Two years ago, Laura was hired as an interim scrum master for the software team. Even as an external hire, she quickly became a key link in the team’s collaboration. When a permanent position later opened up, she didn’t hesitate; she wanted to stay and truly become part of Demcon.
Laura joined through her network; she knew the group leader who was managing the team at the time. As scrum master, her role was to bring structure, strengthen collaboration, and help the team grow. After successfully doing so, she continued her work with enthusiasm, supporting other teams across the organization.
When the colleague who had originally brought her in retired, a vacancy arose within the team itself. Because Laura had grown familiar with both the team and Demcon, this step felt like a natural one.
“As a scrum master I was already doing what I enjoyed: working with people, planning, and developing competencies. As a group leader, I can still do that, but now entirely in my own way. That freedom to shape your role in a way that truly fits you is something unique at Demcon.”
Her predecessor left sooner than expected, which meant that Laura had to find her own way at the start. Thanks to support from other group leaders, she quickly found her footing.
“We have 1,200 employees across the Netherlands, yet each BV feels like a small company, in the best possible way.” According to Laura, everyone at Demcon is given the level of responsibility that fits their role. “At other companies, I saw a lot of rules and a lot of top down directives. Here, we really look at how we can achieve a goal. Many ideas move from the bottom up. It doesn’t matter how you reach the finish line, as long as you communicate your ideas and approach well.”
When Laura talks about her role, she does so with infectious enthusiasm.
The great thing is: not everyone can create the solutions we create. My task is to determine what Demcon needs to realize complex software. I match the right people to the right project. And I find it important that colleagues not only fit well, but are also enthusiastic and can continue developing themselves.”
This year, Laura and her team are working on a complex system for the semicon industry.“What I enjoy most about this project is that we’ve been involved from the very beginning. We’re involved from mechanics to data science. Many disciplines within Demcon have to come together to make this possible. Now I get to see a large, diverse team working together with both joy and success, following the principles I set as a scrum master. That makes me incredibly proud as a group leader of all the individuals who form this team!”
What she enjoys most of all? Working on vision and strategy and guiding her colleagues along, step by step.
“There’s always something happening here, and we always do it together.”
