What five near-finalists learn from the Young Captain Program jury round
“The value is in the experience”
They were in the last eight of the 2024 Young Captain Award: Pieter-Jan, Maartje, Tim, Pieter and Kester. They barely made it to the final round, but look back on their participation with a remarkable amount of pride, insight and energy. They see their performance in this round not as a consolation prize, but as an experience they will remember for a long time — and that further deepens their leadership. Five stories, intertwined into one. The questions are the same for everyone — but the answers show how unique leadership is.
What did it do to you to be in the last eight?
A question that evokes feelings of pride and joy in all five. A moment with practical consequences.
“I mostly felt surprised and proud,” says Kester Smits (Tetra Pak). “During the two-day Young Captain Program in Garderen, I worked intensively with a group of ambitious and competent professionals. To be selected from such a strong group as one of the last eight felt like a nice appreciation.”
Tim van Amstel (E.ON) says it clearly: “I had a big smile. And right away, I started to philosophize about what would be the next challenging step.” For Pieter-Jan Lommerse (NN Group), it felt like reinforcing his vision of leadership: “A great recognition of the type of leadership I stand for.” Maartje Brans (Alliander) describes it as an extension of a special trip: “After the two days, I didn't want it to end. The process got me thinking about who I am, what I stand for and how I use that in my leadership.”
Pieter Smeets (de Volksbank) was so enthusiastic that he literally changed his vacation: “I shortened a week away with my wife to attend the jury interviews. And I really don't do that anytime soon.”
How do you look back on the discussions with the jury?
All five agree: the discussions with the judges were intense, profound and surprisingly personal. “I thought: this is my chance to talk to top executives about social themes and strategic challenges,” says Kester. “But the conversations were about myself for a long time. My motives, my ambitions. At one point, someone asked: “Do you have trouble being in the limelight?” That typified the conversation. They really wanted to know who I am.”
Maartje especially remembers the human side: “For me, it didn't feel like a jury interview, but like a real conversation with strong leaders about my leadership.” Pieter-Jan also saw how broad and current the discussions were: “In a few minutes, we made a bridge from social developments in America to the practice of our work in the Netherlands.”
Tim was challenged at the cutting edge. “The jury interviews were a test of peaks at the right time. 45 minutes with a jury like that: one wrong turn and you end up somewhere you don't want to be.” His most memorable moment? “When I enthusiastically elaborated about my work, Heleen Dura interrupted me: 'But who is Tim really? ' After that, my whole attitude changed. I calmed down, thought longer. That was a nice, confrontational moment.”
Pieter speaks with admiration about the jury's preparation: “They were well aware of what's going on at de Volksbank — also historic. They made a direct link to my leadership development. That led to relevant and personal discussions.”
What do you take away from those conversations?
Even months later, the lessons and insights from the jury interviews come back regularly — although in a different way for everyone. For Maartje, the impact lies in her worldview: “I've become more aware of the geopolitical context in which I work. And I often think about how I relate to that as a leader.”
Kester is more appreciative of his own career: “The feedback I received made me realize that I can be proud of what I've done so far. That has stimulated me to take more responsibility and to actively attract it to me.” Pieter feels empowered by future career choices: “The conversations about my motives and choices help me with important decisions that are coming up.”
Tim calls it a worthwhile rehearsal: “It felt like an extremely difficult job interview for a dream job.” Pieter-Jan is honest: “The feedback wasn't strange, but it's still valuable to see yourself mirrored by such a jury.”
Did you use the network afterwards?
After all: Young Captain won't stop after the jury round. After this phase, new encounters, inspiring conversations and sometimes even friendships arise. Pieter-Jan confirms that. For him, the ING CEO summit was a highlight: “A walking dinner at the Rijksmuseum, with a view of the Night Watch... and in such company — I didn't know that beforehand. Really unique.”
Young Captain Netherlands actively brings participants into contact with the network of alumni. Tim worked on networking, so to speak: “Young Captain introduced me to the Transformation Forums. I started to actively participate in this, especially in the field of energy. That's why I'm still meeting new people who inspire me.” Pieter looked for more information: “I had coffee with one of the judges to reflect on my career. And I'm still in touch with other participants.” Kester about his presence at the Young Captain Award final: “I loved experiencing Young Captain Netherlands's strong network there. It was inspiring to have an informal conversation with so many interesting people.” And Maartje? He found the most valuable contact within the group: “We are all in a similar life and career phase. That provides a lot of recognition and connection.”
What would you say to people who are considering signing up?
The reactions are unanimously enthusiastic — but each with their own accent. Tim: “If you have the ambition to grow to the top, this is the place to test yourself, grow and meet like-minded people.” Pieter-Jan keeps it short and sweet: “A unique experience in a unique company.” Pieter summarizes it in one word: “comprehensive. It's about content and leadership, about vision and network. My expectations have been exceeded.” Maartje insists on the value of the process: “The journey is more important than the destination. No matter how far you get, the value is in the experience.” And Kester concludes with: “Just do it! You grow as a professional and as a person. Your manager gets a more confident colleague in return.”
Not a finalist? Won though
You don't have to reach the finals to win. These five leaders show that the real profit lies in what you learn, who you meet and how you grow. The Young Captain Award isn't a competition for a title — it's a stepping stone for those who want to move forward. Also (right!) if you end up somewhere other than on stage along the way.
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Thanks to:
Pieter-Jan Lommerse, Senior Manager Product Management & Expertise, National Netherlands and Maartje Brans, Director of Innovation, Alliander
Tim van Amstel, CEO, E.ON One
Pieter Smeets, Director of Digital & Customer Interface, de Volksbank
Kester Smits, Business Development Benelux, Tetra Pak
