June - July 2013 - Association of Dutch Businessmen

LINEKE BEDANKT!
“Hey Mark, do you have five minutes for me?”
If somebody asks me this question, I know what it is about
and normally the people asking the question will present me
with an envelope containing their resignation letter.
Lineke asked me if I had five minutes after the 2013
Annual General Meeting was finished.
During the almost one and a half years I have been
working with Lineke, I must have received hundreds of
emails from her, a few per day at least. On top of her
‘normal’ job, Lineke had a hawk-eye for details concerning
ADB. She was in total control, wanted to be in total control
and was in control around the clock, 7/24/365. Total
commitment and dedication to this degree is seldom seen
as far as I know. Her employer must be totally pleased with
her and even more so now that she has finally started to
disconnect as ADB’s passionate secretary.
How would I describe Lineke?
During my months as chairman of ADB she was my brain,
right and left side. Reminding me of my obligations and
appointments, whispering profiles and names in my ear
(she knows all 450+ ADB members by face and name,
profession and hobbies, gossip and payment behavior). She
also was involved with providing background information
on speakers, organizing events, Dinner & Dance editions,
assisting and supporting ADB Magazine, initiating
and updating the ADB website, trying to improve the
membership administration, liaising with our partners and
so on and so forth.
Lineke could also be grumpy if things did not work out
or did not take the direction she wanted it to go. A very
normal and human reaction if you put so much of yourself
behind it, I guess.
So often I received feedback on statistics and other info
immediately or a few hours after major events had finished,
simply meaning that Lineke would work until sunset to
deliver her impressions, points for improvement, advice for
the next board meeting etc.
When we spoke after the AGM Lineke explained her real
job took too much time to remain fully committed to ADB’s
secretariat in the way she wanted to perform this crucial
function.
I can imagine that after nine (!) years of 100% dedication
you want to have a good night’s sleep without thinking
about filling the grey cells of your chairman.
When we spoke after the Myanmar event she confessed
she had difficulty filling her free hours.
Lineke, once cured from the addiction called ADB,
all members and I are convinced you will come up with
something new and exciting. For now, relax and enjoy your
regained spare time.
I take my hat off to you and take a deep bow as a token
of my sincere appreciation for everything you have done for
our Association.
Truly yours,
Mark
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