Hip hip hurrah! This year, we’re celebrating Gumption's tenth anniversary. Together with managing partner Bart Embrechts, we look back on the past decade and ahead to tomorrow’s challenges.

Teamwork between companies

“Gumption is built on the conviction that you get results faster by joining forces. We believe in co-operation between people, but also between companies in different sectors. This was our starting point when we took the first steps towards an ecosystem of start-ups in 2012.”   

“The operational focus then was first and foremost on unburdening companies with shared services. Think of accounting, HR, legal and other services. Gradually, Gumption also provided assistance with recruitment, marketing, events and so on. The companies in the group remained separate entities, playing to their individual strengths. Gumption was a house of brands.”

“The growth of the group created a magnetic power. By maximising co-creation and pursuing synergies, we created a new dimension: Gumption’s total approach became a value in itself. We converted this into a customer-oriented approach. We combine our strengths to offer unique and effective solutions. Our success model results directly from Gumption’s vision on teamwork.”

Connection between people

“Dialogue is key in the Gumption culture. What we do together as a group, we decide with all business leaders, e.g. in the Gumption Ambassador Club. The first edition took place on 8 August 2012. The success and continuation of this dynamic is one of the greatest achievements of the past ten years. As an entrepreneur, you need feedback. Who better to give it than people who operate on the same basis? Sometimes, of course, there are differences of opinion. Gumption’s strength is that we create harmony from different goals.”

“Recently, we extended that way of working to other areas of co-operation and co-creation within the group. Ambassador Clubs for sales, marketing and HR bring people from the different companies together. In the Gumption Pioneers Club, a mix of committed high potentials from all corners of our business group looks at how we can do even for the market. Participation in the shareholder structure is another way of encouraging people to have a say and get involved. We will determine the future of Gumption together.” 

Goals and challenges 

“It’s fascinating to look back at the achievements of the past ten years, but I prefer to look ahead. My main focus is: What are we going to do tomorrow? Gumption remains committed to a 360° approach. The range of services will expand. We are increasingly converting our offering into a diversified total approach per sector. Geographic expansion is also on the agenda. The focus is on the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This will allow the companies in the group to grow further and create room for new participations.”

“The changing spirit of the age poses new challenges. Talent recruitment will be the biggest challenge in the next ten years. It will be a key success factor for any business. What a company stands for, its culture and how it is experienced are the things which will be decisive in the choice of an employer. That’s why companies must take the lead in social issues concerning climate, poverty, and welfare.”

“That development has changed my mission as an entrepreneur. In the past, the focus was on profit. Today, the emphasis of entrepreneurship is on the broader social mission of a company: offering development opportunities to people who participate in your story, involving them in meaningful projects. I find my drive and satisfaction in seeing people grow. That makes companies grow automatically!” 

Speed of execution

“Pioneering changes follow each other rapidly. One innovation has barely been achieved and the next one is on its way. Technology develops, the market changes, social developments and new structures present themselves, and so on. In the long run, acting quickly is more important than innovation per se. Speed of execution is an elementary success factor for every company. We must be agile in dealing with change.” 

“Often you have to find solutions to unexpected problems. The launch of full-time teleworking due to the pandemic was one of them. Gumption’s identity and vision allow us to switch quickly and respond appropriately to changes. At the same time, we must continue to build on our own plans and objectives. Gumption means guts, boldness and common sense. Faith in the future will continue to inspire us for the next ten years, and far beyond.”

Source : Gumption