Sara Van Waelderen

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Sales leadership

Change management

I am a highly energetic and driven person who thrives on staying active and challenging myself, both physically and mentally. In my spare time, I enjoy sports such as CrossFit, kitesurfing, and long outdoor walks. Weekends are often spent outdoors with my family, but I also love reading and traveling. I have a strong interest in current affairs and I’m constantly inspired by writers and new perspectives.

Throughout my life and career, I have been motivated by people who combine ambition with authenticity. One of my key role models is Eddy Annys, my former mentor within the Randstad Group and still the holder of the European high jump record. His unique mix of elite sports performance and leadership in business has always been a powerful example to me.

My personal motto is: “Ain’t no mountain high enough.” I strongly believe that with the right mindset, resilience, and teamwork, people can achieve extraordinary things. Coaching others to build mental strength, embrace change, and grow through challenges is something I genuinely enjoy and value.

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to fail faster and learn quicker, and to let go of perfectionism—especially in leadership. This belief has shaped my mentoring style today.

Mentoring is something I do out of passion. Throughout my career, I have often taken on mentoring roles, especially supporting operational leaders. I continue to draw inspiration from multiple role models, both within the HR world and beyond, always staying open to learning and growth.