In his role as commercial director of the applied research institute Alterra (part of WageningenUR), Chris hired 5 young business innovators. Being a research organisation, it was common to hire only experts with high scientific qualifications. Chris, however, took up the challenge with the HR department to step away from this traditional approach.

A recruiting campaign was initiated, asking for specific and ‘outgoing’ competences instead of publication ratings and PhD degrees. Young people with good communication skills, creativity, commercial, client focussed and driven by cooperation were encouraged to apply. Over 200 application letters were received, from which 5 new recruits were selected.

During their first two year, the business innovators were coached by Chris and received a dedicated 2-year training programme developed in cooperation with the HR department.

The young business innovators gave new energy to the organisation and, although the older generation sometimes felt threatened, were embraced by the organisation. Since this successful campaign, ‘com’-skills were included in virtually all job descriptions where external contacts are likely.