For this weeks people spotlight we're heading to The Netherlands to hear from Facilities Manager Sjoerd Donker.

Tell me about yourself and your current role.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music—everything from rock and roll to EDM and hip-hop. I’m also a passionate football fan and a big supporter of Ajax.

I grew up in a small town in the Netherlands and pursued a bachelor's degree in Facility Management after high school. After graduating, I briefly worked in a different industry but quickly realized that Facility Management was the right path for me. I joined Macro in 2022 as a Facilities Coordinator for a sports retail client in the Netherlands.

Due to some internal team changes, a Regional Manager role opened up. I applied and was given the opportunity to take on this leadership position early in my career—a challenge I’ve embraced with enthusiasm.

Describe a typical day in your work life.

No two days are the same in Facilities Management! Our local office is right next to our client's European headquarters, so we regularly interact with them in person.

My days typically include meetings with clients, vendors, and internal teams, ensuring smooth collaboration. On the maintenance side, we oversee annual planning and review reactive proposals, ensuring that our client can make informed decisions. We’re also heavily involved in opening and closing retail stores across EMEA, making our work dynamic and fast-paced.

How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Handling pressure is a team effort. No matter the situation, communication is key—talking things through and supporting one another makes all the difference.

We have a close-knit team, and we prioritize helping each other through challenges. At the end of the day, while work is important, the health and well-being of colleagues, friends, and family matter most.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

My mother and grandfather have had the biggest impact on me.

My mother is a strong, independent woman who inspired me to pursue an international career. My grandfather was always busy with projects and helping others, which instilled in me a passion for problem-solving and teamwork.

What led you to your current career path?

I’ve always seen myself as someone who connects people. In Facilities Management, you need to be a bridge between different teams, vendors, and clients. To make informed decisions, you rely on the input of others, making strong relationships essential.

This ability to bring people together is what drew me to the field.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I’d highlight two achievements—one personal and one professional.

Personally, I completed an internship in Bonaire (a Dutch Caribbean Island north of Venezuela). This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me a lot about hospitality and tourism, and was my first big step toward an international career.

Professionally, I’m proud of how I progressed quickly within Macro—starting as a Facilities Coordinator and stepping up to Regional Manager in a short time.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

Navigating cultural differences. Even when everyone speaks the same language, there are subtle differences in perception and expectations.

Working across multiple countries, I’ve learned that adapting your communication style is crucial. Understanding how to align stakeholders while respecting cultural differences has been one of my biggest learning experiences.

If you had a chance, what would you do differently?

I would have travelled more while I was still studying. Other than that, I have no major regrets—I’m still at the beginning of my career and see every experience, whether positive or negative, as an opportunity to learn and grow.

What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned?

1. Always take feedback seriously—it helps in both personal and professional growth.
2. Respect everyone—when you treat people with respect, you receive it in return.

What’s something about yourself that you want to improve?

I believe in continuous learning and always seek ways to improve.

I’d love to learn another language and deepen my expertise in people management and operations.

What do you want to do next?

My goal is to become a leader within an organization—someone who can empower teams and drive shared success. I see myself as a facilitator, and I want to develop my leadership skills to help motivate and inspire others.

What do you like about Macro?

Macro has a people-first culture, where employees feel valued and supported.

A great example is my own career growth—starting as a Facilities Coordinator and advancing to Regional Manager in a short time. I’m not sure this opportunity would have been possible elsewhere.

I also appreciate the genuine interest that people at Macro have in each other, regardless of job titles.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Macro?

The variety, flexibility, and people.

I appreciate the freedom to structure my day, the fast-paced environment, and—most importantly—the collaborative team culture.

How do you drive for a better way?

There’s always room for improvement.

1. Collaboration—working with others to find better solutions.
2. Speaking up—if something isn’t working, addressing it instead of staying silent.
3. Creative problem-solving—thinking outside the box to find innovative solutions for our clients.

What has been your proudest achievement at Macro so far?

My overall career progression.

The opportunities I’ve had at Macro are something I truly appreciate, and they will always be an important part of my professional journey.

What motivates you every day?

Building a bright future for myself, my girlfriend, and the people I care about.

I’m also motivated by my colleagues and clients—we push each other to do better, which makes the work exciting and fulfilling.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

1. Communication—Facilities Management is all about working with people.
2. Problem-solving—Every day presents new challenges.
3. Analytical thinking—Making informed decisions requires understanding and interpreting data.