On International Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable social, economic, and cultural contributions of women worldwide. This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasizes the collective effort needed to break down systemic barriers and challenge the biases that hold women back - both in personal and professional spaces - accelerating the path toward gender equality.
At SparkOptimus, we are fully committed to driving this change by embracing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Not only does this align with our core values, but it also fuels our creativity, innovation, and success. We’re proud to reflect this commitment in our team: 48% of our workforce are women, and our entire Management Team is composed of women. As a woman-led company, we’re also proud to attract a diverse talent pool, with 49% of our new hires in the past year being women.
In this article, we celebrate the incredible women of SparkOptimus. Their unique experiences shape our company culture, enabling us to serve our clients faster, better, and more sustainably. These diverse perspectives drive our entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in change, helping us develop innovative solutions that empower our clients and accelerate progress toward a more inclusive future.
"I first mentioned to my brother that I wanted to combine my data background with strategy consulting, and he immediately connected me with a friend working at Spark. After a coffee chat and attending an in-house day, I was sold—this was the place for me! The people, the projects, the energy in the office, and the central location all felt right. Two years later, I still feel the same way.
My background in econometrics has been a huge asset at Spark. The analytical skills I developed help me tackle complex client questions with a structured approach, and my coding skills often come in handy for various projects.
Looking back, I can’t believe how much I’ve grown. Working alongside such smart and inspiring colleagues—both women and men—has been incredibly motivating. The variety of projects and clients, from the pension sector to bike manufacturers, keeps me constantly learning and developing new skills. No two projects are the same, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
Being part of a company where gender equality is truly embedded in the culture, with women in leadership positions and a strong, diverse workforce, makes me proud. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and excited for what’s to come!"
"I first heard about Spark while searching for a marketing internship. After my first interview, I immediately knew it was the perfect place to start my career: the atmosphere and the people were so welcoming!
Although my background is in science, having completed a Master’s in Business Studies, I was drawn to marketing because it allows me to combine analytical and creative skills. My scientific training gave me a strong foundation in analysis, and I love experimenting with different approaches and figuring out how to improve things. Curiosity has always been one of my biggest strengths—it's why I initially chose Biomedical Sciences as my first career path. Since joining Spark, I've learned a lot, like redesigning landing pages and solving website issues, even though I knew nothing about it before!
It’s empowering to work in a company where gender equality is truly reflected in the numbers. Seeing women in leadership positions creates a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, collaboration thrives, and everyone is encouraged to grow and take on new challenges."
"I was ready for something new when Winnie, a recruiter with perfect timing, reached out to me on LinkedIn. She was so friendly and had great things to say, so I decided to interview. From the moment I stepped into the office, the Sparkies were so welcoming—it just felt right!
I’ve worked in HR compliance and operations across different companies, which has helped me bring solid practices and best-fit solutions to Spark’s team. It’s inspiring to work at a place where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality in the culture and leadership. Spark truly believes in the power of women’s leadership, and that makes all the difference.
I’ve been inspired by woman role models along the way, especially the Head of HR Operations at the Financial Times. We were so alike, and I admired how she led with authenticity in a corporate environment. She showed me that you can succeed and lead with humanity and ambition. I hope to do the same one day!"
"I found Spark almost by accident - my partner got a job in Amsterdam, so we moved here, and during my job search, I stumbled upon Spark. I haven’t looked back since!
My background has been really helpful in my role at Spark. Coming from a different market and another consulting firm, I bring a diverse perspective. My experience working in a data-driven startup also aligns well with the types of projects we tackle here.
I’ve grown a lot professionally at Spark, working with smart people on interesting and varied projects. One standout project was working on a B2B portal for an industrial packaging client. Seeing the tangible results of our efforts was so rewarding. Another memorable experience was working closely with the pricing coordinator at a large pharmaceutical company. We had envisioned this role together during the strategy phase, and watching it come to life was special.
At Spark, I focus on constant innovation and leadership to drive real results, contributing to our mission of accelerating growth and making a positive impact."
"I found the Finance Director opening at SparkOptimus purely by chance—my sister mentioned it to me while I was looking for a change from my corporate role in Lisse. The vibrant atmosphere of a young, dynamic consultancy firm in the city really appealed to me. My 13 years of consulting experience at EY helped me adapt quickly to SparkOptimus' fast-paced environment, and my knowledge was a strong fit from day one.
Coming from a formal corporate background, I initially found it challenging to balance professionalism with SparkOptimus’ more relaxed approach. While maintaining high standards is key, I learned that overly formal communication wasn’t always the best fit here. I believe my realistic perspective and willingness to ask challenging questions help strengthen our credibility and transparency. I'm happy working behind the scenes to ensure things run smoothly while letting others take the spotlight."
On this International Women's Day, we renew our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, celebrating the women of SparkOptimus who inspire us daily. Together, we continue to break barriers, create sustainable solutions, and change the world for the better.
