"It is important that everyone understands the importance of the circular economy. How to do that? By communicating!
Aukje – External Communications Manager
From international media to circular impact
After studying commercial economics, I worked for international media for many years. I visited various countries worldwide to produce economic country reports, with the aim of promoting or improving a country's image. I did that for ten years, after which I returned to the Netherlands. I discovered that SMEs were struggling to keep up and apply online communication tools. That is why I decided to help businesses with their online findability and visibility as an independent. After almost 5 years, I noticed that I missed direct colleagues, wanted to develop myself further and needed work with a clear social relevance. Then Renewi came my way.
Why Aukje chose Renewi
"Years ago, I did a project on the circular economy in Belgium. I interviewed several companies in that sector, including Renewi. Then I discovered how interesting this world actually is. I remember colleagues saying: 'What is it with you and rubbish?!' People still too often see only waste. The project made me realise: waste is not the end. In a circular economy, waste does not even exist at all. There is a good reason why Renewi says: ‘There’s no such thing as waste.’The social importance, constant movement, collaborations and innovation attracted me immensely. The idea that new products are created from waste - I find that really inspiring but also necessary. When I was approached for a position within the external communications department at Renewi, it felt like a logical and impactful step in my career."
What does an External Communications Manager do?
"No day is the same! In the morning, an urgent media request suddenly arrives and is immediately prioritised. My schedule changes regularly. Then I prepare another speaker briefing, in which I provide the speaker with all the necessary information about the audience, the programme and the key messages we want to convey. In the afternoon, I have an internal meeting about a new innovation, which needs to be communicated. I check that I have all the information complete and correct so that I can write a press release. Then I have to make sure that all involved give their approval and coordinate the right timing. I then compile a targeted distribution list so that our news reaches exactly the right media outlets. After that, it is important to evaluate and adjust if necessary: we do this with data. We measure our results so we can make better communication decisions.I end the day with a meeting with the communications team. Together, we discuss ongoing issues. Some of our work is clearly visible - such as posts on LinkedIn, articles in newspapers, TV broadcasts and podcasts in which we build Renewi's reputation. But a lot also happens behind the scenes: think of everything we do to protect that reputation.
At the same time, I keep a keen eye on what is going on in the media, so I can respond quickly to opportunities and developments.
From strategy to execution; I make sure all the puzzle pieces of reputation management fall together perfectly."
Hybrid working & collaboration
"I do hybrid working: one day in the office, another day at home. At home, I can focus well on writing content, while I am in the office for consultations and personal contact with colleagues - this is also important to me. My work is a mix of independent work and collaboration. Contact is crucial because my business is all about information and content. And you get those mostly from colleagues."
The mission of Renewi
"It is important that everyone understands the importance of the circular economy. How to do that? By communicating! Of course, I already knew that separating waste and recycling are important for the climate, and that resources are scarce. But working at Renewi has made me even more aware of this. I now separate my waste at home even more carefully. And so are my children!Renewi's mission is also my mission. After all, who doesn't want to protect the world? Renewi does that by giving used materials new life."