Corona podcast Wouter Kolk
In this
podcast, entrepreneur and boardroom consultant Salem Samhoud speaks with Wouter
Kolk, CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia. In this podcast you will
learn more about the behaviour, feelings and thoughts of leaders during this
Corona crisis.
Read the 5 insights from the conversation with Wouter Kolk here in 5 minutes.
1. Heart-warming what is happening
Wouter Kolk
has had several moments of goose bumps lately: “Everyone knows very well what
he/she stands for. That he/she has an important role to play in society. That
we can really help.
Not only our customers who want something on the shelf, but we can help
colleagues, and other people to find work and foremost; we really do it
together. So, I have to say that from time to time it really gives me goose
bumps. ” Salem: “Have there been other goose bumps?” Wouter: “I
recently met a young man who had said to his father: “Dad I have to work a
little extra this week.” He works at Albert Heijn in Wageningen and he had
proudly said to his father: “Dad it is not just work, I am a very vital
part of society.” He also noticed his own role changing. And that made him
proud. And his father as well. And me. ”
2. Christmas every day
Salem feels
that the people at Ahold Delhaize work harder than ever. Wouter Kolk: “I also
have that feeling. Not only in the shops, but also at the distribution centres.
Of course it is now Christmas day after day. With a regular Christmas this is
fine, because you prepare for that for weeks and it only lasts 2 days, but now
of course it has been a while and we do not know where it will end. Everyone
works hard in the chain. Just as those people working from home, whom you would
expect to be
“on the couch”. They also work very hard because they have to ensure
that suppliers remain connected, that programs continue. And they also find
themselves in a strange situation where they are suddenly alone, without social
contacts. I actually notice that everyone is putting their best foot forward. ”
3. You really have to do it together
Salem: “I have the feeling that your shops are actually local heroes in society at the moment. Do you feel that way yourself? ” Kolk: “At least I see very beautiful things happening. I see it within Ahold Delhaize and beyond. People also seek contact in a different way. Suddenly everyone really has an eye for each other. I also like that very much. And I think everyone also realises very well that you really do it together. Only together with your team you can keep that store open, together with your team you can run the distribution centre, together with your team you can work with certain suppliers… So I think everyone is somehow very aware of it. ”
4. We have to watch out for each other
Salem: “What new customer behaviour are you currently seeing?” Wouter Kolk: “I see that customers are also simply anxious and afraid and they don’t know what to do.” According to Wouter Kolk, this sometimes leads to strange behaviour but also to very modest behaviour and helping each other. We applaud the caregivers and at the same time we see that people are stocking a lot of toilet paper for themselves. Kolk: “But I also see really beautiful new things happening. New creativity, funny things that happen on the shop floor, but also on social media, etc. I think we should just keep a close eye on each other, keep communicating well in any way. … Because we just really need each other. ” Salem: “What appeal do you have to society?” Wouter Kolk: “I think that is very clear. Just be nice to each other. This is not a time when you should think solely about yourself. Also think about your environment, think about each other. It is a terrible time, of course. Also for many people who are now out of work or are faced with even greater uncertainty. I think there are a lot of people who are really worried and let’s just be there for each other. ”
5. Take care of yourself
Salem:
“We are now entering a new week of the corona crisis, what is your advice
for the coming week?” Wouter Kolk: “Just take good care of yourself. I
think that the most important thing is that you keep fit, that you stay
healthy. Because we need you. In any case, all people within Ahold Delhaize, but
also beyond. I think it’s good to do your very best at work, but please take
good care of yourself.
