"Through communication, we often make an impact behind the scenes. I love that."

In Spot On, we're pleased to introduce you to our colleagues. This time, we're featuring Nathalie Grotenhuis, interim all-round corporate communications advisor at Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL).

"I continue to challenge myself in terms of content and I still learn a great deal because I visit so many different organizations.”

Nathalie has been in the communications field for 26 years. After graduating from Utrecht University, she entered the field and is now a senior communications advisor/strategist with broad experience. From internal and external communications to spokesperson services and crisis management, she's held a variety of jobs and completed assignments in both the public and private sectors. "As a communications advisor, you truly get to the heart of organizations and their daily operations. That remains special, even after 26 years."

She's also a certified coach. For the past five years, she's run her own practice in Amsterdam, where she guides people in life, work, personal development, personal effectiveness, and leadership. She enjoys the combination of freelance communications consultant and coach: "It doesn't feel like work to me, that's the great thing about it. I'm passionate about both fields, and they make me happy. So it just kind of flows naturally."

Rich experiences

Nathalie continues to feel this passion in her current role at LVNL. As an interim all-round corporate communications advisor, she is responsible for various focus areas and projects. For example, she provides communications advice to the department that recruits and trains new air traffic controllers and handles communications on unmanned aviation (drones), sustainability, and housing. She also manages individual projects, such as communications related to the annual report, and was part of the crisis communications team during the NATO summit. "The organization was extremely well prepared on all fronts; fortunately, everything went smoothly."

According to Nathalie, "everything in this role is inspiring, because the environment is incredibly interesting." LVNL ensures that air traffic in the Netherlands is always safely managed, both in the air and on the ground. Smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably. And has been doing so for 95 years. "There's such a fantastic world behind it, one that's so unique. You rarely experience that, of course."

She continues: “I think it's incredibly valuable as a communications professional to have worked with different organizations, fields, and disciplines. With the experience you gain, you can add value in every new role. Your backpack keeps getting bigger, which also helps you quickly reach your full potential. You pick up something everywhere that you can use in your next assignment.”

The personal aspect

Perhaps what drives Nathalie most as a person and professional is the personal aspect. She talks about a manager at LVNL who has been nominated for the 2025 Young Talent Award (Top Female Executive of the Year): “She's 31 and responsible for a team of 100 people in a technical role. She's adept at her job and also a very human and skilled leader. This nomination and all that comes with it is new to her. I'm especially pleased to be able to support her through communication. I ask the right questions, advise her, and ensure she's presented effectively and positioned well, both visually and in writing—but always based on and in tune with her own strengths and authenticity.”

We communication professionals often work in the background, alongside all the strategy, to help others shine. I love that. The great thing about it is that a manager gets to know another side of the communications profession and realizes: 'Oh yes, this is also the added value of a communications consultant.' It goes beyond what people often initially realize.

Collaboration Babbage

This is Nathalie's second assignment through Babbage. "Even when I was still working on a permanent basis, Babbage was always the agency to consider if you wanted to take the next step as a professional. I still find my collaboration with Babbage very pleasant, especially because of their speed of response and the personal touch. You carefully ensure that the right people are in the right place."

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