‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.’ That was the quote I read on a small sign. In a hardware store, of course. However small the sign was, the text came to me. The sentence described exactly what I felt and the time had come: I was going to quit my job and really start my own business. Speaking is Rik Berghout, founder and owner of Panthion, partner for HR and career issues.
‘That this quote was from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia and later the first woman in history to be elected head of state of an African country, I of course did not know. What I did know was that it was time to chase my own work happiness,” Rik said.
HR as a common thread
‘HR has always been the common thread in my professional life. After college, I started at Logica CMG as an HR and Payroll consultant and then as head of P&O at a large wellness center. In the following years, I worked as an HR manager at the famous Kurhaus and then as an HR consultant at a municipality. In short, it was always HR that rang the bell.
Passion for the trade
‘Others may find it boring stuff, but you can’t make me happier than with beautiful career issues, reorganizations, challenging projects around absenteeism and occupational health, sustainable employability and strategic personnel planning. Just as a baker likes to bake bread, I run hot for this kind of business,” Rik continued. It was almost inevitable that I would start my own business, and more than 11 years ago I founded Panthion. Why? Basically because I am eager to bring about change in the HR market. Most HR professionals have their schedules filled with daily activities and do not always have time for specialized issues. Then it is enormously nice when someone can unburden and advise you around the broad palette of HR tools.
The real story: that’s what it’s all about
‘When I was employed myself, there was actually a lack of external parties who had a transparent approach and an honest story. I was convinced that there was plenty of room in the market for an entrepreneur who wanted to make a difference. In addition, I am essentially just very interested in (the behavior of) people and like to solve things. Now I can tell you from personal experience that it is possible to start your own business with a (then) young family and a newly purchased home. And that sometimes it may feel very unpleasant, but that beyond your “fear” growth takes place. And also that it doesn’t have to be so scary at all to quit your job and choose what you really love and believe in. So, looking back now, it’s not surprising that the quote about fear and dreams touched me so much at the time,” Rik laughs.
Want to get to know Rik and/or Panthion’s services? You are most welcome.
