Next Icons | Partner highlighted: Eqib | The Human Factor
This year, the focus at Novel-T is on the theme of ‘Accelerate Impact Together’. The keyword here is ‘together’, because you can create more impact together than alone. That's why we are adding a new partner to our collaborations: Eqib | The Human Factor. CEO Marion Teesink discusses the value of this partnership.
This story was previously published in the Next Icons Magazine. You can read the entire magazine here.
Marion founded HR business partner Eqib | The Human Factor over twenty years ago, inspired by her belief that when you work with people, you have to give those people the attention they deserve. She explains: “People are an organization's capital. When you are willing to invest in them, you can build a sustainable foundation for your organization.” Therefore, Eqib's mission is to strengthen both people and organizations by facilitating the right connections and development. The company uses five labels to structure its activities: people & organization, recruitment, interim, executive search and health & well-being. “We added the latter label because we see that there are specific needs with regard to that theme and because we have years of experience in that sector", Marion explains. “In practice, we operate in all sectors and offer comprehensive services ranging from HR and mediation to employer branding. We do this on purpose, because we aim to be a full-service HR business partner.”
Knowledge and expertise
That HR expertise forms the cornerstone of the partnership with Novel-T. Marion says both partners benefit equally from this collaboration. Marion: “With our knowledge and expertise, we can contribute to Novel-T’s programs. For example, we organize themed sessions on HR, I am a member of the advisory board of Innovate GO and you can find us at Incubase every Thursday to advise the startups there. This gives us a chance to give back to the entrepreneurs that Novel-T supports. This partnership has many benefits for us as well. Through Novel-T, we come into contact with the entrepreneurs who will shape our future. It adds a different dynamic to what we do, in part because of the international aspect. I get to meet people from all over the world, just like I used to in the past. It has really expanded our horizon. For the UT Challenge, for example, I got to share my story with the entrepreneurs. Afterward, I was overwhelmed with questions and people wanting to make an appointment. I was caught off guard, because I didn't realize that my story could be so inspirational to others. I am happy with the partnership and everything it can add to Novel-T, the startups, scale-ups and SMEs involved and our own organization.”
Caring about people
Helping entrepreneurs get ahead is what drives both Novel-T and Eqib. Marion: “No matter how many good ideas an entrepreneur has, these are worthless if they cannot put - and retain - the right people in the right positions. Ideas cannot come to fruition without people. When you surround yourself with the right people, you can build a strong team - whether you are just starting out or have been an entrepreneur for three decades. In order to make the right choices, you have to know who you are and where you want to go.” In today's rapidly changing world, tech entrepreneurs are not the only ones who have stay on their toes. Innovation is also paramount for Eqib. “For us, that means staying abreast of the latest developments in the sector and acting accordingly", Marion illustrates. “Take AI, for example: as soon as you think you've figured it all out, it has changed again. Resistance is futile, because these developments will happen with or without you. To avoid falling behind, we incorporate it into our work. By not losing sight of people in the face of all these developments and innovation, you can really make a difference.”
Long term
In the coming year, the focus will be on strengthening the partnership, although Marion is also thinking about the future of the collaboration. “If I get any new clients out of this partnership, that will be a long-term thing for me. It is not my primary aim", Marion clarifies. “Our main goal is to contribute to the success of the entrepreneurs by leveraging our expertise and our own experience as entrepreneurs. You don't have to do everything on your own. In many cases, it is actually smarter to work together. By working together, we can significantly expand our networks. It is a winning combination. For us, that is what a partnership is all about and why it is so important for entrepreneurs; working together with the right parties in order to keep growing and developing. These entrepreneurs will now have even more opportunities to take advantage of our services and our network, which will help them grow and make our world a better place. We believe in the power of collaboration and we put a lot of time and energy into it. Fortunately, our efforts are reciprocated. When you both invest equally in your relationship, success is practically guaranteed. That is what we strive for.”
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About Eqib | The Human Factor
Eqib | The Human Factor is an HR Business Partner whose mission is to strengthen both people and organizations by facilitating the right connections and development. At its core, the company's services are comprised of HR, Recruitment and Interim solutions. The company uses five labels to structure its activities: people & organization, recruitment, interim, executive search and health & well-being. Over the course of twenty years, the company has grown into a serious player on the market with a staff of 45 and three branches in Zwolle, Deventer and Hengelo. Eqib offers its comprehensive range of HR services in all sectors and strives to achieve results with a human touch. That is the Human Factor!
