I've just resigned without having another job. You, my network, can help me!
I’ve made up my mind. 11,5 years with Alfa Laval and soon it will be over. A few weeks back I decided to resign. I have no other concrete job opportunity in front of me. This is scary and exciting at the same time.
I would love to ask you - my network - a favor, I’d be very thankful if you can share this post with my capabilities and interests within your network to explore eventual win-win opportunities with current vacancies out there.
Meanwhile I would like to stress that there is no reason to worry for any contact or account I’ve been involved with professionally, I’ll be available up till end of Augustus 2017. Alfa Laval will off course continue the support to you – on top of that the new organization in place will increase speed and support capabilities to you. More exciting developments are to come to help you further optimize your processes!
Leaving Alfa Laval was a difficult decision since I feel great gratitude for the past 11.5 years. A period where I’ve had the opportunity to develop myself, excel in sales, meet wonderful and inspiring people, travel globally and where I had a lot of fun. I’ve become the person I am for a big part thanks to Alfa Laval. However, discussions with neighbors and friends did make me realize that there is a lot of other exciting stuff going on out there. It was time to change, time for fresh air, time for a new ‘un-comfort’ zone, time to leave the golden cage. With about 30 more years of work to come, it’s definitely worth the try.
What some people call ‘brave!’, other call ‘stupid!’ - resigning without having another job - today feels very good, the idea of a white canvas in front of me gives me plenty of energy. The sky really can be the limit. I consider myself pretty loyal which made applying for other jobs difficult while working. When I was a student there was a graffiti tag near the place I was living showing: ‘Tame birds sing about freedom, wild birds fly.’ [Later on I found out this quote didn’t come from the squatters at the end of my street but from John Lennon.] I’ve been in the golden cage too long, I know I can fly and I’m convinced that I’m able to do far more tricks than whistling. Let’s find out!
I feel comfortable in a technical complex business environment where I’m looking for a leading commercial role with impact. I get really motivated by ‘No!’, ‘Not possible!, ‘Too difficult!’… People consider me innovative and often out-of-the-box. My expertise in terms of application knowledge is ranging from upstream (O&G Drilling, Production & Exploration) to downstream (Refinery – Petrochemical) over steel, (bio-)power, water and biofuel processes. In terms of products I’ve been involved in selling separation equipment and heat transfer solutions in a B2B environment (end customer, EPC, licensor)
The last few years I was managing a team and I’ve had the honor to guide them in their development, this gave me that much good energy and satisfaction that I consider leading a team as a big plus in the evaluation of a new role. This would be balanced against the size of the company, in a start-up environment I’m willing to be more involved in the business development side while growing (with) the company; ‘Reculer pour mieux sauter.’ (something like ‘To draw back in order to leap better’)
Ideally I’m responsible or at least involved in the sales strategy and business plan for the team, division,… Today I have very little experience with P/L responsibility, the new role would rather be a first step in that direction.
I consider myself too complex to fit in one box, still profile and personality tests gave following result.
MBTI: Varying between eNTP – eNFP
PSIU Mgmt Style Indicator: Innovator
Gallup Strengts Finder: Strategic-Long Term / Input / Ideation / Command / Significance
HBR Apr-May 2017 New Teamwork Science Article: Pioneer – Driver
More details on my career, studies and training are on my LinkedIN page.
I’m happy to explain in more detail what I’m looking for.
Thank you for your valuable share within your network.
Matthijs Rabaey
14th of June 2017