the sector, she made a major shift to the energy industry by joining Rotterdam Partners as a business manager. Claudia is determined about creating impact in our future. 

From maritime to energy transition

After having worked in the maritime industry in Rotterdam in various commercial and management roles, I was given the opportunity to explore the world of international promotion and investment. With the maritime industry going through many mergers, take overs and re-organizations, I felt it was time to get out of that industry and try something completely new. Within a few weeks Rotterdam Partners, the promotion and marketing organization for the city of Rotterdam, came on my path and I was given the opportunity to start in the role of business manager for the energy sector in the international trade & investment team. 

Time for change

Before I made my career shift, I was working in the container carrier sector.

I had management role for many years, and I started to miss being in the field. I was eager to explore new topics and get on track again to work on my own development. Therefore, I knew it was the time to change! It was not a piece of cake, though. I had to build my network and learn new topics, but I made it! 

Power of network 

I personally grew up with the notion of hard working: do your best and you will get there, invest and you will be rewarded!

However, in my professional life I have learned that you don’t ALWAYS get what you want simply by working hard for it. The famous saying “It’s not about what you know, but who you know.” Has proven itself correct on a few occasions in my career. 

Being part of a change

Working towards energy transition has made me driven and eager to play a role in our future. I would like to contribute to the energy transition of not only the city of Rotterdam, but also our country. It is a very important time in history, and it is exciting to be part of such big change. I would like to continue to learn and develop myself and while doing it assist and support others.

Gender balance

It is great that people are spreading the word about the importance of gender-balance and diversity.

Although I believe we do not create gender balance and diversity by focusing too much on one gender. You are not supposed to convince people that you are capable, you just have to do the job and show it!

What attracts me to this community is not that we are all female professionals. It is about the goals, the people, and the possibility to support each other, learn from each other and share experiences. As women we can do a lot if we come together, bring each other forward and grow all together. This community creates a secure environment simply because we all feel equal and share common sense of the context, making the energy transition work.