About The Walnuts – Willem van Amerongen
Willem is an accomplished leader and strategic planner with a background in international relations and change management, as a co-owner of The Walnuts, where he provides services in interim management, organizational advice, and change management. His role at The Walnuts capitalizes on his rich history in the field of development and emergency aid. He embodies an out-of-the-box thinking approach combined with strategic and entrepreneurial leadership skills, which are utilized in shaping excellent frameworks aimed at positively influencing lives.
Throughout his career, Willem has been involved in various initiatives designed to support communities in need. His recent role as an interim manager for Programmes and Strategic Partnerships at Edukans underscores his expertise in building strategic partnerships and leading multidisciplinary teams. This role also highlights his ability to manage change effectively, a skill he leveraged while serving as the interim IPG director at World Vision Nederland, where he successfully steered the organization through a period of growth and change.
Willem’s Dedication: A Journey Through Leadership
Before joining The Walnuts, Willem held leadership positions in several international non-profit organizations. For instance, as the Country Director for Tearfund in Iraq, he restructured the country program, developed a long-term country strategy, and improved donor relationships. At Medair, he served as the Country Director in Nepal, where his significant contributions extended beyond the development of two shelter and WASH programs. One of his landmark achievements was successfully nationalising the team, a strategic move that not only deepened the organization’s engagement with local communities but also served as a testament to his inclusive leadership approach. As the Deputy Country Director in South Sudan, he managed all aspects of the implementation and development of the programme, played a key role in external representation, security aspects, and grant management.
Willem’s technical skills are complemented by his warm heart for people in need and a great sense of humor, allowing him to engage and lead teams effectively. At The Walnuts, he collaborates with his team members to generate impactful solutions, further solidifying the organization’s commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
What others say about Willem
People who’ve had the privilege of working with Willem echo a symphony of praises for his unmatched professionalism, infectious enthusiasm, and his ability to foster a positive environment, no matter how high the stakes. Recognized for his outstanding leadership skills, he has demonstrated the ability to navigate complex situations with grace and efficiency. His peers appreciate his flexibility, his readiness to go the extra mile, and his knack for identifying areas of improvement. His leadership style is marked by enthusiasm and an ability to motivate teams, even in challenging times. As a program manager, he has been commended for his strategic approach and his thoroughness. Willem’s optimism, enthusiasm, and his ability to be a wonderful team player and leader, even in stressful situations, is frequently highlighted. His legacy is one of impactful leadership that leaves lasting positive changes in both staff and the communities he has worked with. For more detailed testimonials and references, please refer to Willem’s LinkedIn profile.
What others say about Willem
People who’ve had the privilege of working with Willem echo a symphony of praises for his unmatched professionalism, infectious enthusiasm, and his ability to foster a positive environment, no matter how high the stakes. Recognized for his outstanding leadership skills, he has demonstrated the ability to navigate complex situations with grace and efficiency. His peers appreciate his flexibility, his readiness to go the extra mile, and his knack for identifying areas of improvement. His leadership style is marked by enthusiasm and an ability to motivate teams, even in challenging times. As a program manager, he has been commended for his strategic approach and his thoroughness. Willem’s optimism, enthusiasm, and his ability to be a wonderful team player and leader, even in stressful situations, is frequently highlighted. His legacy is one of impactful leadership that leaves lasting positive changes in both staff and the communities he has worked with. For more detailed testimonials and references, please refer to Willem’s LinkedIn profile.
Personal stuff
Beyond the industrious, ambitious, and visionary exterior that Willem exudes, there’s a distinctive palette of personal pursuits that paint him as not just a leader, but also a well-rounded individual. Every morning, without fail, he greets the day with a cup of rich, aromatic coffee, a ceremonious ritual that jumpstarts his creative engine. Later, as dusk settles, you’ll find him in the garage, among barbells and pull-up bars, where he rigorously chisels his body and dreams of mastering the elusive muscle-up, a challenge he relishes and pursues with unwavering determination. His fingers dance on the ivories of a grand piano, effortlessly conjuring symphonies that echo his multifaceted soul, providing a soothing melody that Wendy gladly welcomes. Here, Willem surrenders himself to the rhythm, the melody, the harmonious conversation between man and music. Not all his symphonies, however, are strictly melodic. He has introduced a peculiar composition at work – the ‘plank’. Amidst the demanding business pace, he encourages ‘planking’ events, transforming the work floor into a sporty orchestra of grunts and laughter. These interludes serve not just as a reminder of the importance of physical fitness, but also reinforce the symphony of teamwork that is so integral to Willem’s leadership philosophy.
Testimonials
“Willem is flexible and goes out of his way to make himself available if you need him. With great enthusiasm and involvement, he gives himself completely to the place that needs to be filled. Willem is a connector with humour and quickly sees where improvement is possible. Will rather do more than less for his client. Professional, very experienced and a pleasure to work with!”
“Willem has led, during my maternity leave, the World Vision Programmes team. He did an excellent job in a very complex time (Covid 19). He managed to hire four new well skilled team members and rearranged the way of working (mostly online). He brings great enthusiasm and motivates the team. He has good common sense and is able to facilitate decisions. Lastly he has great coaching skills. Willem, I look forward working with you in the future.”
Willem is unfailingly optimistic and enthusiastic which makes him a wonderful team player as well as leader when the chips are down. I worked with Willem when he brilliantly fulfilled two roles within Medair: Deputy Country Director in South Sudan and then Country Director for Nepal. In both contexts Willem was exemplary in his capability to manage people, projects and the inevitable challenges that came our way. Thanks to Willem’s leadership both country programmes thrived and he (and his wonderful wife Wendy) left genuine legacy through the empowerment of the staff and communities that Willem worked with and positively impacted. He is highly capable and dependable. Medair misses them both!
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