Following your own path and driving the water transition forward

During her business administration internship at a water tech investment fund, Margot discovered two things. First, that she finds water fascinating. “It’s the purest and simplest product you can imagine. At the same time, it’s a complex playing field, from households to industry.” Her second discovery: the power of combining sustainability and finance. “I just knew: that’s what I want to do. Making a positive impact on the world in that way became my guiding star.”

Margot quickly realized how crucial finance is to sustainable businesses and projects. “I wanted to learn more and broaden my development.” That’s when Rabobank entered the picture, and she started her journey in the Corporate Management Traineeship.

Focussing on relationships

Margot already had a soft spot for the bank. “As a kid, I wanted to become the director of the local Rabobank in our village. I was already fascinated by how money works, especially the opportunities it can create.” Rabobank’s focus on food & agri appealed to her as well. “Sure, there are also aspects of that sector I struggle with. But my mindset is: if you want to change something, ask yourself how you can be part of that change. I felt that sense of ownership and challenge right from the start.”

After her traineeship, Margot spent three years in Project Finance and another three years in Capital Markets, working on financing sustainable energy projects. “I learned a lot about the banking business, which was exactly what I was looking for. And with my focus on relationships and creativity, I balanced out the number-crunchers on the team. I loved going out to clients, telling our story and translating what we offer to fit their needs. Building connections, that’s my strength.”

Driving real change

After six years in client-oriented roles, Margot was ready to turn her focus inward. She seized the opportunity to become Head of Young Talent. “In that role, I worked with management teams to identify what kind of young talent they needed. At the same time, I developed my leadership skills and built a broad network, which I still benefit from today.”

She took those leadership skills into her next role as Global Head of Sustainable Capital Markets. Stepping into a senior position felt daunting at first, but the role also strongly appealed to her. “Sustainable finance was still relatively new and had both supporters and skeptics – inside the bank and among clients.” Margot saw the tension as a challenge. “That’s where I thrive. And I realized: this is where I can drive real change by helping the bank deliver more sustainable financing. So this new role was a big leap forward toward that guiding star.”

Back to water

Duurzame financieringen is een breed gebied. ‘Binnen mijn team ontstond de Sustainable finance is a broad field. “Within my team, there was a growing need for more focus and specialization. For example around water, a topic we see clients across the world struggling with. Water challenges take many forms: too little, too much, or too polluted. In the Netherlands too, water issues are on the rise. But at the same time, the Netherlands has tons of expertise and tech around water management, which opens up a lot of opportunities. So when Rabobank asked who wanted to launch a dedicated ‘water team’, I immediately raised my hand.”

And that’s how, about a year and a half ago, Margot took the lead of Rabo Water – a new team with an open mandate: exploring what role Rabobank can play in the water transition. “We’re building knowledge, experimenting with financing models, and most of all: connecting the right partners. Because that’s where we shine as a cooperative bank, and where I shine too. This role brings together everything I’ve developed over the years. And it’s about water. I’ve come full circle. How amazing is that?”

Just try it

So what’s Margot’s secret? “Having a guiding star. For me, the direction has always been clear at Rabobank: sustainability, finance, creating change – and ideally something with water. I kept asking myself: am I still on track, am I doing the right things that fit with me and where I want to go?”

She shares a favorite saying from her roots in the Twente region of the Netherlands: “Vaak ben je te bang” – or in other words: you’re often more afraid than you need to be." Just try it. I’m all about learning by doing – taking the plunge, swimming hard, and eventually coming up to the surface. For me, the common thread has always been taking on new challenges and working toward that next goal.”

“Rabobank really is a company of possibilities,” she adds. “I’ve always been given the space and trust to take big steps and follow my own path.” Her advice to young talent? “Realize that your career is yours to shape. Don’t just play it safe – take a leap now and then. Show that you’re open, don’t dig yourself in. You’re capable of more than you think.”