Edmee, 
Head of People
The Netherlands
 

 ?  What inspired you to apply for the CMT programme at AB InBev, and how did it shape your leadership journey?

During my studies, I was always the one going for the 11 out of 10. I heard and read about AB InBev's Culture and it seemed like there would be a lot of likeminded colleagues there. I learned that when you dream big, you deliver results and get out of your comfort zone. This is the place where the magic happens. You can achieve anything you want, the sky is really the limit. 
 

 ?  How did the programme prepare you to take on leadership responsibilities in Sales & Commercial, and can you share a moment when you demonstrated leadership?

As a company we do two core things, we brew beer and we sell it. It was very inspiring and cool to be at the roots of our company, talking to our customers on a daily basis. In all the roles I had afterwards, this field experience helped me to make the right decisions while keeping the customers in mind.
 

 ?  Can you share a project or sales challenge from the programme where your leadership or decision-making made a significant difference? What was the impact?

I love that within AB InBev you can demonstrate leadership and ownership in every role, even at the beginning of your career. During my first months, I worked on a project to make optimal use of time in sales. I got the responsibility to streamline the entire process and as a result, I succeeded in freeing up more time for our sales teams to sell our brands.
 

 ?  What was the most valuable skill or insight you gained from working in On-Trade or Off-Trade sales, and how has it shaped your career?

I worked as a sales representative in the On-Trade and I gained valuable insights on understanding the drivers of entrepreneurs in the field. I learned how to create an impact for both our company and the entrepreneurs through more loyal and happier customers. 
 

 ?  What would you say to candidates considering the CMT programme about how it helps build leadership skills and opens doors for their future careers in Sales & Commercial?

The magic happens outside of your comfort zone. This programme will be very different from what you have done so far and will kickstart your career opening opportunities and doors you never thought were possible. If you have a commercial interest, a passion for beer, and if you want to learn more about the core of our company and are looking for a long-lasting career in leadership, this is really the right track for you.
 

 ?  How has your role evolved since completing the traineeship, and what responsibilities do you now manage that inspire you the most?

After my CMT programme I was in different roles: Category Management, Customer Experience where I led a team of over 60 people, and now I am in People (our Human Resources department). This really shows that anything is possible, depending on your own ambition, talent, and hard work. What inspires me the most in this role is that I can help shape the future of our company by attracting and selecting the right talents.